Getting to see Coldplay live in concert at Hampden Park in Glasgow can be an exciting experience, but it’s important to plan ahead to make sure you arrive on time. In this article, we’ll provide tips on how to get to Hampden Park for the Coldplay concert, including information on driving, public transportation, where to park, and more. Having the right information ahead of time will ensure you don’t miss a moment of the show.
Buying Tickets
The first step is getting tickets to the Coldplay concert at Hampden Park! Tickets usually go on sale months in advance, so be sure to check Coldplay’s website and sign up for presale opportunities and announcements. Hampden Park can hold over 50,000 fans, so tickets sell out quickly once they go on sale to the general public. Act fast to get the best seats you can for your budget.
When buying tickets, pay attention to where in the stadium your seats will be located. This will determine what entrance and parking areas will be closest. Hampden Park has seating in the South, East and West Stands. There is also floor seating for general admission. If you want to be up close to the stage on the floor, be prepared to get to the venue early to get a good spot!
Getting to Hampden Park
Hampden Park is located in the Mount Florida area of Glasgow, close to the Queen’s Park recreational areas. There are several ways you can get to the stadium on the day of the concert:
Driving and Parking
If you plan to drive and park at Hampden Park, be sure to allow plenty of extra time. Traffic and parking congestion get very heavy near the venue on event days. Parking lots open 2-3 hours before concert start times.
There are official Hampden parking areas located around the stadium that you can purchase parking passes for in advance online. This guarantees you a space and saves time waiting in traffic. Prices are around £15-20 per car. Look up the Hampden Park parking map ahead of time to see which lot is best for your section.
If you don’t pre-purchase a pass, there are private parking lots around Hampden that open for events charging £10-20. On-street parking in the neighborhoods around the venue is extremely limited.
As you get close to Hampden, follow signage and police direction to the designated concert parking areas. Be prepared for delays getting in and out. Leaving your car overnight and using other transportation is recommended if possible.
Train
For those traveling into Glasgow from outside the city, taking the train is a good option. Glasgow Central station is about 2 miles from Hampden Park. From there you can transfer to a local bus, catch a taxi, or even walk on a nice day. Give yourself 1-2 hours door-to-door.
On concert days, extra late night trains run from Glasgow Central station back out of the city. This can allow you to stay until the end without worrying about transportation.
Bus
If you’re coming from within Glasgow, city buses are an affordable way to get to the Coldplay concert. Several buses run routes near Hampden Park that drop off right by the stadium:
- First Bus #5, #6, #7, #75
- McGill’s Bus #38
The exact buses and stops may vary depending on where you’re coming from. Plan your route ahead of time using a tool like Google Maps. Buy bus tickets or passes in advance so you don’t waste time figuring it out on the day.
Give yourself plenty of extra travel time as buses will be crowded before and after the concert. Leaving right at the end can result in very long waits.
Ride Sharing
Services like Uber and Lyft can provide door-to-door transportation to Hampden Park on concert day. This eliminates parking hassles, but rates may surge due to high demand before and after the show.
Have the driver drop you off nearby the stadium, but not directly at the entrance where congestion will be highest. Be prepared for surge pricing of 2-4X normal fares.
When leaving, walk 10-15 minutes away from the venue before requesting your ride. This allows you to get away from the congestion and get picked up quicker.
Where to Drop Off or Get Picked Up
If traveling by any mode of transportation, plan where you will get dropped off and picked up. Popular spots include:
- Near the intersection of Aikenhead Road and Cathcart Road, 10 minute walk to stadium
- On Kilbride Street, 15 minute walk
- Near Queens Park recreational fields, 10-15 minutes away
Avoid getting right up next to the stadium entrances as these areas will be congested with traffic and pedestrians. Leave extra time for the walk if you get dropped off a distance away.
When to Arrive
Give yourself plenty of time when heading to a concert at Hampden Park. Rush hour traffic will still be heavy early in the evening on weeknights. Parking lots and box offices open 90 minutes to 2 hours before showtime, so don’t arrive too early.
Here are some recommendations on when to arrive:
- If driving, arrive 75-90 minutes before showtime
- For public transportation, arrive 60-75 minutes early
- With an e-ticket you can arrive 30-45 minutes before doors open
- For floor/standing room only tickets, arrive 2+ hours early to get a good spot
Always check your ticket or the venue website for specific door opening times for the concert. Give yourself extra time to account for traffic, parking, walking from drop-off areas, lines at will call, finding your seat, etc. You don’t want to miss the opening notes from your favorite songs!
What to Bring
When attending a concert at a large venue like Hampden Park, there are some items that are smart to have with you:
- Printed or mobile tickets – Have your tickets ready at security checkpoints
- Cash – For parking, merchandise, food & drinks
- Valid ID – Required if purchasing alcohol
- Earplugs – Protect your hearing during loud performances
- Comfortable shoes – For all the standing and walking
- Jacket or layers – Can get chilly in the stadium at night
- Phone charger – For taking photos and rideshares after
- Clear plastic bags – Speed up security checks
Prohibited items at Hampden Park include: weapons, alcohol, illegal substances, glass bottles or containers, large umbrellas, laser pointers, air horns, selfie sticks, video cameras, and other items deemed unsafe or disruptive. Leave prohibited items at home to avoid problems entering!
Entering Hampden Park
Getting into Hampden Park on concert day takes some coordination. Follow these tips for smooth entry:
- Gates typically open 1-2 hours before showtime
- Printed or mobile tickets must be displayed
- Be ready for pat downs and bag searches at security
- Only enter at the gate indicated on your ticket
- Know the aisle and row numbers to find seats easily
If you have floor/standing room tickets, try to enter via the correct gate closest to the stage area. Get there early to get as close as possible. Have tickets ready at all times and pay attention to signage directing you to the right areas.
Finding Your Seats
Hampden Park has over 50,000 seats, so navigating to your specific section and seats can be tricky. Here are some tips:
- Check stadium maps online ahead of time
- Note which stand and gate to enter based on seat section
- Allow time to walk to your seat – stadium is very large
- Check aisle and row numbers carefully
- Ask stadium staff for help finding seats if lost
Inside the stadium, ramps and stairs provide access to the upper levels of seating. Leave enough time to get to your row. Follow signs and ask staff for directions. Locate your seat before the lights go down and the concert starts!
Best Seats at Hampden Park
Where you sit can make a big difference in your concert experience at Hampden Park. Here are some tips on the best seats:
- Lower levels close to stage for full view and acoustics
- Front floor/standing room for closest view
- Sections right of stage or opposite side for best angles
- Upper decks good too, but farther away – use binoculars
- Avoid obstructions like posts or media/equipment areas
If buying resale tickets, check seat views online to understand sightlines before purchasing. The huge scope of the stage makes Hampden a great venue, just get as close as you can!
Food and Drinks at Hampden
Enjoying snacks and refreshments is part of the fun at a Coldplay concert. Hampden Park offers multiple food and drink outlets selling:
- Beer, wine, and cocktails for adults
- Soft drinks and water
- Burgers, pizza, fish and chips, candy, ice cream
- Popcorn, pretzels, nachos, hot dogs
Items aren’t cheap – expect to pay around £4-6 per beer and £3-5 on food. Cash and credit cards are accepted at most stands. Avoid bringing in outside food and drinks as policies are strictly enforced.
To save money, eat before arriving or limit purchases. Lines also get long right before showtime and during intermission. Get to your seats early and shop for food when crowds are lighter.
Coldplay Concert Tips
Seeing Coldplay perform live at Hampden Park in Glasgow will be an unforgettable experience. Use these tips to make the most of your concert visit:
- Arrive early – parking, traffic, lines will be crazy
- Charge your phone – for photos, calls, rideshares
- Save your tickets – You may need them to re-enter
- Check the weather – Bring layers and ponchos if needed
- Use the restroom before – Lines get long between sets
- Be patient exiting – Delays expected leaving venue
- Have fun! – Enjoy the amazing live music and energy
Following proper planning and these handy tips will help you have an easy, stress-free time getting to Hampden Park. With your tickets in hand, you’ll be ready to sing and dance alongside thousands of Coldplay fans at one of the most iconic stadium venues in the UK!
Conclusion
Attending a massive concert at Hampden Park to see Coldplay is going to be an epic musical experience. Make sure you allow plenty of time for transportation, arriving early, navigating your seats, and all the other logistics that come with a huge venue. Patience and planning will pay off when you’re cheering alongside 50,000 fans! Follow the guidance above on tickets, parking, transportation, food, and navigating Hampden Park to ensure smooth concert-going. Then get ready to enjoy incredible live versions of Coldplay’s catalogue of hits! It will be a night of music and memories you won’t forget when seeing Coldplay live at the iconic Hampden Park stadium in Glasgow, Scotland!