Ayr United Review


By Paul Holland
July 20 2002

James Mechan, fan of Ayr United Football Club has kindly submitted a ground review of Somerset Park for views of Ground Hopper to read. Bescot Stadium

Somerset Park
Ayr United
By James Mechan (16 July 2002)
Address Somerset Park, Tryfield Place, Ayr, KA8 9NB
Capacity 10.243

all information is correct up to 16 July 2002
What is the ground like?
Somerset Park was originally the home of  Ayr FC and was re-aligned in 1924 to run  perpendicular to its original position, running along side Tryfield place. A new stand was built at this time and on completion, the stand extended 187 feet with 600 'tip up' chairs in the center section with a further 745 between the two wings of the 
structure.

The biggest crowd ever to attend a match at Somerset Park was on 13th September 1969 when 25,225 people watched the game against Rangers.

The terracing at the Somerset Road end, (home support) of the ground was covered prior to the 1971/72 season. 

That is the way Somerset Park remained until the the early 1990's when an extension to the main stand was made at the corner of Tryfield Place and Somerset Road. This is primarily a family stand. The new owner built a Porto cabin type structure opposite the main stand for VIP lounges. Apart from the stand and VIP lounges the ground is all 
terracing.

Ground safety regulations meant that the ground capacity was reduced to 12,128.

The ground is partitioned about two thirds the way down towards the Railway end (away support) by a mesh fencing.
What is it like for away fans?
The railway end is currently the away supporters end and consists of an covered terracing, toilets and a fast food bar. Like the rest of the ground there are few luxuries.
Where is their for away fans to drink?
There are many pubs, bars and nightclubs in Ayr. However, most of these are in the town which is about a 10 minute walk from the ground. The prince of Wales bar closer to the ground is considered to be a 'home' pub.
How to get their and where to park?
The best way to approach the ground is via the A77 Glasgow to Ayr dual carriageway 'Football Traffic' is well signposted from the Whitletts roundabout into Ayr. This roundabout is about 4 miles from the ground along a main dual carriageway into Ayr. Car parking is adequate a mere 2 minute walk from the ground and is mixed for home and away support. Away fans supporters buses park here. A map showing you how to get their can be found on www.ayr-united.org.uk and click on the link for 'Somerset Park'.
Where is the nearest train station?
Ayr Railway Station on the Glasgow to Ayr line. The station, however, is at the opposite end of Ayr to the ground and will mean a lengthy walk or bus ride from there. There are rarely any football specials laid on to take supporters from the Railway station to the ground. So I suggest that you take your own transport.

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