Leith’s skyline has changed plenty over the past century, but one landmark has outlasted them all: Easter Road Stadium has been Hibernian FC’s home since 1893, evolving from grass banks to a sleek all-seater that now holds over 20,000 supporters. Whether you’re planning a matchday visit or curious about how this historic ground ended up with one of Scotland’s most distinctive nicknames, here’s everything you need to know.
Capacity: 20,421 ·
Opened: 1893 ·
Record attendance: 65,860 (1950) ·
Tenant: Hibernian FC ·
Location: Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland
Quick snapshot
- Easter Road is Hibernian FC’s home ground in Leith, Edinburgh (Wikipedia – Easter Road)
- All-seated capacity stands at 20,421 (Wikipedia – Easter Road)
- Record attendance of 65,860 was set on 2 January 1950 (The Stadium Guide – Easter Road)
- Future expansion plans beyond the current footprint have not been publicly confirmed (Stadium Journey – Easter Road)
- Minor discrepancy exists between capacity figures: 20,421 (Wikipedia) versus 20,250 (Transfermarkt) (Transfermarkt – Easter Road Stadium)
- Opened 4 February 1893; East Stand rebuilt in 2010 (The Stadium Guide – Easter Road)
- All-seater conversion completed in the 1990s following the Taylor Report (Wikipedia – Easter Road)
- No concrete expansion plans announced as of 2026 (Hibernian FC – Visiting Easter Road)
- Recent upgrades include new LED screen and hospitality suites (2023) (Stadium Journey – Easter Road)
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Address | 12 Albion Place, Edinburgh EH7 5QF |
| Opened | 4 February 1893 |
| Capacity | 20,421 (all-seated) |
| Record attendance | 65,860 (2 January 1950, Edinburgh derby vs Hearts) |
| Pitch size | 112 × 74 yards |
| Owner | Hibernian FC |
| Surface | Grass |
What is Easter Road Stadium?
Overview of Easter Road
Easter Road is a football stadium in the Leith area of eastern Edinburgh, serving as the home ground of Hibernian FC since 1893 (Wikipedia – Easter Road). The stadium sits at 12 Albion Place, Edinburgh EH7 5QF, in one of Scotland’s most characterful postcodes (Transfermarkt – Easter Road Stadium). Today it operates as a fully all-seater venue with a capacity of 20,421, making it one of the larger football grounds in Scotland outside Glasgow (Wikipedia – Easter Road).
Hibernian FC and the Holy Ground
Hibernian FC, known as the Hibs, have played at their present Easter Road site continuously since 1893, making it one of the oldest continuously used football grounds in Scotland (Wikipedia – Easter Road). Supporters have christened the stadium “The Holy Ground” or “The Leith San Siro,” a nod to both its spiritual importance to the club and its prominent position in Leith’s urban landscape (Stadium Journey – Easter Road review). The club’s decision in 1922 to stay at Easter Road rather than relocate set the stage for over a century of development on the same spot (The Stadium Guide – Easter Road).
Stadium dimensions and capacity
The pitch measures 112 by 74 yards, consistent with Scottish top-flight standards. The current four-stand configuration was completed in 2010, with the East Stand—the newest addition—accommodating roughly 6,400 seats alone (Wikipedia – Easter Road). One distinctive historical feature disappeared around 2000: a pronounced slope along the pitch that had been a talking point for decades was removed during modernisation of the playing surface (Wikipedia – Easter Road).
Where is Easter Road Stadium located?
Address and postcode
The stadium’s address is 12 Albion Place, Edinburgh EH7 5QF. Albion Place runs parallel to Easter Road itself, and the ground is also accessible from the main Easter Road thoroughfare (Transfermarkt – Easter Road Stadium). The EH7 postcode places the ground firmly in Leith, Edinburgh’s historic port district, roughly a mile and a half northeast of the city centre (Avanti West Coast – Trains to Easter Road Stadium).
Nearest train stations and bus routes
Edinburgh Waverley is the mainline station closest to Easter Road, approximately a 30-minute walk away via East Market Street, Canongate, and Abbeyhill (Avanti West Coast – Trains to Easter Road Stadium). For those preferring public transport, Lothian Buses services 1, 4, 5, 7, 10, 16, 22, 26, 34, 35, 44, and several others connect the city centre to the Easter Road area in around 20 minutes (Hibernian FC – Visiting Easter Road). Edinburgh Park station, on the Fife Circle line, is also nearby for those arriving from the west.
The nearest tram stop is Foot of the Walk (Edinburgh Trams) in Leith, roughly a 17-minute walk from the stadium (Moovit – How to get to Easter Road). Edinburgh Airport (EDI) can be reached by tram and bus combinations, with Rome2Rio documenting multimodal routes from the terminal to the Easter Road area (Rome2Rio – Edinburgh Airport to Easter Road).
Easter Road map and directions
A walking route from Edinburgh Waverley passes the Scottish Parliament Building along the way, making it a straightforward landmark-guided walk for visitors unfamiliar with the city (Avanti West Coast – Trains to Easter Road Stadium). Away supporters generally use the south entrance, as noted in travel guidance directed at visiting fans (Avanti West Coast – Trains to Easter Road Stadium). Taxi rides from Waverley typically take under 10 minutes, offering the quickest door-to-door option for those carrying luggage or with mobility requirements (Avanti West Coast – Trains to Easter Road Stadium).
How to get to Easter Road Stadium?
By car: parking and road access
Matchday parking at Easter Road is limited, and the club explicitly encourages visitors to use public transport where possible (Hibernian FC – Visiting Easter Road). Leith Links, a public park nearby, offers pay-and-display parking on matchdays, though spaces fill quickly. Residential parking restrictions operate in surrounding streets, and some local council traffic schemes can temporarily restrict routes to Easter Road, particularly from Leith Walk (Reddit – r/Edinburgh thread on access to Easter Road). Drivers should factor in extra time for congestion around the ground before and after matches.
By public transport: train and bus
Edinburgh Waverley is the primary gateway for rail travellers, with Avanti West Coast and ScotRail services arriving from across the UK (Avanti West Coast – Trains to Easter Road Stadium). From Waverley, the bus journey to Easter Road takes roughly 20 minutes, and the tram from Edinburgh Airport connects to the Foot of the Walk stop for those flying in (Avanti West Coast – Trains to Easter Road Stadium). Dedicated shuttle buses run from the city centre on matchdays, providing a direct option for visitors who prefer not to navigate regular bus services.
On foot or cycling from Edinburgh city centre
The walk from Waverley to Easter Road takes approximately 25–30 minutes at a brisk pace, following a well-signed route past the Scottish Parliament and down Easter Road itself (Avanti West Coast – Trains to Easter Road Stadium). Cyclists will find bike racks near the stadium entrances, though these can become congested before kickoff. The route is largely flat except for the final approach along Albion Road.
Matchday parking near Easter Road is scarce by design: the club actively steers visitors toward public transport, and streets surrounding the ground become extremely congested in the 30 minutes before and after full-time. Arriving by tram or bus removes the parking gamble entirely.
How to buy tickets for Easter Road?
Online ticket purchase via Hibernian FC
Tickets for Hibernian matches at Easter Road are available through the club’s official website at hibernianfc.co.uk/tickets, with the online box office operating 24 hours a day (Hibernian FC – Visiting Easter Road). Home and away tickets can be purchased in advance, and digital tickets are available for selected matches. The club recommends buying early for high-demand fixtures, particularly Edinburgh derbies against Hearts, which regularly sell out.
Ticket office opening hours
The Easter Road ticket office is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and also opens on matchdays, typically from two hours before kickoff until 15 minutes after the match starts (Hibernian FC – Visiting Easter Road). On matchdays with early kickoff times, advance collection at the ticket office is advisable to avoid queues at the turnstiles.
Ticket prices and categories
Ticket prices at Easter Road vary by opponent and stand location, with concessions available for seniors and juniors alongside standard adult rates. The East Stand typically commands premium pricing for its improved sightlines and facilities, while the North and South Ends offer more budget-friendly options. Season tickets provide unlimited access to league matches at a discounted rate compared with purchasing individual match tickets.
Edinburgh derbies against Hearts sell out fast—sometimes weeks in advance—so fans planning to attend these fixtures should set a reminder to book as soon as tickets go on general sale. For less high-profile matches, tickets are often available on the day at the stadium.
What is the history and expansion of Easter Road?
Early years: 1893 to the 1950s
Easter Road opened on 4 February 1893 with a match between Hibernian and Clyde, making it one of the oldest football grounds in continuous use in Scotland (The Stadium Guide – Easter Road). In 1924, the ground received its first major development: three banks of terraces and a main stand on the west side pushed capacity to around 45,000 (Wikipedia – Easter Road). The peak of Easter Road’s capacity era came on 2 January 1950, when 65,860 spectators packed the ground for an Edinburgh derby against Hearts—a record that still stands for any football match played in Edinburgh (Wikipedia – Easter Road).
All-seater conversion and East Stand rebuild
Following the Taylor Report on stadium safety after the Hillsborough disaster, Hibernian considered relocating to a new stadium at Straiton near Loanhead, but those plans were abandoned in 1994 (Wikipedia – Easter Road). Instead, redevelopment of Easter Road began in 1995, adding new stands behind each goal and converting the stadium to all-seater, with initial capacity around 16,531 (Wikipedia – Easter Road). The West Stand was rebuilt in 2001, replacing the ageing 1920s main stand and lifting capacity to approximately 17,500 (Wikipedia – Easter Road). A full refurbishment was completed in 2010, installing the current East Stand as a single-tier structure with about 6,400 seats and bringing the stadium to its present 20,421 capacity (Wikipedia – Easter Road).
Recent renovations and future plans
In 2023, Easter Road received a new LED screen and upgraded hospitality suites, modernising facilities for matchday and corporate visitors alike (Stadium Journey – Easter Road). The stadium has also hosted non-football events, including concerts, demonstrating its versatility as a multi-purpose venue (Avanti West Coast – Trains to Easter Road Stadium). Future expansion beyond the current footprint has not been publicly announced, and no concrete plans are in place as of 2026.
Easter Road’s evolution from a 45,000-capacity terraced ground to a compact 20,421-seat modern stadium reflects the broader transformation of British football. What was lost in raw capacity was gained in comfort and safety—and, for Hibs fans, the chance to watch football in a ground that still carries over a century of stories in its stands.
Easter Road: Timeline of Key Events
Four phases of development shaped the Easter Road we know today, from Victorian origins through safety-driven redevelopment to the modern era.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1893 | Easter Road opens as Hibernian FC’s home ground |
| 1950 | Record attendance of 65,860 set in Edinburgh derby against Hearts |
| 1995 | All-seater conversion begins after Taylor Report |
| 2010 | East Stand opens; full four-stand configuration completed |
| 2023 | New LED screen and upgraded hospitality suites installed |
The pace of change accelerated after the Taylor Report forced clubs’ hands on safety. Hibs went from considering a complete relocation in the early 1990s to a fully modernised stadium within 15 years—a turnaround that preserved the ground in Leith rather than scattering its history across a new-site business park.
Easter Road: Technical Specifications
Six measurements define what it’s like to watch a match at Easter Road, from the pitch underfoot to the view from the newest stand.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current capacity | 20,421 (all-seated) |
| Pitch dimensions | 112 × 74 yards |
| Playing surface | Grass |
| East Stand capacity | Approximately 6,400 seats |
| Year opened | 4 February 1893 |
| Stadium address | 12 Albion Place, Edinburgh EH7 5QF |
How to Plan Your Easter Road Visit
Five steps cover everything from booking tickets to walking through the turnstile, based on official club guidance and verified travel information.
- Book tickets online or at the ticket office — Visit hibernianfc.co.uk/tickets or the on-site ticket office (Mon–Fri 10am–4pm, plus matchdays). Buy early for derbies.
- Choose your transport — Edinburgh Waverley is the mainline hub; Lothian Buses services 1, 4, 5, 7, 10, 16, 22, 26, 34, 35, 44 reach Easter Road. Allow 20–30 minutes from Waverley.
- Factor in parking if driving — Arrive at least 90 minutes before kickoff if parking at Leith Links or nearby pay-and-display. Alternatively, use park-and-ride and complete the journey by bus.
- Know your entrance — Home fans use the main entrance on Albion Road; away supporters enter via the south entrance. Check your ticket for stand and gate details.
- Enter the ground — Turnstiles open two hours before kickoff. Digital tickets are accepted for select matches; bring ID for concessions tickets.
What We Know vs What Remains Unclear
Confirmed facts
- Easter Road is the home of Hibernian FC
- Capacity is 20,421 all-seated
- Opened 4 February 1893
- Record attendance is 65,860 (1950 vs Hearts)
- East Stand opened 2010 with 6,400 seats
- Full refurbishment completed 2010
Unconfirmed or unclear
- Future expansion plans beyond current footprint are not publicly confirmed
- Exact date of next major stand redevelopment is unannounced
- Minor discrepancy between capacity figures (20,421 Wikipedia vs 20,250 Transfermarkt) lacks explanation
Voices on Easter Road
“Despite complete rebuilding, Easter Road retains a strong sense of history. It’s a ground that respects its past while serving modern needs.”
— Stadium Journey – Easter Road profile (2025)
“Hibs decided in 1922 to stay at Easter Road after considering relocation—a decision that’s shaped Leith’s sporting identity for over a century.”
— The Stadium Guide – Easter Road
Easter Road occupies a singular place in Scottish football: a Victorian-era ground that survived safety crises, relocation debates, and sweeping modernisation to emerge as a compact, character-rich venue. For visitors, that means watching football in a stadium where the brick-and-mortar genuinely tells a story—every stand a chapter, every terrace a memory of the 65,000 who once packed these streets on a January afternoon in 1950.
For matchgoing fans, the practical reality is straightforward: arrive by public transport, book tickets in advance for derbies, and budget time for the walk from Waverley or the bus journey from Princes Street. Those who do will find a ground that rewards attention—not just to the football, but to the Leith streetscape around it.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Easter Road Stadium wheelchair accessible?
Easter Road provides accessible seating positions throughout the stadium, with designated wheelchair spaces and companion seats available in multiple stands. The club advises contacting the ticket office in advance to arrange accessible tickets and parking. All four stands are served by lift access from the concourse level.
Are there disabled seating and facilities?
Yes. Easter Road allocates dedicated wheelchair-user spaces with accompanying companion seats in the East Stand and West Stand areas. Accessible toilet facilities are available at concourse level across all stands. Blue-badge parking near the stadium is limited; the club recommends contacting the accessibility team to reserve a space.
What food and drink is available on matchdays?
Concession stands inside the stadium offer a range of hot food, snacks, and beverages. The West Stand hospitality suites provide a more premium matchday dining experience for ticket holders in that area. Standard concourse offerings include burgers, pies, hot dogs, and non-alcoholic drinks. Alcohol service is subject to Scottish football ground regulations on sale and consumption.
Can I bring a bag into Easter Road?
Bags are subject to search at turnstiles, and large bags may be prohibited or required to be checked at a bag storage facility. The club advises bringing minimal luggage where possible. Specific bag dimensions and prohibited item lists are published on the Hibernian FC official website ahead of matches.
Are there pubs or restaurants near Easter Road?
Leith is well-served by pubs and restaurants within a short walk of the stadium. The area around The Shore (Leith’s waterfront) offers several dining options, while local boozers along Leith Walk and Easter Road provide pre-match refreshment. Away fans typically congregate in pubs south of the stadium ahead of kickoff.
What is the bag policy at Easter Road?
Easter Road operates a bag search policy at all entrances. Visitors are encouraged to avoid bringing large bags; bags exceeding certain dimensions may be turned away or required to be left at a designated storage point. Clear plastic bags are generally accepted. The full policy is available on the club’s visiting guide page.
Can I take photos inside the stadium?
Personal photography for non-commercial use is generally permitted inside Easter Road. Tripods, professional-grade lenses, and audio/video recording equipment may be restricted. Flash photography is discouraged near the pitch. Club stewards have discretion to enforce restrictions if equipment interferes with other spectators’ enjoyment of the match.
Are stadium tours available at Easter Road?
Stadium tours are available on non-matchdays, offering behind-the-scenes access to the tunnel, dressing rooms, and the East Stand. Tour availability and booking details are published on the Hibernian FC website. Tours typically do not run on matchdays or in the 24 hours before home fixtures.
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Oliver Whitfield
Editor-in-Chief — Oliver Whitfield leads FootyPediax27s editorial direction and standards. He has a background in sports media, football history research, and digital publishing, with a focus on making football information accurate, accessible, and easy to navigate.