Tynecastle Park
Edinburgh, Scotland
Easter Road Stadium
Edinburgh Scotland
Easter Road Stadium, located in the Leith area of Edinburgh, is the historic and beloved home of Hibernian Football Club (Hibs). Known affectionately by fans as « The Holy Ground » or the « Leith San Siro, » this 20,421-capacity all-seater stadium is a cornerstone of Scottish football. With a reputation for a high-octane atmosphere and its status as the first British ground to host a European Cup match, Easter Road is a must-visit for any football enthusiast. As of 2026, recent modernization projects—including new safe-standing sections and enhanced accessibility—ensure it remains one of the most vibrant and inclusive sporting venues in Scotland.
By Geni - Photo by user:geni, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Capacity
20.421
History of the stadium
Hibernian F.C. first moved to the Easter Road area in 1880, but the current site was inaugurated in 1893. For decades, the ground was famous for its pronounced slope, which wasn’t fully leveled until 2000. Easter Road holds a special place in history as the first British stadium to host European Cup football in 1955. It has seen record crowds of over 65,000 in the 1950s, but following the Taylor Report, it was transformed into a modern all-seater arena. The final piece of its current four-stand layout was completed with the opening of the new East Stand in 2010.
Architecture and design
The stadium features four distinct, single-tier stands that are not connected at the corners, giving it a classic yet open feel. The West Stand houses the main facilities, while the Famous Five Stand (North) and the South Stand sit behind the goals. In 2024 and 2025, the club introduced a significant « Safe Standing » section in the Famous Five Lower tier, featuring rail seating to boost the matchday energy. The stands are steep and close to the pitch, ensuring that even from the back rows, spectators have an intimate view of the action on the hybrid grass surface.
Atmosphere and matchday experience
The atmosphere at Easter Road is legendary, particularly during the Edinburgh Derby against Hearts. When the home crowd sings the club anthem, « Sunshine on Leith, » it is considered one of the most moving sights in world football. The matchday experience has been further enhanced by the reopening of the « Behind the Goals » hospitality suite and the addition of the Community Hub. Fans typically enjoy a lively, friendly environment, with the Leith community’s spirit deeply embedded in every fixture.
Location and accessibility
Easter Road is situated in the heart of the Leith district, roughly 1.5 miles from Edinburgh’s city center. It is highly accessible for those traveling from afar; Edinburgh Waverley railway station is a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride away. The stadium is well-served by Lothian Buses (lines 1, 7, 35, and 49). While there is no dedicated fan parking at the stadium, the surrounding streets offer some parking, though permit schemes are strictly enforced on matchdays. The stadium has also recently upgraded its wheelchair sections in the East Stand to meet the latest UEFA accessibility standards.
Origin of the stadium name
The stadium is named simply after the street it is located on—Easter Road—which connects the city center to the port of Leith. Historically, the area was part of Drum Park before the club secured a long-term lease. While its formal name is Easter Road Stadium, the moniker « The Holy Ground » was coined by Hibernian supporters to reflect their deep spiritual connection to the site, while « The Leith San Siro » is a playful nod to the towering stands and intense atmosphere reminiscent of the famous Milanese arena.
How to get to Easter Road Stadium
Walking from the East End of Princes Street or Edinburgh Waverley station takes about 20 minutes; follow London Road and turn down Easter Road. Alternatively, several Lothian Buses run frequently toward Leith and stop near the ground. For those arriving from the north or the Port of Leith, the Edinburgh Tram system now stops at nearby Foot of the Walk or McDonald Road, both about a 10-15 minute walk from the stadium.
Best seats, view and atmosphere
For the best panoramic view, the West Stand offers an elevated perspective and houses the premium hospitality areas. If you want to be at the heart of the vocal support, the new Safe Standing section in the Famous Five Lower (North Stand) is the place to be. Away fans are typically housed in the South Stand, which offers excellent sightlines and its own dedicated concourse. The East Stand is generally popular with families and offers a great view of the Edinburgh skyline from the upper rows.
Where to eat and drink near Easter Road Stadium
Leith is one of Edinburgh’s top culinary hotspots. For a pre-match pint, « The Mash Tun » and « The Iona » on Easter Road are traditional fan favorites. For food, « The Little Chartroom » offers high-end dining nearby, while more casual spots like « Origano » on Leith Walk serve excellent pizza. If you are looking for classic matchday fare, the stadium concourses serve award-winning pies and hot dogs. The nearby St James Quarter also offers a massive variety of international dining options just a short walk or bus ride away.
Good to know
The Edinburgh Derby is the most high-profile fixture; tickets often sell out weeks in advance and security is significantly heightened. For all matches, Easter Road operates a « cashless » system in most concourses, so be sure to have a card or mobile payment ready. The stadium is extremely safe and family-friendly, but supporters are reminded that large bags are generally not permitted inside. For 2026, the club has implemented advanced electronic turnstiles to ensure a smooth and secure entry for all 20,000+ spectators.
