Parking near birmingham uni (commonwealth games)

[Frazzled2207]

Hi
we are heading to the hockey at Birmingham on Monday which is at the Uni hockey pitch. Had a million emails to say there is no official parking. Fair enough.

we will park and ride if we must but can anyway who knows the area confirm that there will be someone to park in the surrounding area. We don’t mind a bit of a walk. Ideas of which area to head to would be great as I don’t know that area at all.

Looking at the map now thanks for that.
wondering if tame bridge parkway station could be a goer as we will be heading towards brum on the m6. Lichfield line is quite out of the way otherwise would be handy

not at all clear what’

travel for games website

Tame Bridge Parkway isn’t on a direct route to University, you would have to change at New St but that should be quick and easy. I know people who considered parking there and getting the train to the opening ceremony. It sounds sensible unless thousands of other people have the same idea, because the car park is big but not massive. My relative lives near there, I can ask later if there has been a lot of people doing that. It would be a very handy car park from the m6.

We have parked at Smethwick Galton Bridge P&R a few times, it is just off J1 of M5. We live off M6 nr Stoke.

You would have to change at New St but there are plenty of trains from Galton Bridge, and you will get free train travel within the Birmingham district.

I was at New St yesterday (got train down for basketball) and it was fine.

I would park at Kings Norton Station car park then get on the train to the Uni. Three stops. About 15 minutes

Could I ask a related question please: I have tickets for the men's hockey bronze medal match and it says it starts at 9am. Can you tell me if your session starts on time please? Wondering what time to aim for. Thank you.

It'll start at 9!

I know this because DH is one of the officials 🤣

Good to know! Thanks, I knew there would be a Mumsnetter who would know the answer 😁

@Frazzled2207
hi can I ask what you ended up doing please? I'm planning to go tomorrow to see the afternoon match with my 4 year old so wanted to avoid public transport if at all possible.

Also, on a separate note, do you think it will be entertaining enough for him or should I be packing loads of snacks and things to do? 😅 I thought it would be a good experience for him but really not sure what to expect!

Hi @WildCard14

thanks for Everyone’s input.

we ended up parking at tame bridge parkway which was a good call overall if coming from the north

Parking free (busy but some spaces) and train was free too. Is about 25 minutes in the train (via BNS but lots of trains) to university station and then 10 minute walk.

as others have said there are loss of Marshall types EVERYWHERE and it’s relatively stress free

as for event itself I enjoyed it but the kids were a bit bored. Take a book. Plenty of (expensive) snacks to buy but unexplicably no ice cream which was disappointing for such a hot day. If like today you will need a hat and sunscreen. There are water filling facilities and the at the station you can pick up a free water bottle and sweets which went down well with the kids.

i am heading to the athletics this weekend and I was wondering about that too but tame bridge parkway could work for that too I think- two stops to Perry Bar.

Thanks so much for replying- this is super helpful! Knowing what to expect makes me feel a little less anxious. I'll be taking snacks and some activities for the little one....hoping he'll allow me to stay for the duration of the games but I'm trying to be realistic...I may have to leave early!

Good luck with Alexander stadium @Frazzled2207 - it sounds like tame bridge parkway is a good shout!

No prob. It was def a family friendly environment, quite a lot of kids about and not anywhere near as busy as the euros match I took the kids with a couple of weeks ago.

Does anybody know if you can book parking in advance for Longbridge? I’m wondering if that might be the simplest place for me to park for the hockey and train in. Also if we are later than 9am can we still get in? Not certain I can get youths in car by 6am!

Def no problem arriving late. Lots did for our session. It will start on time though.

not sure about longbridge parking but even if you can beware. I booked ncp spot for when I went to the football at Bramall lane and although it was fine there are no barriers so totally unable to guarantee a space which wasn’t made clear at all. There were spaces so fine but I’d have been mightily annoyed to have paid £9 and found it full.

@TheHomeEdit I think you'll be fine. Its a huge car park and trains are always quieter because of the school holidays. And if it is booked Longbridge is just a regular suburb, you will find a street to park on all day no problem.

I used to own a flat right opposite the south gate of B'ham University. Parking around the university is tight at the best of times and will be ridiculously hard at the moment. I wouldn't attempt it.