A 20-minute stroll westward from Luton train station leads you to one of England’s most unique stadiums.
Approaching the streets surrounding Kenilworth Road, nestled in what appears to be a tranquil residential neighborhood, one cannot help but marvel at the sight of a football stand nestled among rows of terraced houses. The setting is truly unlike any other, creating an enclave that feels distinct from the surrounding area of Luton.
The standout feature of ‘The Kenny,’ home to Luton Town since 1905, is undoubtedly the Oak Road stand. Encircled by a block of red brick residences, this stand serves as the entry point for away fans, further accentuating the stadium’s unconventional charm.
Along the road, there are two stand entrances: gates six-seven and eight. The stand runs parallel to a row of terraced houses. However, the road is not solely occupied by residential buildings; it also hosts four independent businesses.
Gate six-seven is positioned between house No. 91 and 87, while gate eight is situated between house No. 99 and 103.
This season marks a first-time experience for residents in the area. Luton has ascended to the Premier League after clinching promotion from the Championship in May. This remarkable achievement sees the club rise four divisions in just 10 seasons.
However, not all locals share in the jubilation, primarily due to the inconveniences associated with residing near a high-profile football stadium.
In light of this, The Athletic conducted a visit to Luton to explore the sentiments of the town’s residents regarding the club’s ascent and their aspirations and apprehensions concerning top-flight football arriving at their doorstep.
Before reaching Kenilworth Road, you’ll encounter the Bricklayers Arms just outside Luton train station. Since 2003, it has served as the headquarters of the Luton Supporters’ Trust.
Alison Taylor, 66, has been employed here for 37 years and has been a lifelong supporter of the club. This establishment holds significant historical value as it was at this very location where a consortium led by CEO Gary Sweet made the decision to purchase the club in 2008.
“It was the real ales that got people in and eventually the Supporters’ Trust was formed here,” she says.
“One year, a group of fans got together and decided to buy the club at the back bar and sat at a round table. The rest is history.
“Someone from the club usually comes in here for the last game of the season, but they didn’t this time around, which is fair enough. It was amazing (getting promoted).
“When it’s positive, it’s truly special. The atmosphere during the play-off final was unparalleled; this pub was buzzing like never before. I didn’t turn in until 3:30 am.”
Regular visitors from the Luton Town Supporters’ Club of Scandinavia, established in 1991, frequent the establishment, often spending week-long holidays in Luton during their visits.
“We’ve formed such close bonds with some of them that a few of us, including myself and other regulars at the pub, have attended their weddings,” Alison Taylor remarks.
A stroll past a sizable supermarket on Dunstable Road from the Bricklayers Arms leads you straight to the stadium. Upon arrival at the ground, one immediately notices its confined surroundings.
However, it’s the Oak Road away stand that truly stands out, renowned for its distinctive appearance. Approaching it gives the impression of entering someone’s house and traversing through their backyard rather than heading towards a sports venue. Since the confirmation of promotion, football enthusiasts have humorously transformed the entrance into an online jest.
For the residents living alongside the away stand, it constitutes a unique lifestyle. Nevertheless, it hasn’t always been without its challenges.
As you near the top of Oak Road, you’ll encounter a car park directly across from the matchday store. John Wilson, an 80-year-old Luton season-ticket holder, was standing outside the car park. His first game dates back to November 1955 when his team secured a memorable victory over Sunderland with a score of 8-2. During the 1970s and 1980s, he served as a gateman on the Oak Road terrace.
“The London teams were the worst,” he recounts, “especially Chelsea. I witnessed brand new fences along the road being demolished by groups of 30 to 40 fans.
“I recall an incident when I had to protect six of my friends from Millwall supporters. They ripped seats out of the stadium and caused a ruckus. Eventually, they ceased their behavior, but it was quite alarming.”
The most notorious incident occurred in March 1985 when Luton faced Millwall at Kenilworth Road in an FA Cup match broadcast live on TV. Regarded as one of the most severe instances of football hooliganism in the 1980s, the event resulted in a ban on away supporters at Kenilworth Road, which lasted for four seasons.
Rioters descended upon the Bobbers Stand, and isolated fights erupted throughout the stadium. All players were swiftly escorted back to the tunnel, while the ground itself and its surrounding areas sustained significant damage. In response, Kenilworth Road underwent conversion into an all-seater stadium just one year later.
“A lot has changed since then, but I’m still concerned about the potential for damage from the London teams,” John added.
“No one enjoys coming to our ground, though. I remember seeing Stanley Matthews, one of England’s greatest-ever footballers, here, and he hated it.”
Heading back down Oak Road leads you to Faisal Mohammed’s residence, situated to the right of gate six-seven and adjacent to the matchday store. Faisal, a 20-year-old who has lived here for seven years, remarked, “I don’t follow football much. There’s a significant police presence, especially on matchdays, which can feel a bit intrusive.
“We also experience congestion due to the large number of coaches down the road carrying away supporters.
“At the same time, the heavy police presence usually means there’s no trouble. It gives us a sense of security.”
As anticipated on matchdays, the atmosphere becomes more vibrant, with fans passionately cheering on their teams. While this fervent energy may be overwhelming for some, it is cherished by both football supporters and certain residents residing on Oak Road.
Shahed Ahmed, 28, who has resided here for a decade alongside his wife, resides adjacent to both stadium entrances on Oak Road. “I’ve never encountered any issues with anyone in the area, even during a game,” he remarks. “We genuinely enjoy matchdays and the lively atmosphere they bring. Fortunately, we haven’t faced any trouble. In fact, it’s the best time to be on the road. We’re content with our living situation.”
This season, Luton will host nineteen different sets of Premier League away supporters. For the upcoming match against West Ham United on Friday, the ticket allocation for their supporters is set at 1,151. While a similar allocation of around 1,100 tickets is expected for most fixtures, the final figure will be confirmed once Luton determines their capacity.
According to rules, clubs must allocate 3,000 tickets or 10 percent of the total allocation if the ground has fewer than 30,000 seats.
However, there are challenges associated with accommodating too many people on one street, particularly concerning transportation, which poses one of the most significant disruptions.
The issue primarily arises from coaches parking on Oak Road, as most of them occupy excessive space in the narrow area.
Residents are mandated to relocate their cars before a match, and failure to comply may result in fines.
Historically, residents residing on Oak Road have been notified of any matchday parking restrictions. According to Luton Borough Council, they have consistently received information about road closures or restrictions on vehicle movement for matchdays through temporary traffic regulation orders and signage on affected roads.
Authorities possess the authority to relocate vehicles to a secure location, from where they can be retrieved once the matchday congestion subsides. Residents on Oak Road have been provided with written notices outlining additional controls and limitations on their movement, recognizing the area’s significance as a primary access point to the ground.
For many residents, this arrangement proves inconvenient. Mokbol Hossain, 52, who resides at No. 47 to the left of gate six-seven, comments, “I have always appreciated where I live. My family is settled here, and there is a strong sense of community. I haven’t experienced any crime. However, it’s frustrating to deal with the dirtiness of the street during matchdays and the constant need to relocate our car.”
Others echo Hossain’s concerns, especially with Luton’s inaugural home match in the Premier League fast approaching. Residents are anxious and seek reassurances.
Kal Patel, who has resided his entire life on Oak Road, resides in a house adjacent to the high street and opposite the Oakdale Methodist Church. While he is a devoted Luton fan and football enthusiast, the 48-year-old voiced his frustrations over the current situation.
“It’s a nightmare for residents on matchdays,” he laments. “The situation is a combination of the club’s and council’s fault.
“Personally, I haven’t encountered any issues, but I’ve witnessed instances where home and away fans have aggravated each other. While living here is convenient, if given the opportunity, I would relocate. Despite the heavy police presence on the road, the matchday disruptions are considerable.
“The road typically closes on matchdays, and if it’s a midweek game, it may not reopen until around 11 pm. It’s incredibly inconvenient. Some residents then have to commence work as early as 5 am to 6 am.”
Luton Town Football Club has been in communication with certain residents residing on Oak Road, organizing drop-in sessions at the Bury Park Community Centre. According to the club, the response has been largely positive since their promotion, and they maintain a good relationship with most residents.
However, it’s not just residents who are affected. Businesses on the road are also experiencing the adverse effects of the disruption caused by away supporters.
On the opposite side of the Oak Road entrances, two businesses operate: one specializing in cakes, while the other focuses on selling beds. Additionally, a burger bar and a beauty salon occupy the other side of the road.
An owner of an independent shop on Oak Road, who preferred not to be identified, reveals that their business suffers significantly during matchdays.
“Some fans urinate in front of my shop, on the windows, and near the houses. It’s disgusting and can stain the windows,” they lament. “On matchdays, there always seems to be a problem. Who’s going to want to buy my products when there are so many people? My sales drop by a third whenever there’s a game.”
The owner claims they have received no support from either the club or the council.
Further disruptions have arisen due to Luton’s need to extend the Bobbers Stand to meet broadcasting requirements. The club was scheduled to host Burnley on August 19, but they requested the game to be postponed due to the ongoing construction work.
To meet Premier League broadcasting standards, Luton Town Football Club needed to install at least 50 media seats and set up a media conference room capable of accommodating up to 70 individuals.
Improvements to Luton’s television gantry were also required. This included the installation of at least 30 TV and radio commentary points, as well as the creation of seven pitchside presentation areas. Additionally, systems for VAR cameras, which had never been used at Kenilworth Road, needed to be implemented.
The new stand received an interim safety certificate, allowing the Bobbers to operate at 75 percent capacity for their Carabao Cup tie against Gillingham. This match served as a test event, with tickets distributed free of charge to displaced hospitality guests, members of the local community affected by the redevelopment works, and contractors and staff.
Furthermore, other enhancements such as a new ticket office in the Kenilworth Road end and the introduction of new food options have also been implemented.
CEO Gary Sweet stated, “While upgrading facilities for the media has been a necessity, we have also made investments in amenities for supporters to enhance their matchday experience and compensate for the changes.”
He expressed gratitude to all residents and staff who endured the last three months of construction and emphasized the importance of supporters enjoying their evening at the stadium.
The council asserts that they have provided comprehensive support to both the club and residents amidst the significant challenges surrounding the stadium. They describe their cooperation with residents as “always good” and anticipate this positive relationship to continue.
Since May, the council has been collaborating closely with Luton Town Football Club and residents around Kenilworth Road to assess any additional impact on those residing near the stadium. Letters have been dispatched to those particularly affected, inviting them to voice concerns or propose ideas for mitigation.
Looking ahead, Luton Town Football Club is planning to relocate from Kenilworth Road. They have plans in motion to construct a 20,000-seater stadium at Power Court, situated close to the town centre, with the aim of completing it in time for the 2026-2027 season.
As Luton prepares to embark on this new chapter, there’s a palpable buzz surrounding the stadium, and the excitement in the air is tangible. However, amidst this anticipation, there’s also a hint of unease.
With Luton now competing in one of the most-watched leagues in the world, the entire town is acutely aware that the spotlight will shine on them like never before.
