The Hive Stadium: Barnet

By Hammersfan (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

From 1907 until 2013 Barnet called Underhill Stadium their home. They had a dispute about the lease with Barnet Council, however, so it was decided that they would move to a new ground after the conclusion of the 2011-2012 season. In the end, despite breaking ground in 2003, delays on the building of the ground meant they couldn’t move until after the end of 2012-2013 season.

The ground is not just used for Barnet games, with the London Bees Women’s Super League also calling it home. The London Broncos Rugby League Club also used the stadium for a year from 2014-2015. The ground’s record attendance is, strangely, larger than its official capacity by 57. This is because the capacity restriction applied to the terraced section was relaxed for Barnet’s home game against Gateshead on April the 25th 2015.

Stats

The Hive Stadium Photos

• View of the stands View of the stands
• Barnet's 5-0 defeat of Welling United Barnet's 5-0 defeat of Welling United
• Underhill Stadium Previous Ground Underhill Stadium Previous Ground
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The Hive Stadium Seating Plan & Where to Sit

The North Stand is a terraced section of the stadium and it’s also where the away supporters are housed. The East Stand, meanwhile, is actually quite a small seated area despite that fact it looks larger, while the South Stand is another terraced section that sits opposite The North Stand, as is traditional. The West Stand is the nicest part of the new ground and is a single-tier stand that is fully covered by the roof, unlike elsewhere in the stadium.

Barnet Ticket Prices

The amount of money you’ll pay to watch Barnet play football is the same regardless of where you sit, although your age will determine the amount you will need to part with. Considering there are terraces as well as seats this might surprise you, but the key seems to be to get in early and bag a seat:

• Adults: £22.00
• Concessions: £14.00

How To Get Barnet Tickets

Tickets are available online, over the phone or in person from the ticket office.

Where to Buy

Getting To The Hive Stadium

Harrow is a suburb of Greater London, so if you can get to the nation’s capital then you can get to the home of The Bees easily enough.

Train - Canons Park Underground is five minutes away and on the Jubilee Line, Queensbury Underground is ten minutes and on the same line, whilst Edgware Road is on the Northern Line and is around a mile away.

Bus - The 340, 186, 79, 288, 688 and 114 all stop near the stadium.

Car - From the North, take the A1 to the A5109 then follow the signs. From the West take the M40 then the A40 then the A406 before getting onto the A5 and following the signs. From the South take the A5 and carry on to Stanmore before following the signs.

By Air - London City is the closest airport to Barnet, technically, but Luton is probably easier to get to and from.

Taxi - A taxi from Euston to The Hive will take about 40 minutes and cost around £50. Get the Underground.

Parking Near The Hive Stadium

There are parking facilities for up to 300 cars on site.

• See Available Parking Near The Hive Stadium

Useful Resources

The Hive Stadium Hotels

London is full of hotels, but here are some of our favourites close to the ground according to your budget:

Lindal Hotel - £50+

2 Hindes Road, Harrow, HA1 1SJ

This isn’t the best hotel you’ll ever stay in, but it’s only two miles from the ground and it’s got a bar and lounge area, free Wi-Fi and free parking. It’s basic, though, so do bear that in mind. More details.

Ramada London North M1 - £80+

M1 Between Jct 2-4, Gateway Services, London, NW7 3HU

This Ramada is right on the M1 and is just over two miles from The Hive. It’s got two restaurants, a bar, a meeting room, free Wi-Fi and free parking. More details.

Village Hotel London Watford - £105+

Centennial Avenue, Centennial Park, Elstree, Borehamwood, WD6 3SB

The Village is more expensive and further afield, in that it’s three miles from the stadium. For your money, though, you’ll enjoy a restuarant, a bar, an indoor pool, a nightclub and a business centre. There’s also free parking, free Wi-Fi and a terrace. More details.

Pubs & Bars Near The Hive Stadium

London isn’t exactly short of a boozer or two, although you might find yourself short of money if you have more than a couple. Nevertheless, here are some of our favourites:

Facilities

As one of the newest stadiums in the Football League its fair to say that The Hive’s facilities are up to scratch. Unless you want a roof over your head that is, in which case make sure you’re sat in The West Stand. Or take an umbrella and annoy the fella behind you.

Prices

• Programme: 3.00
• Cup of tea: 1.60

Hospitality

The Directors Studio is the chief hospitality option at Barnet. You’ll get seats next to the Directors Box, access to an unlimited buffet before the game, a complimentary glass of champagne and pre and post-match house drinks for free all served by your own waitress.

Private Hire

The Amber Bar can cater for up to 500 people, The Hive Bar and Lounge is a bit smaller and more personal and Grazioli’s bar is smaller again. Take your pick from the three spaces for the type of event you are hoping to host.

Stadium Tours & Museum

You can’t do tours of The Hive Stadium, unfortunately, but to be honest it’s not that big. Get to the ground early enough and you can probably have a quick wander round on your own. There’s also no museum at the ground so it might be worth wandering around the club shop and having a look at really old stock instead.

About Barnet

Barnet Football Club has a rich history, from its formation in 1888 through to the modern day. There was a club called Woodville FC that played games in Barnet from 1882-1885 before disbanding, and another called New Barnet FC that played from 1885-1888 before becoming the Barnet we know today. The club has played non-league football numerous times during its existence, constantly yo-yoing to and from the Conference.

Barnet fans have enjoyed watching some well-known players over the years, with the club being the sort of place that young players learn their craft and older pros end their days (playing football we mean, they aren't killed off). Premier League names like Linvoy Primus, Jason Puncheon and Yannick Bolasie have all played for The Bees at one point or another, whilst established players such as Jimmy Greaves, Mark Lawrenson and even Edgar Davids have also appeared in orange and black before now.

The Hive Stadium History

When you talk of Barnet’s history and their association with a stadium there’s little point mentioning The Hive. The ground only opened in 2013 so its barely had a chance to built up a decent history. It’s Underhill Stadium that holds all of the secrets of Barnet’s seasons gone by, given that The Bees played there from 1907 until 2013. Sadly the club is no longer associated with the old ground, so clubs such as the London Broncos and Arsenal reserves are creating their own history there.

Barnet chairman Anthony Kleanthous had wanted to move away from Underhill Stadium from as early as the 1990s, believing that the facilities were not good enough for the supporters. Construction of The Hive Stadium actually began in 2003 as a new home for Wealdstone FC, but their investors went into liquidation and building work was halted. It went up for tender in 2006 and Barnet won the right to occupy the sight, which they did from the start of the 2013-2014 season.

Future Developments

Barnet Football Club would ideally like to move back to Barnet at some point, but a long standing feud with the council is restricting their ability to find a new stadium within the boundaries of their home area any time soon.