Pie Merchants - Kilmarnock FC gameday experience

As a Killie fan, I have always been subjected to comments associating Kilmarnock FC as a "pie distributor" and not a legitimate, respected football club as they rightfully are.

Yes, our Kilmarnock pies are arguably the best in international football, but we are so much more than that. When you encounter Killie and their football, you experience a level of passion, energy and skill unbeknownst to visitors.

Ok...maybe I am slightly over-exaggerating, but it is true that watching Kilmarnock FC in Rugby Park is an unmissable experience with a lot of particularities involved that could create some unwarranted stress for newcomers.

Like before, I am here to guide you through this and ensure that you feel encouraged to visit Kilmarnock and its many attractions such as this one.

Therefore, I present: Your Guide to Gameday:

Pre-Game: 

• Before you arrive, please do plan your journey and means of getting to Rugby Park in advance.

- If arriving by car, please note that the car park at Rugby Park is inaccessible on matchday, so you must find alternative parking elsewhere, the town centre has an abundance of spaces to cater to that.

- It would be better to utilise public transport with regular trains and buses arriving direct into the town centre, providing a quick 10 mins walk to the stadium.

• I would advise to arrive at least 30 minutes before kick off. However, if you come to a game against Celtic or Rangers, it is strongly advised you arrive an hour before kick off with crowds and traffic being much busier than usual.

• Once arrived, you should go check out the Kilmarnock FC superstore to get kitted out in the teams colours. If you ever need to sort out a birthday or Christmas present, this is the perfect spot, there's Killie cufflinks, Killie stationary, even Killie chocolate!?!.

• There's also a museum where you can uncover Kilmarnock's rich and prestigious history with memorabilia including cups, kits and pennant's representing our past battles and accomplishments. Unfortunately, the museum is closed to visitors on gameday, so, you will need to come during the week or weekends when Killie aren't playing at home.

During the game:

• Once entered through the gates accompanying each stand, you can make your way up to your seat via the appropriate flight of stairs. There are plenty of stewards, easily distinguishable by their hi-vis uniforms situated throughout the stands to support you finding your seats and with any other issue you may have, so please keep a look out for them (it's not hard!).

• There are numerous unwritten protocols regarding your behaviour during matches:

- You must cheer and clap as loud as you can when Killie enter the pitch, constantly encouraging them throughout to eventually score and win.

- You must boo and display contempt when the referee makes a dodgy decision (this happens every 5 minutes).

- You must boo every time an opposing player, who has just gotten away with the worst foul you have ever seen, is on the ball, for the full 90 minutes.

- You must participate in our legendary chants and songs such as "Killie till I Die" and "Hello, Hello we are the Killie Boys".

By doing all this, you'll fit in no problem and hopefully become a lifelong Killie "diehard".

• As referenced in the title, Rugby Park is host to some fantastic snacks which you must sample whilst watching the football. There are numerous kiosks within each stand where you can get your hands on the great grub, including the "legendary" Kilmarnock Pie. 

• However, due to its mega popularity, I advise you buy this delight before the game begins to avoid the pain I have suffered many times of hearing the dreaded "we are all out of Kilmarnock Pies" during the halftime rush.

• With no central heating installed in the stands and most games being played on cold, miserable days in Kilmarnock, you should wrap up very warm (with Killie scarfs and knitted hats - available in the club store) and take advantage of the hot snacks and drinks on offer. It helps you concentrate on the football as opposed to hypothermia.

Post-Game:

• As the game concludes, it is quite chaotic departing alongside the thousands of supporters. Hence, I advise if you are with young children or elderly people, perhaps leave a couple of minutes early (only if you have to!) or wait a couple of minutes after the whistle blows to ensure a safe and comfortable exit.

• If arrived by car, the town is "chock-a-block" with traffic congestion after the game. So, please do pre-empt a 10-15 minutes wait before being able to leave the surrounding area.

• It is also quite common for many fans to go have a drink and meal with others after the game, so if you are interested, there is:

The Park Hotel (Pictured above) - Adjacent to the stadium, very busy with Killie supporters before and after the game.

- Also, The Portmann Hotel, which is very close by on Portland Road and also Mack's Bar on Grange Street.

If you are otherwise looking for a bite to eat, go check out my previous blog where I shared my TOP 3 RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS there!

Thank you very much for reading this article, it has been a real pleasure uncovering what you can experience at my club, a club that has always been there, even in the darkest of times to create some positivity and unison for us all (even when they are playing rubbish).

What's the experience like at your local football club? Please let me know in the comments below and maybe I'll pay a visit, any other feedback is, as always, much appreciated!