The Union Jack Classic: Your Wembley Stadium Parking Guide for College Football's UK Debut
American college football has never played inside Wembley Stadium before — that changes on 19 September 2026.
Union Jack Classic Parking Guide — College Football Arrives at Wembley Stadium, London
Kick-off is 5pm on Saturday 19 September, which means most of London's away day is done and dusted before this one even starts — book your Wembley parking now and you can spend the afternoon soaking up the tailgates, marching bands and pep rallies instead of hunting for a space.
The Kansas Jayhawks face the Arizona State Sun Devils in the inaugural Union Jack Classic, the first FBS (top-tier NCAA) college football game ever played in England and only the second college football game to be staged in London. It's a Big 12 Conference fixture, played under Wembley's arch in front of a crowd that could fill much of the stadium's 90,000 capacity — and it comes with the full American gameday experience: tailgate parties, cheerleaders, marching bands and a halftime show, alongside the game itself.
Fixture: Kansas Jayhawks vs Arizona State Sun Devils
Competition: Big 12 Conference
Date: Saturday 19 September 2026
Kick-off: 5:00pm BST
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
Significance: First FBS college football game played in England
Book Union Jack Classic Parking Near Wembley Stadium
Wembley event days are chaos for anyone who hasn't planned ahead — 90,000 people converging on a handful of streets and stations at once. Booking a private driveway or off-street space near the stadium in advance means:
A confirmed space waiting for you — no circling side streets as kick-off approaches
A choice of price points, from budget driveways a short walk away to spaces right on the doorstep
The option to extend your stay through the app if the day (or the halftime show) runs on longer than planned
Savings against on-the-day rates, which spike hard once the event is underway
Access to quieter residential streets away from the main crowd crush around Olympic Way
Book your parking near Wembley Stadium to lock in a space before the Union Jack Classic sells it out.
Road Closures and Event Day Parking Restrictions
Wembley operates a Council-enforced Event Day Protective Parking Scheme on every major event day, and the Union Jack Classic will be no exception. Here's what to know before you drive in:
A wide event-day zone is enforced by Brent Council, covering the streets immediately around the stadium and stretching well beyond Olympic Way into surrounding residential roads
Restrictions typically run from 8am to midnight on main roads, and from 10am to midnight in residential side streets, regardless of normal parking hours
Only vehicles with an event-day permit can park within the zone — a standard residents' permit doesn't count, and there's no way for visitors to obtain one
Enforcement is strict and ANPR-monitored, with Penalty Charge Notices issued routinely to anyone parked without the correct permit
The exact streets affected can shift slightly for each event, so don't assume last season's route is still clear
The safest way through all of this is to book a private space in advance rather than gamble on finding street parking on the day.
Getting to Wembley Stadium by Train and Tube
Demand for parking around Wembley Stadium tends to be highest in these areas:
Find Parking Near Wembley Park — The closest options to the stadium, these spaces fill up fastest on event days. If you want to be within easy walking distance of the turnstiles or entrance, booking here as early as possible is the most reliable approach.
Reserve a Space Near Wembley Central — A practical choice slightly further out, with a mix of private driveways and off-street spaces bookable through JustPark. A manageable walk from the stadium, and roads here tend to clear more quickly after events.
Book Parking in Harrow and Kenton — For visitors happy to make more of the final leg by Tube, parking further out in this direction is a useful way to sidestep the worst of the event-day congestion closer to the ground.
Expect all three stations to be busy in the hours either side of a 5pm kick-off, so build in extra time on the walk in and, especially, on the way out afterwards.
Frequently Asked Questions about Union Jack Classic
What time is kick-off for the Union Jack Classic?
Kick-off is at 5:00pm BST on Saturday 19 September 2026. The earlier UK-friendly time (rather than a typical late-night US slot) means Wembley's surrounding streets and stations will be busy from the early afternoon onwards.
Where is the Union Jack Classic being played
The game is being played at Wembley Stadium in London, with Kansas designated as the home team for the fixture.
Is this the first college football game to be played in the UK?
It's the first FBS (top-tier NCAA Division I) college football game played in England, and only the second college football game ever staged in London — the first was in 1988. It's also the first American college football fixture to take place inside Wembley Stadium.
How many seats are there at Wembley Stadium?
Wembley Stadium has a capacity of around 90,000, making it one of the largest venues in Europe. Not every Union Jack Classic ticket tier will be open, but a big crowd is expected for this historic fixture.
Is there parking available near Wembley Stadium for the Union Jack Classic?
Yes — private driveways and off-street spaces are available to book near the stadium through JustPark, giving you a confirmed space away from the Council-enforced event-day parking restrictions on the surrounding streets.
How do I get to Wembley Stadium for the Union Jack Classic?
Wembley is served by three stations — Wembley Park, Wembley Stadium and Wembley Central — all within a 20-minute walk, alongside local bus routes. If you're driving, book parking in advance rather than relying on street parking, which is heavily restricted on event days.
Live Near Wembley Stadium? Turn Your Driveway Into Matchday Income
If you live in the area, the Union Jack Classic is exactly the kind of one-off, high-demand event that turns an empty driveway into useful income. JustPark hosts near major stadiums and arenas have seen earnings rise significantly around events like this — historic, first-of-its-kind fixtures like a debut FBS game at Wembley tend to draw a curious crowd well beyond the usual matchday regulars.
You can set a higher rate for the day itself using Scheduled Pricing, list your space in a few minutes, and pause it again once the Union Jack Classic weekend is over.
Rent out your driveway and start earning from event days near you
Read more about how hosting near a sports ground or arena can boost your income
Ready for Kick-Off
The Union Jack Classic is a genuinely rare event — the first FBS college football game ever played in England, and a one-off chance to see it inside Wembley Stadium. Sort your parking now, and you can arrive relaxed, avoid the event-day restrictions on the surrounding streets, and be settled in well before the 5pm kick-off.
