Queens Park Rangers a Prince among Clubs

Scattering Ashes at QPR: A Thoughtful Supporters-Focused Policy

Queens Park Rangers FC, based at Loftus Road in Shepherd’s Bush, London, has one of the most detailed and compassionate approaches among UK clubs when it comes to allowing cremated ashes to be brought into the stadium environment for a private memorial ceremony.

While there is no official policy page on the club’s own site, multiple well-established ashes-guidance sources — used by families and funeral planners across the UK — describe a long-standing practice that families may wish to consider.

What the procedure involves

According to the documented practice:

• The process begins by contacting the club chaplains (e.g., Revd Josh Baines or Revd Denis Adide have been referenced historically) to arrange a special remembrance ceremony at Loftus Road.

• These ceremonies typically take place on a weekday between 9.30am and 4.30pm, outside of match days.

• Families bring a small portion of ashes (normally about a coffee-jar’s worth) to the reception area on South Africa Road and are welcomed by the chaplain.

• The group is then led through the players’ dressing room and down the tunnel to pitchside, stopping at the goal-line area — while walking on the pitch itself is generally not permitted.

• The chaplain leads a careful, reflective moment where ashes are placed in a prepared location near the goal line, family memories are shared, and a short prayer or moment of silence is observed.

• After the service, families return via the tunnel and reception, with photographs and quiet reflection part of the occasion.

No charge and how it’s handled

• The club does not charge for this memorial service.

• Parking is not provided, so visitors should plan accordingly.

• Historically, the chaplain has retained responsibility for the ashes after the ceremony until the pitch is maintained or re-seeded at the end of the season, at which point they are scattered respectfully as a group.

A unique and touching tradition

This approach — allowing supporters and family to have a reflective, structured ceremony connected to the club they loved — is unusual among football grounds and has been described by families as deeply meaningful.

It reflects the strong sense of identity and community that QPR supporters feel with their club and offers a way to honour that bond in a space that mattered to the person who has died.

⚠️ Quick practical note before you plan

Because this practice is described in third-party sources rather than an official club published policy, and roles and procedures at clubs can change over time:

Families should contact Queens Park Rangers FC directly to confirm current arrangements, identify the correct chaplain or community contact, and secure any permissions or dates in writing before making final plans.