Groundhopping: Exploring the Charming Stadiums of Lower League Clubs
Cheshire East, England - At the heart of Crewe lies The Mornflake Stadium, more commonly recognized as Crewe Alexandra Stadium.
The history, passion, tragedies, and memories of a football stadium are not just limited to the Premier League clubs. Some clubs in the lower leagues have just as much history seeped into their grounds if not more. Success may not be relevant here but the stories and memories are what make the stadiums around the lower leagues special.
Let’s take a tour of some of the historic grounds in the lower league of English Football.
1. Valley Parade - Bradford City
Capacity – 25,136
Valley Parade is one the most, if not the most historic stadium in the lower leagues of England. The stadium is due a renovation soon but when you enter the stadium, you can feel the grit, passion, and atmosphere of this classic stadium.
Valley Parade opened in 1886 and was initially the home ground of a Rugby team, Manningham FC. The stadium has gone through one of the worst stadium disasters of all time. On May 11th, 1985, 56 Bradford Supporters lost their lives in a fire that started in the home end.
The disaster brought the community much closer and now it is all part of their history and culture. The Bantam fans are welcoming and the pubs around the stadium are cheap making it a great place for an away day as well.
2. Toughsheet Community Stadium - Bolton Wanderers
Capacity – 28,723
For some reason, Bolton’s Toughsheet Community Stadium will always be known as the Reebok stadium to some of us. So many memories are attached to that stadium. Sam Allardyce’s robust team causing all sorts of problems for the Premier League teams!
The Toughsheet Community Stadium opened in 1997 and it had one of the best atmospheres for Premier League games for a long time. The cauldron of noise that comes down from the stands is remarkable. It’s one of the most intimidating stadiums to play in, especially against a Sam Allardyce team.
The stadium overall is quite spacious with comfortable sitting but the pints around the stadium at places like the Harvester and TGI Fridays are quite expensive. Grab a drink beforehand and enjoy the atmosphere of the stadium after!
3. Pride Park Stadium - Derby County
Capacity – 32,956
Pride Park opened in 1997 and it was none other than the Queen herself who inaugurated the stadium. Pride Park has one of the loudest atmospheres in English Football let alone in League One where the club unfortunately got relegated last season.
The Brunswick and the Alexandra are a couple of pubs that are away-friendly and somewhat cheap. The atmosphere in and around the stadium is fantastic, the people in the vicinity of the stadium are pretty jolly and friendly. It is the 16th biggest stadium in England.
Pride Park once hosted 33,378 fans, a record for Pride Park, against Liverpool for a Premier League game back in the year 2000.
The reason why Pride Park has also made our list is because of the consistency in their attendance. The Rams supporters average around 27,000 fans every season despite not being in the Premier League for more than a decade. Now, that’s called a loyal following!
4. St James Park - Exeter City FC
Capacity – 8,219
One of the smallest grounds on our list but one of the biggest when it comes to personality. Known for its hostile atmosphere for away teams, St. James Park is one of the oldest active stadiums in England. An active rail line runs behind the grandstand of the stadium. Talk about convenience for fans!
Exeter City has one of the most aesthetically beautiful stadiums in England and it makes for a very good away day for fans from the visiting teams. The pubs around the stadium are a bit pricey but that does not let it ruin an excellent away day for fans.
The seating in St James Park is divided into seating and standing sections. The majority of the home fans occupy Thatcher’s Big Bank stand with a capacity of 3,960 fans, all standing. The away stand capacity stands at 1,045 fans, all standing as well.
Exeter City FC fans generate one of the loudest atmospheres for a stadium of that size.
5. Brunton Park - Carlisle United
Capacity – 17,949
What a stadium! A stadium that has gone through everything. Brunton Park is up there with one of the loudest atmospheres a stadium can generate in England despite the size of the stadium. Opened in 1909, Brunton Park has been the home of Carlisle United ever since.
It’s not just the stadium but the terrifically scenic route to get to the Stadium which is part of the experience you want for an away day. The scenic views of the Lake District alone make the trip to Carlisle worthwhile.
When we talk about the stadium has gone through everything we meant that. Brunton Park has stood through despite seeing its Grandstand catching fire or its stadium getting flooded on two occasions. The stadium has withstood everything and it is still standing to this day, proudly.
The most iconic part of the stadium is its Warwick Road End which houses 3,500 fans and they showered some of the choicest chants for the away supporters.
The matchday atmosphere is electric and the city overall is fantastic. The pubs and restaurants around the stadium are decently priced and they are very friendly with their guests. One of the best stadiums to visit in the lower leagues, most definitely.
Honourable Mentions
- Fratton Park – Portsmouth
- The Valley – Charlton Athletic
- Meadow Lane – Notts County
- Gresty Road – Crewe Alexandra (Featured Image)
- Prenton Park – Tranmere Rovers
