VALE PARK
Vale Park has been a League ground for 76 seasons
from 1 Jul 1950 to the current day
The 162nd ground used for a League game
Current capacity: 19,052
Opened: 1950
TENANTS
Teams that have used this ground as a home
| Team | From | To | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Port Vale | 23 Aug 1950 | Current | The club moved here from The Old Recreation Ground in 1950. Port Vale FC was expelled from the Football League in 1968 for financial irregularities but was elected back into Division 4 for the following season. The club was also involved in a Football League Play Off Match at the neutral venue of Wembley Stadium. | |
|
Stoke City | 17 Jan 1976 | 17 Jan 1976 | Temp | This match was played here after the roof of the main stand at The Victoria Ground was blown off in a gale. |
LEAGUE EVENTS
Promotions, relegations and ground moves associated with this ground
| Date | Team | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jul 1950 | Port Vale | Moved from Old Recreation Ground to Vale Park |
GROUND HISTORY
adapted from "The Ultimate Directory of English & Scottish Football League Grounds"
Port Vale FC purchased the site, a former marl pit, in 1944 but post war shortages of building materials delayed the opening until 1950. Although it was terraced on three sides there was no cover whatsoever with temporary changing facilities being provided on the east side and some uncovered seating at the north end. Within a few months of opening a second hand roof was installed at the north end and around the north west corner, whilst in 1954 a 4,500 seat stand opened on the west side.
In 1959 the north end was terraced and the record attendance of 50,000 was set in the following year at the FA Cup 5th Round tie v. Aston Villa (1-2) on February 20th. The ground remained unaltered for over thirty years with the planned main stand on the east side (only the paddock and tunnel being built) not finally materializing until the ground saw wholesale improvements in the 1990s.
In 1959 the north end was terraced and the record attendance of 50,000 was set in the following year at the FA Cup 5th Round tie v. Aston Villa (1-2) on February 20th. The ground remained unaltered for over thirty years with the planned main stand on the east side (only the paddock and tunnel being built) not finally materializing until the ground saw wholesale improvements in the 1990s.
In 1991 the west side was fully installed with seats and in 1992 the roof from Chester City FCβs main stand at Sealand Road was purchased and re-erected at the south end. Subsequently a new cover and seating were installed at the north end, a seated corner stand constructed in the north west corner and the south end fitted with 4,550 seats. Finally the long-awaited 5,000 seat main stand was partially constructed on the east side in 2001 which gave an all-seat capacity of 23,000 by the start of the 2007/8 season. The pitch size was 114 x 77 yards.
GROUND DETAILS
adapted from "The Extreme Groundhoppers Guide"
- Ground address
- Vale Park Hamil Rd, Burslem, Stoke On Trent, ST6 1AW
- Main phone
- 01782 655 800
- Ticket office
- 01782 655 832
- Ticket prices
- Adults Β£19, OAP's Β£13.50, Under 19's Β£8, Under 9's Free
- Food & drink
- The Bulls Head at 14 St Johnβs Square in Burslem is a good place to drink for away and neutral fans and at least 3 Titanic Beers are available at all times plus a large selection of guest beers from Small Independent Breweries.
If going to the Bulls Head then take the Wardle Transport to Birches Head Shops from the Station then walk over to Hanley bus Station and then take the First Potteries 20A bus to Pitt Street itβs a three minute walk to the pub. From the pub to the ground is walk down on to Market Street at the cross road and then walk straight on then cross over the road and take a second left into Hamil Road the ground is 400 yards and is an eight minute walk from the ground.
- If driving
- The ground is located in the town of Burslem in Stoke on Trent so leave the M6 at junction 16 and take the A500 towards Stoke on Trent. Follow A500 until Longport Junction then exit and take first left on to the A527 Tunstall/Burslem. At the next roundabout follow the sign for the Moorcroft Factory, then at the cross mini roundabout take the second exit into Newcastle Street. Continue on this road up the hill, crossing another island and into Burslem town centre. Continue straight on over the traffic lights at the cross roads and then take the left into Hamil Road which takes you down to the ground. There is a large car park located outside a superstore next to the ground which costs Β£4, otherwise street parking.
- Public transport
- Take the train to Stoke then get the 21 bus to Burslem Road (First Bus) or 7 First Potteries from outside the station and then get off at Hamil Lane and follow the signs to the ground
Walking it from Stoke station is a 47 minute 2.86 mile walk down Station Road and turn right into College Road at the end turn right into Broad Street at the roundabout continue straight on into South Marsh Street for 600yards at the Y junction turn right into York Street past the construction site when you get to Vale Place turn left cross over when you get to the Mercedes Dealership turn right into Elder Road just after Colebridge Park cross over and take a left into Sanbach Road, continue on at the next cross roads when you come to the next park turn up Nevada lane through Hot Lane industrial estate this will take you to Burslem Park just before the ground and take the short cut through the park to the ground.
MAP
Vale Park