EASTVILLE
Eastville was a League ground for 67 seasons
from 1 Jul 1920 to 30 Jun 1986
The 103rd ground used for a League game
Opened: 1897 • Closed: 1986
TENANTS
Teams that have used this ground as a home
| Team | From | To | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Bristol Rovers | 2 Apr 1897 | 25 Aug 1986 | The club was a founder member of the Football League Division 3 in 1920. In 1980, the club moved in with Bristol City at Ashton Gate for a short period and, in 1986 moved to Bath to groundshare at Twerton Park with Bath City FC. |
LEAGUE EVENTS
Promotions, relegations and ground moves associated with this ground
| Date | Team | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jul 1920 | Bristol Rovers | Founder member of Division 3 |
| 1 Jul 1986 | Bristol Rovers | Moved from Eastville to Twerton Park |
GROUND HISTORY
adapted from "The Ultimate Directory of English & Scottish Football League Grounds"
Located at Stapleton Hill the venue was in use by Bristol Harlequins RUFC before Eastville Rovers FC bought the site for Β£150 in 1897. The facilities initially included a covered 500 seat stand on the south side but the new owners, having changed their name to Bristol Eastville Rovers FC, quickly added a cover along the north side and additional banking around the ground.
Further alterations made following their election to the Football League (as Bristol Rovers FC) in 1920 included the construction of a new 2,000 seat south stand and, in 1931, the re-siting of the end terraces to accommodate a greyhound racing track. Having sold the ground to the greyhound company for Β£12,000 in 1940, post WWII improvements included the construction of a stand on the north side in 1958 and the installation of covering over the west end in 1961. During this period the record attendance of 38,742 was set at the FA Cup 4th Round tie v. Preston North End (3-3) on January 30th, 1960.
Speedway racing was tried out between 1977 and 1979 and, on August 16th, 1980, the south stand burned down, forcing the club to move in with Bristol City at Ashton Gate. Bristol Rovers returned after five games but finally moved out to Twerton Park in 1986. Eastville Stadium continued in use for greyhounds but by 2001 an IKEA store occupied the site.