Issue No.21 November 2015

IN THIS ISSUE

Victoria Park, Hartlepool

Stade News

ClubCall 
Hartlepool United

Destination Livingston

Old Peacock Leeds

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STADE NEWS
SPURS REVEAL NEW STADIUM DESIGN

Tottenham have unveiled designs for their new stadium, located next door to White Hart Lane.
The 61,000 capacity stadium, the biggest club ground in London, will feature four stands wrapped in a sculptured mesh.
The home end holding 17,000 fans will be the largest single tier stand in the country, and will feature a glass facade.
The stadium will also feature a prominent opening on to Tottenham High Road.

PLANS FOR AJAX ARENA UPGRADE

The Amsterdam Arena is about to undertake a major upgrade.
A new upper concourse is planned for the 28,000 fans housed in the stadium's upper tier, and new cladding and illumination will transform the external look of the Arena.
The 50,000 capacity stadium, home of Dutch giants Ajax, opened in 1996.

STADIUM SPONSOR FOR LIVINGSTON

Scottish Championship side Livingston have announced a new stadium sponsorship deal, with the specialist Italian cuisine restaurant chain 
Tony Macaroni.
The near 10,000 capacity former Almondvale Stadium which opened in 1995, will now be known as The Tony Macaroni Arena.
see : Destination


SIXFIELDS CONTRACTOR IN LIQUIDATION

 

The contractor developing the new East Stand at Northampton Town's Sixfields stadium, have gone into liquidation after a High Court hearing.
The Cobblers face a separate winding-up petition by HMRC, and must also repay a £10m loan to the local Council for the partly completed East stand and hotel/leisure development.



DURHAM CITY EVICTED FROM STADIUM

Ebac Northern League side Durham City have been evicted from their New Ferens Park stadium, following a dispute with the landlords.
This weekend's FA Vase game will be played at Consett, as Club chairman former Newcastle United player Oliver Bernard, seeks a new permanent home for the club within the City of Durham.
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CLUBCALL Hartlepool United

Victoria Park, Clarence Road, Hartlepool TS24 8BZ.
Founded - 1908
League - Football League Two
Capacity - 7,856
Record Attendance - 17,426
Nearest Railway Station - Hartlepool
Club Website - www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk

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DESTINATION Livingston

Situated just 15 miles west of Edinburgh, Livingston, one of the post-war Scottish new towns designated in 1962, is the largest town in West Lothian.
The town features one of the largest indoor shopping complexes in Scotland, with The Centre and Designer Outlet's hosting over 200 shops.
Leisure facilities also abound with a multiplex cinema, a host of restaurants and bars, together with sports and fitness centres.
The town has an excellent network of walking and cycling 'shared-use' pathways, linking all areas of the town and protecting pedestrians and cyclists from traffic.
Livingston is an excellent base for exploring the varied towns and villages of the wider Central Belt of Scotland, and also for discovering the superb walks, cycling, fishing, and history of the Pentland Hills Regional Park.

Livingston Info
Travel - by road via M8, by rail via Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Accommodation - all major budget hotel chains in the area.
Pubs - mostly shopping centre bars in the town centre, Almond Bank (Wetherspoons) and the Lime Kiln near the ground pick of the bunch.
Tourism Website - 
www.visitscotland.com

Livingston FC
Almondvale, Alderstone Road, 
Livingston EH54 7DN.
Founded - 1943
League - Scottish Championship
Capacity - 9,521
Record Attendance - 10,112
Nearest Railway Station - 
Livingston North
Club Website - www.livingston.co.uk

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
The Old Peacock Leeds

Superb renovation by the Ossett Brewery of this former Whitbread pub, situated on Elland Road opposite the south stand of the stadium.
The pub features a bar, with plenty of Leeds photos and memorabilia, and a large external decking area to the front, with a smaller restaurant area at the rear.
A huge marquee is open on matchdays, although entrance is restricted to LUFC members and season ticket holders.
Excellent quality full food menu served daily, with a restricted menu on matchdays.
Usually four Ossett beers on handpull, including the highly recommended 1919 ale (the year of Leeds United formation) brewed especially for the pub.
All live TV football shown.
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STADE IMAGES

1966 World Cup statue near The Boleyn Ground
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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.

All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2015

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com
Twitter@FootballStade

Next issue (No.22) published Sunday 6th December 2015

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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Issue No.20 October 2015

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall Hibernian

EuroReport Aachen

Local Hero Leicester



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STADE NEWS
OLYMPIC STADIUM FINANCES TO BE DISCLOSED

West Ham have declared they are 'unhappy' with the news the Information Commissioner has ordered the publishing of their Olympic Stadium contract.
Concerns have been raised over the amount the club are paying towards the conversion costs for the stadium, and its annual rental and contribution to matchday costs.
The Hammers are due to move into the stadium for the start of the 2016/17 season.

THREAT TO SAINTS TRAINING GROUND

St Johnstone are set to lose part of their training ground adjacent to McDiarmid Park, if a planned relief road scheme goes ahead.
A public enquiry is scheduled for November, although the club have indicated it may be about to reach agreement with Perth and Kinross Council.
Original plans for the road which would have seen the North Stand demolished have now been shelved.



NEW RAILWAY STATION FOR THE RICOH

A new railway station has been built at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, but trains will not be allowed to stop for an hour after matches or stadium events due to safety concerns.
The £3.4M station on the Nuneaton to Coventry line is operated by the London Midland train company, who could lose the contract to run the line if another operator can provide a better service to the stadium.

EURO 2016 FANS CONCERN

Fresh concerns have been raised about crowd behaviour in France ahead of next summer's European Championships, following violence at the recent Marseille v Lyon match.
The Ligue 1 game at the Stade Velodrome, one of the tournament venues, was delayed for 20 minutes after missiles were thrown and the teams returned to the dressing rooms.
The match eventually resumed with riot police surrounding the pitch.
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CLUBCALL Hibernian

Easter Road,Albion Place, Edinburgh EH7 5QG.
Founded - 1875
League - Scottish Championship
Capacity - 20,421
Record Attendance - 65,860
Nearest Railway Station - Edinburgh Waverley
Club Website - www.hibernianfc.co.uk

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EUROSTADE REPORT
Tivoli Stadium Alemannia Aachen

The New Tivoli Stadium in Aachen has experienced incredible highs and lows since its opening in 2009.
Replacing the nearby Old Tivoli, the 33,000 capacity ground has witnessed the club's demise down to its current position in the 4th tier Regionalliga West of German football - Aachen were a Bundesliga club as recently as the 2006/07 season.
Tivoli is a fully enclosed all-seater stadium, and features the home fans Bitburger (a local beer) wall in the South Stand.
Alemannia enjoy huge crowds for their current level of football, and the club's aim is an eventual return to the top-flight.
Aachen certainly have the stadium to once again grace the Bundesliga, and host the very best of German football.

Aachen Cathedral

Situated at the very heart of Europe, Aachen is a fine city with plenty of attractions for visitors.
Famous for its links with Charlemagne, the city is rich in history with the beautiful Cathedral a must-see.
The 14th century Town Hall and the International Newspaper Museum are well worth seeing, and you can bathe in the thermal waters of this famous spa city.
Aachen has a strong link with horses, and the annual World Equestrian Festival is held at the 40,000 capacity Hauptstadion next to Tivoli.
The city is easily accessible via the superb Thalys train service,with direct links to Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris and Dusseldorf.
Tourism Website - www.aachen-tourist.de

Tivoli Info
Krefelder Str.205, 52070 Aachen.
Capacity - 32,960
Nearest Railway Station - 
Aachen Hauptbahnhof
Club Website - 
www.alemannia-aachen.de


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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
Local Hero Leicester

Large one room pub in the Freemans Leisure Park on Aylestone Road, five minutes walk from the Walkers Stadium.
Part of the Flaming Grill chain, there is lots of Foxes memorabilia to view together with old photographs of the City.
Full food menu served all day, and usually 2 or 3 cask ales on offer.
Separate bottle-bar operates on match days.
All live TV football shown.
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STADE IMAGES

New stand, Old stand at Highbury, Fleetwood

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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.

All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2015

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com
Twitter@FootballStade

Next issue (No.21) published Sunday 1st November 2015

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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Issue No.19 September 2015

IN THIS ISSUE

Main Entrance at King Boudewijn Brussels

Stade News

ClubCall Alfreton

Lost Grounds 
East Stirlingshire

Trent Bridge Inn Nottingham


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STADE NEWS
START DATE FOR BRUSSELS EUROSTADION

Work is due to start in March 2016 on the site of the new Brussels Eurostadion, opposite the current King Boudewijn stadium in the north of the city.
The 60,000 capacity stadium, built on 6 levels, will be the home of the Belgian National team and club side RSC Anderlecht.
Construction is expected to take around two years.


DESIGN PLANS FOR STAMFORD BRIDGE

Chelsea are set to unveil plans for the redevelopment of its Stamford Bridge site.
Designed by renowned architects Herzog and de Mouron, the plans are thought to include a 3-tier pentagon shape stadium with around 59,000 seats.
Plans also include raised platforms covering the surrounding railway lines, with a direct walkway access to Fulham Broadway tube station.



NEW HOME FOR LINCOLN ?

A new stadium for Lincoln City has moved a step closer, following talks between the club and city council over a new sports village on the west side of the city, which could house The Imps.
No firm proposals have yet been made, in a process which could see the club move from Sincil Bank,
its current home since 1895.




STOCKPORT COUNCIL PURCHASE EDGELEY PARK

The future of Edgeley Park has been secured after the stadium was purchased by the local Council.
The £2m deal with former owners Cheshire Sports which will not cost local Council Tax payers a penny, will see a landlord-tenant relationship between the Council and County, and ensures the future of football in the town.



FANZONE OPENS AT STADIUM OF LIGHT

Sunderland have opened an outside fanzone at the Stadium of Light for the start of the new season.
Situated in the South-East corner of the stadium complex, the zone features bar and catering facilities, together with live music and interviews with former players.
The zone is open before and after matches, and away supporters are welcome.
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CLUBCALL Alfreton Town

The Impact Arena, North Street, Alfreton DE55 7FZ.
Founded - 1959
League - National League North
Capacity - 3,600
Record Attendance - 5,023
Nearest Railway Station - Alfreton
Club Website - www.alfretontownfc.com

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LOST GROUNDS East Stirlingshire

There can be few grounds in football, certainly the size of Firs Park, that have generated so much interest over the years.
At best described as basic, difficult to access, and surrounded by a retail park in Falkirk town centre, the ground generally and East Stirlingshire FC in particular, is a story which has captured the imagination of the whole football community.

Opened in 1921 with a game v Heart of Midlothian, and with a record attendance of 12,000 for a Scottish Cup match v Partick Thistle the same year, the ground was home to The Shire until 2008.
The club gained notoriety in the 90's/00's with a seemingly endless battle not to finish bottom of the lowest tier of Scottish football, with the excellent book 'Pointless' by Jeff Connor chronicling the club's struggles.The final game at the ground was a 3-1 victory over Montrose in 2008, and the site was demolished in 2012.

East Stirling currently groundshare with neighbours Stenhousemuir at the 3,700 capacity Ochilview Park,an agreement which lasts until 2033.
The club though are still actively pursuing plans for a new stadium, with a site at Little Kerse in Grangemouth under serious consideration.


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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
Trent Bridge Inn Nottingham

Large, imposing red-brick pub at the junction of Radcliffe Road and Bridgford Road, next to Nottinghamshire County Cricket ground.
Possibly one of the most famous and iconic sporting pubs in England, the Trent is now part of the Wetherspoons chain, re-opening in May 2011 following a major refurbishment.
Predominantly cricket photographs and memorabilia on show, also small sections dedicated to Notts County and Nottingham Forest whose City Ground is just around the corner. The pub has five bars, the beer garden actually backs on to the rear of the cricket ground, and the usual extensive Spoons food menu is served. Live TV sports also shown.
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STADE IMAGES

1985 memorial at Valley Parade Bradford

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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.

All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2015

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com
Twitter@FootballStade

Next issue (No.20) published Sunday 4th October 2015

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com

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Issue No.18 August 2015

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall Rochdale

Destination Burton Brewery Centre


Eight Bells Fulham


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STADE NEWS
FOXES TO EXPAND STADIUM

Leicester City have confirmed plans are in place to expand the capacity of the King Power stadium by over 10,000.
With all available 23,000 season tickets sold for the forthcoming season, the Foxes are pressing ahead with the expansion of the East and Family stands.
The current capacity of the stadium is 32,262.


GRIMSBY IN NEW STADIUM STUDY

Three potential sites are being considered in a detailed study into a new stadium for Grimsby Town.
The club's preferred site is at Peaks Parkway on the edge of the town, but the local council have disclosed further sites across North East Lincolnshire are also under consideration.
The Mariners have played at Blundell Park since 1899.



HEARTS TO STAY AT TYNECASTLE

After previously exploring the possibility of relocating, Heart of Midlothian now appear to see the future at their present Tynecastle home.
The Edinburgh club are looking at re-building the main stand, the only part of the stadium, home for 129 years not to be modernised. 
Hearts have previously played European matches at the nearby Murrayfield rugby union stadium.




HORNETS INCREASE CAPACITY

Ahead of their return to the top-flight of English football, Watford have announced a further increase in the capacity of Vicarage Road.
An additional 400 seats will be installed at the ground, in works which will see a new, larger Club Shop and extra hospitality areas.
The new seating will increase the capacity of the stadium to over 21,000.




CELTIC TO INSTALL RAIL SEATING

Glasgow Celtic have been granted permission to install safe standing at Celtic Park.
The City Council have approved plans for an initial 2,600 capacity rail seating area in the stadium, which could be open in time for the 2016/27 season.



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CLUBCALL Rochdale

Spotland, Willbutts Lane, Rochdale OL11 5DS.
Founded - 1907
League - Football League One
Capacity - 10,249
Record Attendance - 24,231
Nearest Railway Station - Rochdale
Club Website - www.rochdaleafc.co.uk

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DESTINATION
National Brewery Centre Burton

Located in the Staffordshire town of Burton upon Trent, home of the historic Bass brewery, the National Brewery Centre is a fascinating journey through the history of the brewing industry in the UK.
The museum incorporates much of the original Bass museum, and visitors can make their own way around or join one of the tours escorted by the knowledgeable guides.
The social history and the process of brewing is explained, and the role of steam in the industry is confirmed with a working Robey engine.
A steam train is also on display in a re-creation of a station platform - the Bass brewery had its own railway network.
The museum holds a further extensive transport collection from horse-drawn drays to modern vehicles, and there are two shire horses on-site where you can take a short carriage ride.
All of the buildings throughout the museum hold fascinating displays of historical breweriana, with a fine collection of pub signs, paintings and beer mats.
The centre hosts a series of special events throughout the year, including family and vintage years weekends.
There is a small cafe and gift shop, and the Beer Boutique stocks a wide selection of beers from around the world.
At the end of your visit you can sample some local and national brews, and enjoy the excellent food in the adjacent Brewery Tap Bar and restaurant.

Museum and Tour Info
Open - 10.00 daily except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Prices - Adult £8.95, OAP/Concessions £7.95, Children(3-16) £4.95
           Family Group(2 adults and 2 children) £21.95.
           Prices include 3 beer sample tasting vouchers per adult to use in the
           Brewery Tap.
Mobility Access - blue badge parking and wheelchair friendly access.
Car Parking - free on-site.
Contact - www.nationalbrewerycentre.co.uk
              Tel: 01283 532880.
              info@nationalbrewerycentre.co.uk

Burton Info
Travel - by road via M1/A511 or M42/A444 - by rail via Derby.
Accommodation - usual hotel chains in the town, also a few B&B's.
Pubs - Coopers Tavern, once the Bass Brewery Tap is a must visit.
Burton Bridge Inn and The Alfred are also recommended.

Burton Albion
Pirelli Stadium, Princess Way,
Burton upon Trent DE13 0BH.
Founded - 1950
League - Football League One
Capacity - 6,912
Record Attendance - 6,192
Nearest Railway Station - Burton
Club Website - 
www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
The Eight Bells Fulham

Not the nearest to Craven Cottage, but as the usually designated 'away fans' pub the Eight Bells in Fulham is certainly one of the most famous.
Situated outside Putney Bridge tube station, this delightful 17th century hostelry is a compact one-room pub with a central bar.
Given its proximity to the River Thames lots of rowing/sailing memorabilia is on show, but no football souvenirs or merchandise to view.
Food served daily up to around 9pm, and usually at least 3 cask ales available. Live TV football not shown.
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STADE IMAGES

1st World Cup Winners statue, West Auckland Co.Durham

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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.

All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2015

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com

Next issue (No.19) published Sunday 6th September 2015

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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