Monday, 7 Oct 2024

Glanford Park: Scunthorpe United

When Glanford Park was unveiled in 1988, it marked a significant milestone in football history. It was the first purpose-built stadium for a Football League team in 33 years. Princess Alexandra did the honors of inaugurating the stadium, which was followed by a friendly match between Scunthorpe United and a Football League All-Star XI team. Over the years, Glanford Park has witnessed several memorable moments, including Robinho scoring his first goal in English football for Manchester City against Scunthorpe in the 2010 FA Cup.

Since its opening, Glanford Park has been home to Scunthorpe United, initially hosting fourth-tier football matches before the team’s promotion to League One in 2005. The club has consistently competed in either the Championship or League One since then. Notably, the stadium’s record attendance of 9,077 spectators was set during a League Cup match against Manchester United in 2010, where Scunthorpe initially took a strong lead but eventually lost 5-2.

In 2019, the stadium underwent a name change, becoming The Sands Venue Stadium, as a result of a one-year sponsorship deal. While the sponsorship drew some criticism due to the owner’s connection to both the company and the ground, it was eventually extended.

Glanford Park Stats

  • Year Opened: 1988
  • Capacity: 9,088
  • Average Attendance: 3,538
  • Record Attendance: 9,077 (Scunthorpe vs. Man Utd, 2010)
  • Pitch Size: 102 x 65 (6,630 sq. meters)
  • Owner: Scunthorpe United Football Club
  • Sponsor: The Sands Venue
  • Clubs Hosted: Scunthorpe United F.C.
  • First Fixture: Scunthorpe United vs. Football League XI (14/08/1988)

Scunthorpe United Stats

  • Year Founded: 1899
  • Nickname: The Iron
  • Club Mascot: Scunny Bunny, Scunny Hunny Bunny
  • Rivals: Grimsby Town, Hull City, Doncaster Rovers, York City, Lincoln City
  • Previous Stadiums: The Old Show Ground
  • Kit: Claret & Blue (Home) / Black & Yellow (Away) / White & Claret (Third)
  • Training Ground: The Shed
  • Shirt Sponsor: Cancer Research UK
  • Team Owner: Peter Swann
  • Record Goalscorer: Steve Cammack (121)
  • Record Appearances: Jack Brownsword (791)

Glanford Park Photos

Glanford Park Photos

Glanford Park Seating Plan and Where to Sit

Glanford Park boasts a traditional ‘English Style’ layout, featuring four distinct stands surrounding the pitch. The Lincolnshire Co-Op Stand, exclusive to away fans, is a single-tier structure. The Easy Buy Stand functions as the main stand, housing the changing rooms, dugouts, and matchday hospitality suites. The Britcon Stand, also known as The Doncaster Road End, accommodates the passionate Scunthorpe fans in an unreserved terracing section. Finally, The East Stand offers all-seated seating and includes a security box behind the central column.

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Scunthorpe United Ticket Prices

Ticketing for Scunthorpe matches can be a bit complex at first glance. The club categorizes matches, resulting in varying ticket prices based on the opponent. Ticket prices also depend on the seating area and age group. Additional savings are available to Scunthorpe Fan Club Members and those who book in advance. The club provides ‘Executive’ tickets at a higher price range.

Here are the non-Fan Club Membership, non-Executive ticket prices:

  • Category A Adults: £19 – £26
  • Category A Concessions: £14 – £18
  • Category B Adults: £18 – £25
  • Category B Concessions: £13 – £17

How To Get Scunthorpe United Tickets

You can purchase Scunthorpe United tickets through various channels, including online, over the phone, in-person at the Glanford Park Ticket Office, or even by post.

Where to Buy

Getting To Glanford Park

Scunthorpe’s location in North Lincolnshire presents some challenges in terms of accessibility. However, there are multiple transportation options to consider:

  • Train: Scunthorpe Railway Station is approximately two miles from the stadium, requiring a walk of over half an hour.
  • Bus: Stagecoach Group operates buses in Scunthorpe, providing a helpful journey planner on their website. For example, the 31A bus takes around twenty minutes from the train station to the ground.
  • Car: Glanford Park is easily accessible by car, located near the M180. Take the M180 until Junction 3 for the M181, and you’ll pass the stadium on your right upon reaching the end of the motorway.
  • Air: The closest airport to Scunthorpe is Humberside Airport, which is less than twenty miles away. Another option, albeit slightly further, is Robin Hood Doncaster-Sheffield Airport.
  • Taxi: A taxi ride from Scunthorpe Railway Station to Glanford Park costs approximately £5 and takes around seven to eight minutes, depending on traffic.
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Parking Near Glanford Park

Limited on-street parking is available near the stadium. However, Glanford Park offers about 600 parking spaces for £3 per car.

Useful Resources

Glanford Park Hotels

While Leeds, Sheffield, and Doncaster are within reasonable distance from Scunthorpe, the town itself has plenty to offer. Consider staying in Scunthorpe, where you can explore the local charm. Here are some recommended hotels:

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Pubs and Bars Near Glanford Park

Scunthorpe is home to a variety of lively pubs and bars, each with its unique character. Here are some favorites for a pre-match pint:

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Facilities

The facilities at Glanford Park are functional, having remained largely unchanged since the stadium’s inception. However, you’ll find refreshment stands throughout the concourses, offering drinks and food options.

Prices

  • Programme: £3
  • Pie: £2.80
  • Cup of Tea: £1.20
  • Beer: £3

Hospitality

While the match day hospitality options at Glanford Park may not be the most luxurious in the Football League, there are still some enticing possibilities. You can hire an executive box, sponsor the match ball, or even sponsor the entire match. Another option is to upgrade your match ticket to the Sir Ian Botham Lounge, providing access to pre and post-match refreshments. The Legends Lounge, with its private cash bar, is recommended for stag dos and birthdays.

Private Hire

Glanford Park offers excellent facilities for hosting various events and special occasions. Though the function rooms are not particularly extravagant, they serve their purpose well. Additionally, you have the unique opportunity to hire the pitch itself, should the need arise.

Stadium Tours & Museum

Unfortunately, Scunthorpe United currently does not offer stadium tours or have a museum dedicated to the club’s history. However, you can find some captivating images on the club’s official website.

About Scunthorpe United

Nicknamed “The Iron” due to the town’s steel industry background, Scunthorpe United has donned Claret & Blue since its early years. The club, formed in 1899, turned professional in 1912 and joined the Football League in 1950 after previous unsuccessful attempts. Initially, the club emerged from a merger between Scunthorpe and Lindsey United, operating under the name Scunthorpe & Lindsey United.

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Notably, Scunthorpe United has nurtured top-class players throughout its history. Former Liverpool stars Ray Clemence and Kevin Keegan both played for the club, with Keegan earning the prestigious European Footballer Of The Year award twice. More recently, Jack Cork of Swansea City, Billy Sharp of Sheffield United, and Jermaine Beckford, who played for Leeds United and Everton, have all represented Scunthorpe United. The club even briefly had former England cricketer Ian Botham as a player in 1980.

Glanford Park History

Glanford Park holds a significant place in football history as the first purpose-built stadium for a Football League team in 33 years. Notably, it was the first ground in the country to feature a cantilevered roof. The decision to move from their former stadium, The Old Showground, was prompted by the high costs of meeting safety regulations following the 1985 Bradford City Stadium Fire.

Despite a budget-conscious approach to construction and design, Glanford Park has its unique characteristics. Its low-hanging roof sometimes obstructs the view of supporters in the stands, while its box-like appearance may not win any architectural awards.

Future Developments

Scunthorpe United received permission in 2014 to construct a new, purpose-built stadium with a seating capacity of 12,000 at Lincolnshire Lakes, carrying a price tag of £18 million. The club initially aimed to relocate to the new ground for the 2016-2017 season. However, in October 2017, the plans were abandoned due to setbacks. The club now intends to redevelop Glanford Park gradually, stand by stand, over multiple seasons, allowing them to continue playing there. Although redevelopment plans were confirmed in July 2019, work has yet to commence, potentially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

FAQs

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Conclusion

Glanford Park, the home of Scunthorpe United, holds a special place in football history as the first newly built Football League stadium in over three decades. Over the years, it has become a memorable venue for fans, witnessing exciting matches and showcasing talented players. The stadium’s unique features and facilities provide an enjoyable experience for visitors, making it a must-visit destination for football enthusiasts. Stay tuned for future developments as Glanford Park continues to evolve and take its place in the future of Scunthorpe United.