Blundell Park

Blundell Park is a football ground in Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire, England and is home to . In 2004 Blundell Park was listed in The Observer as one of the ten worst football grounds in the EnglandSimply the worst - The Observer, October 10 2004.

Records

The highest ever attendance at the ground was 31,651 for a FA Cup 5th Round match on February 20 1937 against . Since the ground was converted to all seating for the start of the 1995-96 season after the Taylor Report, the highest attendance was 9,528 for a Football League Division One (Second Tier) match against on March 13 1999.

History and layout

Pontoon Stand

The most keen home fans often sit in what is locally known as the Pontoon Stand (or 'Ponny'). This is at the north end of the ground behind one of the goals. It this was built in 1961 with money given by Grimsby fans.

The Carlsberg Stand

The two tiered 'Carlsberg Stand' runs along part of the length of the pitch on the west side. This was built with money from Findus and was originally known as the 'Findus Family Stand' and has also been the 'Stones Bitter Stand' and the 'John Smith's Stand'. This was opened in 1981, replacing the Barrett Stand. The upper tier is covered and offers views of the North Sea over the top of the Main Stand. The lower tier is uncovered and between the two is a row of corporate boxes.

The club shop, ticket office and McMeneny's resturant are also based in this stand.

Main Stand

Opposite the John Smith's stand, on the east side of the ground, is the 'Main Stand' which dates from 1901 and is often claimed to be the oldest stand in the football league. Smoking is banned here, due to it being constructed mainly from wood. During matchday a fire engine is always housed outside "just in case". This stand houses the changing rooms, press facilities and disabled supporters.

Osmond Stand

Away fans sit in the Osmond stand at the south end of the ground, where there are around 2,000 seats. This stand was build in 1939, shortly before the start of World War Two.

Travelling there

Blundell Park is a short walk from Cleethorpes railway station (Not Grimsby!). It's on the A180, a road with excellent links to the M18, M1, M62, although parking around the ground can be very tight.

Local users can catch the 16, 45 and 3F busses past the stand. The nearest supermarket is Ramsdens, the nearest pub is the Leaking Boot, locally known as Darleys.

The future

Several times in recent years, the club has debated moving home to a new ground within the town of Grimsby. Sites considered include a new ground in the areas Pyewipe industrial estate, and Great Coates areas of town. Planning permission has been applied for in the latter area for the Conoco Stadium, if all goes to plan this will be ready for the 2008-09 season.

External links

References

Football venues in England | Grimsby Town F.C. | Sport in Lincolnshire | Buildings and structures in Lincolnshire

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