Bootham Crescent
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- Ground Layout
Last Update:
August 4, 2021
Bootham Crescent hasn’t seen any major investment for a number of years now, which has resulted in it looking a little tired in places. However it does have character, something that a lot of newer stadiums lack. On one side of the ground is the York Pullman Main Stand. As you would expect it is the tallest stand at the ground, but only runs for around two thirds of the length of the pitch, with open corners to either side (one of which houses the supporters club). It is a covered all seated stand and to the rear it has windshields to either side. It also has a number of supporting pillars running across the middle.
Opposite is the Benenden Popular Stand. This is a simple affair, being small and covered. It too has a number of supporting pillars this time running across the front. On its roof is a rather basic looking television gantry. At one end is the David Longhurst Stand, which is a fair sized covered terrace, which has a row of supporting pillars across its front. Opposite is the open terraced Prostate Cancer UK Stand, reserved for away supporters. The ground is completed with a set four modern looking floodlight pylons. Bootham Crescent is shared with York City Knights Rugby League Club.
With the Club due to move to a new stadium (see below) now likely to happen in January 2020, then don’t miss the chance to visit this traditional ground, situated close to the City Centre, before the bulldozers move in.
After having a number of delays to works surrounding the new York Community Stadium, it is now expected to open early in 2020, possibly at the end of February. The building of the 8,112 capacity all seated stadium at Monks Cross, which is located just over four miles away from the centre of York, is part of a larger development, including a cinema and leisure complex with swimming pool. It is believed that delays in the building of the nearby leisure centre has delayed the stadium opening. The Buckingham Group are the building contractors for the stadium and this company were also responsible amongst others for the building of the Amex Stadium in Brighton and Stadium MK in Milton Keynes. The new stadium, which is to be called the LNER Stadium, after a corporate sponsorship with a local rail operator, will also be home to both York City Football Club and York Knights Rugby League Club.
The photo above is courtesy of the YorkMix website where more photos of the new stadium can be found.
Away fans are placed in the Prostate Cancer UK Stand, where just under 1,800 fans can be accommodated on an open terrace. A further 300 seats are made available to away supporters in the Popular Stand, which unlike the open terrace is at least covered. After paying to enter the terrace and going through a line of stewards who seemed on my visit to be searching most fans going in, you can then pay a £1 transfer fee to go into the seated area. Away fans in both the seats and terracing share the same refreshment kiosk and toilets. The latter for men seem to have been there since the ground opened. The urinals are open air and are of the ‘stand up against a brick wall variety’, whilst women have a portable toilet block affair. On my last visit the refreshment kiosk was doing a brisk trade of meat pies (£3) & mushy peas served in a tray. On the whole I found York to be friendly and the supporters get behind their team well, making for a good atmosphere.
Daniel Scullane a visiting Bath City fan adds; ‘The atmosphere was quite sedate on my last visit. Maybe it is something to do with the fact that away fans are extremely isolated inside. The layout of the ground is such that the away fans are about 30 yards from the nearest home fans on the popular side, and the grandstand is split from the away fans by about half the pitch. Still an enoyable visit made all the better by a cracking night out on the town afterwards!’
There is a supporters club called the Pitchside Bar, which is situated on one corner of the ground, that overlooks the away end. When I went they were quite happy to allow away supporters in and there was some pleasant banter going on between both sets of fans. The Club serves up to four real ales (normally from local micro breweries) and also has Sky Sports television. Otherwise the nearest pub is the Burton Stone Inn which you should see on the A19 as you near the ground. On my last visit this was very popular with away fans. Going back down the A19 (away from the city centre) on the left there is another pub called the ‘Old Grey Mare’ which sells Theakstons and was a lot quieter. More or less opposite to this pub (on the other side of the road) is a sandwich shop which sells hot pies for a bargain price.
If you have a bit of time on your hands and you like real ale then it may be advisable to embark on a 15 minute stroll up the A19 and into York City Centre. If at the top of the A19 you proceed through the old Bootham Bar (Gate) into the old town you will quickly reach on your right a York Brewery outlet called the ‘Three Legged Mare’ (known by the locals as the ‘Wonkey donkey’). Although a small modern bar it has a great range of real ales on offer, plus a selection of continental bottled beers. Joe adds; ‘There is also the ‘Hole in the wall’ pub just before you reach the Three Legged Mare on the opposite side and their food comes highly recommended. Alternatively before you get to Bootham Bar/Gate turn left on to Gillygate, where there is Wackers fish and chip restaurant, which has won a number of awards’.
Roger Marshall adds; ‘If arriving at York Railway Station, then there is a Craft Beer pub opened at the station which is called the York Tap.’ See the York Tap website for more information.
A1 From The South
Take the A64 to Scarborough and York. When you near York, join the A1237 Ring Road and continue on it until you reach the junction with the A19. Turn right at the junction and take the A19 towards York City Centre and keep going until you get to a pub on your left called the Burton Stone Inn, at which point you turn left into Burton Stone Lane. Then take the first right into Grosvenor Road for the ground.
A1 From the North
Take the A19 and follow the directions as above.
If you arrive early enough then there is street parking to be found in a number of side roads off Burton Stone Lane. Otherwise you may have to travel a further distance away from the ground as there are a number of residents only parking schemes in operation in the general area, or you could seek out a pay and display car park in the city centre and walk back out to the ground.
Car Parking
The Club have agreed that on Saturday afternoons (1-6pm) supporters can park at the nearby York Hospital for £2.50. To download the necessary parking voucher for the hospital and for terms and conditions please visit the York City website.
Post Code for SAT NAV:Â YO30 7AQ
York mainline railway station is a good 20 minute walk away from the ground. People intent on using a taxi should be aware that Saturday traffic in York is best avoided. Walking route from York station thanks to Ninety-Two Club member Dave Dansie: From the car park attached to the station (there is no need to go through main station exit), take the new pedestrian footpath that emerges close to the Post Office building. Turn left, turn left again when you reach the river and cross the Ouse on the footbridge alongside the York-Scarborough railway line. Once over the bridge, turn left at the Abbey Guest House into Marygate car park and follow the footpath, the railway is to your left. At the far end of the car park, the footpath goes under the railway, turn right into Bootham Terrace (beware traffic!) and walk up the rise to the main road. Turn left, cross the road and Bootham Crescent is the first turning on the right. There is a newsagent’s shop on this corner. This journey is not recommended for wheelchair users as there are steps at both ends of the Ouse bridge.
Scenic route: Leave the station and turn Left. Follow the City Walls on your right until you go under them and then continue to follow with them on your left. When they stop, cross the river and continue ahead until the traffic lights (York Minster ahead). Turn left into St Leonards place and follow until the next traffic lights (Art Gallery on left). Turn left and you are on Bootham (A19) Follow this for about a third of a mile passing on your right The Exhibition and Bootham tavern pubs then lots of big Edwardian terraces. Bootham Crescent will appear on your right with a Zebra at the top of it’.
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Home Fans
York Pullman Main Stand: Adults £17, Over 65’s/Under 22’s £12, Under 18’s £6, Under 5’s Free
Family Stand*: Adults & Over 65’s: £15, Under 18’s £6, Under 5’s Free
Benenden Popular Side: Adults £15, Over 65’s/Under 22’s £11, Under 18’s £6, Under 5’s Free
David Longhurst Stand: Adults £14, Over 65’s/Under 22’s £10, Under 18’s £5, Under 5’s Free
Away Fans
Benenden Popular Side (Seating)**: Adults £15, Over 65’s/Under 22’s £12, Under 18’s £6, Under 5’s Free
Prostate Cancer UK Stand (Terrace): Adults £14, Over 65’s/Under 22’s £10, Under 18’s £5, Under 5’s Free
Concessions include under 16’s, over 65’s and students with proof of education status.
* Family area tickets must be purchased from the ticket office prior to the match.
** Supporters pay to enter the terrace then pay an additional £1 transfer within the ground to access the Popular Side seating area.
Official Programme £2.50
York City FC fixture list (takes you to the BBC Sports Website)
Scarborough were the real rivals, but since their fall from grace, you can now take your pick from Doncaster, Bradford or Leeds! Carrying on from non-league days there is still a rivalry with Luton Town.
York is a popular tourist attraction, having a lot of historical sites, including York Minster Cathedral which is a spectacular sight. The night life is also pretty good, so I would definitely recommend it for a weekend stopover.
Record Attendance
28,123 v Huddersfield Town
FA Cup 6th Round, 5th March 1938.
Average Attendance
2018-2019: 2,501Â (National League North)
2017-2018: 2,755 (National League North)
2016-2017: 2,558 (National League)
If you require hotel accommodation in York then first try a hotel booking service provided by Booking.com. They offer all types of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets from; Budget Hotels, Traditional Bed & Breakfast establishments to Five Star Hotels and Serviced Apartments. Plus their booking system is straightforward and easy to use. Yes this site will earn a small commission if you book through them, but it will help towards the running costs of keeping this Guide going.
Official Web Site:Â
www.yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk
Unofficial Web Sites:Â
York City South
York City Mad (Footy Mad Network)
The Press Paper Supporters Trust
If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, please e-mail me at: [email protected] and I’ll update the guide.
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the ground itself?
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium?
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out
York City v Hereford United
National League North
Tuesday 5th February 2019, 7.45pm
Kevin Nash (Neutral)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Bootham Crescent Ground?
It was my first visit there since 2000 and an FA cup match with my team Reading. York won the replay at the Madejski Stadium with two very contentious goals. I wanted to revisit the ground as the Club are moving to a new stadium and Bootham Crescent will soon be no more. I have also visited the city of York a couple of times before and found it most pleasant!
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
I was working/staying in the area, so took a taxi to the ground as parking nearby looked non-existent. It was raining so I dashed straight into the ground.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
I ate beforehand at my hotel, so did not sample the food or meet any of the locals.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Bootham Crescent?
It is a proper old ground but does look very tired, but the new ground is coming soon – I still have a soft spot for grounds like this and the open terrace.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
I wanted to stand on the terrace, and luckily it stopped raining so I stood with the Hereford fans. They had a huge away support and were also very vocal. It started to rain so I paid an extra £1 to sit undercover, it was a good idea to arrange that! The game was nothing special, somehow Hereford won the match, they were struggling in the league at the time after promotion, but the second half was much better!
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
It was fine I had booked a taxi which picked me up fine.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
This was actually my first game in the National League North. Having been previously to both York & Hereford grounds for cup games with Reading it was okay and good as a neutral. A day around York then a football match – All good, apart from the rain!
York City v Darlington
National League North
Tuesday 15th August 2017, 7.45pm
David Forster (Darlington fan)
York City v Darlington
National League North
Tuesday 15th August 2017, 7.45pm
Patrick (Darlington fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Bootham Crescent?
York City v Braintree Town
National League
Saturday 1st April 2017, 3pm
Daniel Turner (Braintree Town fan)
York City v Lincoln City
FA Trophy Semi Final, 1st leg
Tuesday 14th March 2017, 7.45pm
Alan Goodyear (Lincoln City fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Bootham Crescent?
After being at the Emirates Stadium the previous Saturday in the FA Cup, I needed a dose of reality!
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
Easy, went on Club Coach, but evening rush hour meant a slow journey through York.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
Went to a lovely Pub 15 minutes walk from the Bootham Crescent ground. Chatted to home fans, very friendly. The bar at the ground was Home fans only on the day, probably because of the large number of Lincoln fans in attendance.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Bootham Crescent?
I knew what to expect, its as you say not had much spent on it for away supporters. The main point of my review is to point out that the covered seated area for away fans is a shallow slope and between you and the rest of this stand is a substantial metal railing fence comprising approx. 25 x 25 vertical bars at 150 centres finishing well above your eye line so looking to the far end is awful.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
Reasonable atmosphere but with most of the away supporters on open terrace this makes it harder for them to get a good noise going.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Easier than going as traffic had cleared.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
York is a lovely town to visit if you want a day out. As regards Bootham Crescent well if it is raining then the choice for an away fan is between getting wet behind the goal or looking through almost prison like bars in the away seating.
York City v Carlisle United
League Two
Saturday 14th March 2015, 3pm
Dave Nicholson (Carlisle United fan)
Why you were looking forward to going to visiting Bootham Crescent?
Fairly close trip for Carlisle. Even better as we were staying in York on the Saturday night.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
We arrived on the train (the Carlisle – Newcastle train journey is one of the worst, nearly 2 hours to go 55 miles!) and after going to the hotel made our way into the centre of York, As I had been many years before I knew where the Bootham Crescent ground was. We headed towards York Minster Cathedral and walked out through the city gate. The football ground is only a ten minutes walk from the Minster.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
The week before I heard that away fans were going to the Burton Stone pub near the ground so we headed there, Upon arriving the place was full of Carlisle and the staff didn't seem too amused although they were doing a roaring trade. Some of the younger elements of our support arrived and started singing, This was the final straw as the manager threatened to close the pub! Although the banter was harmless the police made an appearance and the youths departed, Would probably think twice about going again as the bar staff were pretty miserable anyway!
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The game itself was rather dull, two bad teams at the wrong end of the table and in turn the atmosphere was a bit flat too. The toilets were poor to say the least.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
No problem after the final whistle even though all the supporters were let out together, We walked back towards the centre and stopped off at "The Exhibition Hotel" which had a roaring fire going which was very welcome after freezing for two hours. Also stopped off at "The Three Legged Mare" pub heading back through the city gate, Got talking to some local fans and they seemed like a pretty decent bunch with the same fears and concerns as us – and probably most lower league teams.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Great day out and would recommend York as its a great place, Bad game but I've seen loads of them over the years.
York City v Cambridge United
Football League 2
Saturday 10th October 2015, 3pm
Edward Trafford (Cambridge United fan)
Why were you looking forward to visiting Bootham Crescent?
As I now live in Birmingham I don't now get to see Cambridge play very often anymore. I was invited up to York by an old friend who I used to go and watch Cambridge with and who has recently moved to York.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
Lots of roadworks on the M1, but a short bus ride from my friend's house in Huntington, just outside York, was easy enough.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
York is literally full of good pubs. It seemed like there was 3 or 4 on every street within the city walls. The ground is only a very short walk from the city centre.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium?
The first thing you notice about the ground is that it is definitely on the small side for a Football League ground, although with only 3,000 at the game including 500 Cambridge fans there was still plenty of room. There is no cover for away fans apart from one small block of away seating which you pay extra to transfer to once in the ground. Fortunately it was a nice day and most Cambridge fans chose to stand on the open terrace, but I imagine if it was pouring with rain the away seats would fill very quickly.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The first half was terrible and it was 0-0 at half time. The second half saw Cambridge very quickly go 2-0 down, but fought back to draw 2-2 and in the end looked the most likely to win it late on. The food stand was pretty much what you would expect, but the good thing is that it is at the back of the terrace so you can still watch the game while in the queue.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
A five minute walk back to the city centre and all the pubs is about as easy as it gets in terms of getting away again!
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Overall a nice day out. I did feel the entry price of £18 was a little high for this level, especially considering that was only for the uncovered terrace, with an extra charge for seating. I think on a wet day it could get pretty unpleasant for away fans. Nonetheless I think it is somewhere I would think about going to again if Cambridge and York are in the same division next season.
York City v Oxford United
League Two
Saturday, November 15th 2014, 3pm
Rob Pickett (Oxford United fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
As an exiled Oxford United fan living in Sheffield, York is not too far to travel and there are good train services between Sheffield & York. Also York station is within 20 minutes walking distance to the ground. I don’t get to many away games, so this seemed a relatively easy one to journey to.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
It was very straightforward. We booked our train tickets in advance and the journey from Sheffield to York took around one hour. It was then a very pleasant walk through the City to the ground. I have been to Bootham Crescent before so knew the way, however there were plenty of other football fans around and Police on hand, who I’m sure would point you in the right direction, if asked.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
On getting off the train we had time for a pint at the York Railway Station bar. We passed a couple chippies on walking up to the ground, but didn’t partake as we had sandwiches earlier. The York City fans and club stewards that we encountered seemed friendly enough.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then the other sides?
The ground is wee bit tired with time warped toilet facilities. Although apparently it has had some development recently, it did look as though it hadn’t really changed in many years. Away fans are housed mostly on an open terrace, although there was also some covered seating for those who wanted it. It was a decent view I have to say. I believe that York City are looking to move to a new stadium, so I was glad to still be able to enjoy standing at a game, as I am of an age to be nostalgic about terraces!
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
It was a good game to watch and it could have easily gone either way, with both teams creating plenty of chances. Oxford though did win 1-0. York seem to be one of those teams whom seem better than their place in the table suggests. Oxford as usual brought a decent following and there was a good atmosphere. Only had coffee at ground, but that was fine.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
We left at the final whistle and walked briskly back to the railway station. I did notice though that the roads around the ground were pretty busy with traffic, so I would envisage that if you had parked near Bootham Crescent that you would experience delays in getting away.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
I have always enjoyed my visits to York and this was no exception. If we are in the same division next season then I will go again as and I would recommend this ground as good day out.
York City v Southend United
League Two
Saturday, February 22nd 2014, 3pm
Tom Raffan (Southend United fan)
We drove up the A1 and made the 240 mile journey from Essex in good time, in about three and a half hours. We arrived in York at about 12.30pm and found a parking space very close to the ground in Filey Terrace.
From there we walked past the Minster Cathedral and along the High Street to Masons Bar and Bistro, which served very nice food. I would recommend any fans arriving early to eat in York Centre. On the walk from the ground I encountered of the pleasantness of the city. As I, wearing a Southend United scarf, was greeted by a York fan, which, although sounds insignificant, was extremely polite and something which you could only wish for in most other places. One thing I did wish though was that I had come up earlier to enjoy such a beautiful city; it was quite busy but extremely laid back and with some sort of medieval festival at the Minster, you could really sense the local community spirit which just is not around in many cities nowadays.
By the time we had finished our food and walked back to the ground it was about 2.30pm and, although we had a ticket for the seats we entered along Grosvenor Road, before walking round to the seating. There was a large fence separating the seating from the terrace, and you passed through a gate where a steward issued you with a waiting-room-like slip which you should show if you re-entered.
My overall impression of the ground was good, although it was looking tired. Still it was a good old fashioned stadium, a scarcity in the modern day. From the seating area the view was okay, except for the far corner or the near side, which, as well as being obstructed by the supporting pillars of the Popular Stand, was also compromised by the fence which separated each block.
The leg-room was not fantastic, clearly a former old terrace, converted to seating, but with not many people in the stand I was quite comfortably stretching my legs out sideways.
The terrace in the home end was full, and Southend brought a decent following of 410 fans, but the atmosphere was very flat, which was partly to do with the fact that the match was a dull nil-nil draw.
Traffic was slow coming out of the city but once on the motorway a swift and uneventful drive home meant I was back by the seaside by 8.30pm.
Overall an extremely enjoyable day, and a trip I will certainly ensure I make next season.
York City v Southend United
League Two
Saturday, April 20th 2013, 3pm
John & Stephen Spooner (Southend United fans)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
It was the first ever visit to Bootham Crescent for my son. I had been many years ago but could not remember much and I always look forward to visiting old fashioned grounds. These old grounds evoke memories of how football used to be, with small stadiums located in the heart of communities, when supporters walked to them from their homes. Southend had a mathematical chance of reaching a play off place and York were still in danger of relegation, so a competitive game was anticipated.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
My son and I set off at 9-30am from North Wales (as exiled fans) to drive the relatively short 120 mile journey but forgot to take our Football Ground Guide directions and relied on satnav which took us through the outskirts of Leeds and right into York City via the walls instead of using the A19, although not much delayed. A glimpse of York Minster and the wheel made us regret not having an overnight stay and sampling more of this attractive old city. Parking in nearby streets was reasonably easy to find as we had arrived early, but we noticed that a number were for local residents only.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
We had packed food with us which we usually do for away games and lunched in the car before taking a leisurely stroll in the warm spring sunshine to the ground. Home fans were friendly and they had their best attendance of the season boosted by over 580 Southend supporters. Southend fans traditionally dress up in fancy clothes for the final away game and many had carried on this tradition dressed as sheiks, bears and monkeys etc. We met up at the ground with relatives who had travelled up from Southend and caught up with latest family news
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
First impressions of the ground were that it was indeed old fashioned, set right in the middle of a residential area. The ground looks cramped being surrounded by terraced housing and on entry it is slightly run down but the pitch looked okay and the view from behind the goal in the uncovered end was good. The opposite end for home fans was packed, as was the Main Stand to our right. Away fans are somewhat separated from the home fans, with a gap between the away terrace and the Main Sstand and by an empty section of seating in the stand to our left. Most Southend fans opted to stand in the sun rather than sit in the covered stand.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc.
An early York goal set the mood for Southend fans who were still coming to terms with a mostly disappointing season, missing out on promotion, the sacking of manager Paul Sturrock and the loss at Wembley in The Johnstones Paint Trophy a few weeks earlier. The York supporters cheered their team loudly throughout. Southend drew level with a deflected goal but York again took the lead before half time and their pace and energy on a hard pitch was enough to take 3 valuable points to give manager Nigel Worthington a realistic chance of avoiding relegation. Phil Brown was left to reflect on the hard work required if Southend are to progress any further up the Football League next season.
The atmosphere was good despite Southend playing a long ball game and struggling to make many scoring opportunities. Stewards were friendly and there is a small food outlet with bars at the window and long queues. The toilets were rather cramped and being old, were not the cleanest or hygienic
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Traffic leaving the area was slow moving but after 20 or so minutes we found the main A19 road and made good progress via the My and M62 towards North Wales.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
A good day out, the weather was fine and sunny all day I look forward to visiting York next season hopefully following a team in the race for promotion.
York City v Bradford City
League Two
Saturday, March 2nd 2013, 3pm
Ben Hoole (Bradford City fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
Yes; it was the first game I looked for when the fixtures were announced. It’s a short train journey away and there are plenty of great pubs in York, so it was one I was excited about.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
Fine, we got the train from Leeds at 10.30am. It was packed full of City fans so we had to stand for most of the journey but the Police were friendly once we arrived in York.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
We went to a few pubs before the game, the Maltings near the station is recommended, friendly and good beer. Thomas’s on Museum Street was as welcoming though, so would give that a miss next time. We also visited the ‘Pitchside club’ at the side of the Main Stand which had a fine selection of ales. The York fans were very friendly.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
I’ve been before in ’97 and it hasn’t changed a great deal. It’s a tidy little ground, slightly worn in places but one I enjoyed visiting. The away end is a small open terrace (thankfully the weather was uncharacteristically pleasant) with a covered terrace opposite. Both stands on either side of the pitch are small seated stands.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The game was poised until late in the second half when we managed to score a fortuitous opened which squirmed under the ‘keeper, followed by a second from Gary Thompson. The away end was packed so queues for the tea hut and toilets were long; I queued over 15 minutes for a pie. Thankfully it is at the side of the terrace so I didn’t miss any action! The pies were nice and the stewards were friendly. The York fans made some noise at times but I found the atmosphere surprisingly flat in the away end- partly due to it being an open terrace.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Fine, we waited in the bar until the crowds dispersed before heading back into the City Centre for a few celebratory pints.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
It was a great day out, lovely ground full of character and we left with three points! A favourite away day for me.
York City v Morecambe
League Two
Saturday, February 2nd 2013, 3pm
Stuart Waring (Morecambe fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
Having never been to Bootham Cresent before, when it came up on the fixture list I earmarked it off as a potential away day. And as it is not too far from Morecambe it sounded like a good fixture, and Morecambe had a decent chance of getting a point away from home. So we set off with the hope of a good game of football and a chance of Morecambe getting a result.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
The journey from Morecambe doesn't take too long. We went in through Harrogate and in on the A59 Roman Road. The traffic was fine throughout until we got onto the final 2 or 3 roundabouts where there was a lot of traffic queuing although this is to be expected at around 12 o'clock on a sunny Saturday. The ground is very easy to find, being just north of the town centre and quite refreshing as some of the other League Two grounds are out of town and can be tricky to find! Having being told beforehand that there are resident only parking restrictions around the ground, we didn't chance getting a parking ticket and parked in a pay and display just outside the city walls. Whilst it was rather dear (about £9.50 for 6 hours) it was cheaper than a parking fine!
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
We arrived just after noon and after parking up decided to go into York beforehand. Whilst we have been to York beforehand "seen the sights", we went on the York wheel as we had never been on it and spied Bootham Cresent from up in the sky. We went round the town for a couple of hours, but only had a cuppa and decided to eat once we had arrived at the ground. We saw small clumps of Morecambe supporters in town, but didn't find any York fans until we were on the housing streets heading right towards Bootham Crescent. They seemed welcoming though and didn't look very threatening!
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
The ground is bang slap in the middle of a street, and there were old turnstiles as we entered. As we went up onto the terrace, it reminded me of the away end of Accrington Stanley, with being open ended behind the goal and red crowd barriers. First impressions of the ground were that is was a small, compact old-fashioned ground that looked very tired and worn and in need of a refurbishment or a lick of paint at the least! The home fans packed the home end at the opposite end of the ground, whilst the covered seating on the right hand side slightly reminded me of the old seating at our old stadium Christie Park. The other seating on the left looked compact and short of leg room, although the stand itself was quite large and rounded the corner flag to stop next to the seating.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The facilities were basic but on the fact the ground is old they seem to fit in. The pie stand was a small hut on the left of the stand just above the corner flag and served a range of goodies, although the high prices of York were reflected here, paying £2.90 for a pie, £3.50 for a burger, £2.20 for a brew etc. My dad opted for a meat and potato pie which he really didn't think was worth the price, although the chicken balti pie seemed a hit among the other supporters. The stewards were relaxed and friendly enough. The game was quite lively, with Morecambe winning comfortably 4-1. The home support was very quiet and subdued, no singing, although they did get behind York when they were on the attack.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Just a quick brisk wall back to the car and easy access back to the roundabouts and the road back, although there was a lot of traffic and a lot of queues but we got going after 15-20 minutes.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
A very good day out, York is a pretty city to visit and the game was good to watch, made all the better by a good thumping win for the Shrimps away from home to continue a good run of form both at the Globe and away from home too. Would definitely visit again next season if both teams stay up.
York City v Tamworth
Conference Premier
Saturday, April 16th 2011, 3pm
Luke Barber (Tamworth fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be)?
I have been to York on a number of occasions previously. But this was a really important game as York had mounted a serious challenge on the play offs and also had our most successful managerial duo of Gary Mills and Darron Gee at the management helm. Whereas my team (Tamworth) were in a relegation battle and had lost the manager only 2 days previously. So I wasn’t looking forward to the game itself as I fully expected York to be too strong on the day.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking:
A group of five of us went on the train and we left Tamworth at 07:46 and arrived in York at 09.45, so we had plenty of time to get our barings and a lot of research was done, so it was fairly easy to find the ground via foot. From previous experience, it is a very difficult place to drive round and not much in the way of parking nearby as some of the streets are for badge holders only.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
We had plenty of time around the City Centre and we found a number of pubs that were happy to have our custom and were very friendly. We ate in the morning and that sufficed until we headed back after the game. We didn’t really see any York fans around, quite surprisingly for a club of their size.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
Having been on a number of occasions, I already knew what to expect. The away end at York is on the basic side with a big open terrace. The remainder of the ground includes two good sized seated stands and a covered terrace which housed the more vocal York followers.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, toilets etc..
The game for us was superb with us running out 2-1 victors in a surprising result so everyone was understandable over the moon. The atmosphere from York was quiet for the vast majority and it is always hard to generate any noise on the open away terrace. The stewards are always friendly and whilst they monitor the away fans, don’t really get involved too much and always let us enjoy the game. The toilets are poor and open to the elements, but I didn’t mind this.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
A very easy 20 minute walk back to Station and it didn’t seem that busy so assumed that everyone got off ok in a good amount of time.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
A fantastic day in a lovely city with a very unexpected victory. I will definitely be going up to York again next season, for another enjoyable day out and hopefully another victory to follow.