Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Boston United

The Jakemans Stadium

Capacity: 6,778
Address: York Street, Boston, Lincs, PE21 6JN
Telephone: 01205 364406
Pitch Size: To be advised
Pitch Type: Grass
Club Nickname: The Pilgrims
Year Ground Opened: 1933*
Undersoil Heating: No
Home Kit: Amber and Black Stripes


                    
                    

A rather picturesque ground that looks well balanced as all four stands are roughly of the same height. The Main Stand on one side of the pitch, is a good-sized, covered all seated stand. It’s only drawback are a couple of supporting pillars. It is single tiered, with the team dugouts located out front and incorporates the Directors Box. The other side, the Spayne Road Stand, is a smaller, newish covered terrace. It is so low that house roofs behind are clearly visible. The Town End is a fair-sized partly covered terrace (to the rear). The other end, the York Street Stand is a strange affair. It is raised above pitch level, meaning that spectators have to climb a staircase at the front to reach the seating area (which is mostly benches), whilst below to the front is a small terrace that has a block of seats directly behind the goal. The ground has a striking set of floodlights and something that I haven’t seen for a long time, flags fluttering in the wind, on each of the stand roofs.

In 2009 the ground was renamed the Jakemans Stadium in a corporate sponsorship deal. However many fans still refer to it as ‘York Street.’

With the building of a new stadium (see below) this will be the Club’s last season at York Street. So if you have never visited it, then make time to do so during this 2019/20 season or you will miss out on visiting a classic looking ground.

After a number of lengthy delays, the Club have commenced with the building of a new 5,000 capacity stadium, located South West of the town, just off the A16 near Woodside. This is part of a wider regeneration project known as the Quadrant, which includes housing. The new stadium is due to open in August 2020. Artists impressions of the new stadium and details of the wider regeneration project for the area (the works for part of which have which have commenced) can be viewed on the Quadrant Project website.

A Computerised Image Of How The New Stadium Will Look
(Courtesy of the Quadrant Project website)

New Boston United Stadium

York Street is one of a dying breed of old traditional grounds, with plenty of character. Coupled with a number of good pubs nearby in the town centre and normally a warm welcome, then it is usually a good day out. If less than 200 away fans are expected then they are housed in the small terrace at the front of the York Street Stand. If more than 200 are expected then the larger Town End Terrace, opposite, is allocated instead. This can house up to 2,050 spectators.

With a new stadium for Boston United on the horizon, then if you haven’t ever visited York Street, then have a chance to visit before it closes, then it may be wise to do so.

There is a Sports Bar at the ground called the Pilgrim Lounge that admits away fans. Otherwise there is the  Coach & Horses pub on Main Ridge, which is the nearest pub to the ground. It serves the excellent locally brewed Batemans ales and is listed in the Camra Good Beer Guide.

Ken Fox informs me; ‘The Coach & Horses on Main Ridge is the nearest pub to the ground. It serves the excellent Batemans ales which are locally brewed’. On the same road is the Eagle Chippy, which is normally busy on matchdays. Otherwise the ground is only a five minute walk away from the town centre, where there are plenty of good pubs to be found. The Eagle, in West Street near to the railway station and Wetherspoons outlet on the High Street called the Moon Under Water are both Good Beer Guide listed.

Pete Brooksbank recommends ‘the Robin Hood pub. Which is down the High Street, about a five minute walk from the ground over the river – where yet another excellent pint of Batemans awaits!’

From The North
From the A1 take the A17 towards Sleaford/Boston. After passing Sleaford take the A1121 towards Boston and then onto the A52. On entering Boston you pass Boston station on your left and then pass the junction with the A16 Spalding Road on your right. Go over the small Haven Bridge and straight along into John Adams Way (dual carriageway), the floodlights of the ground can be clearly seen on the right. Turn right at the next traffic lights, into Main Ridge, then take the next right into York Street.

From The South
From the A1 take the A43 towards Stamford and then on entering Stamford Town Centre take the A16 towards Market Deeping/Spalding and then onto Boston. On entering Boston you will go over a railway crossing. Bear right at the next set of traffic lights (signposted Boston College). Go over the small Haven Bridge and straight along John Adams Way (dual carriageway), the floodlights of the ground can be clearly seen on the right. Turn right at the next traffic lights, into Main Ridge, then take the next right into York Street.

Car Parking
There is no car parking as such for fans (unless you are a permit holder) at the ground itself. So you will need to either park in one of the town centre pay and display car parks or seek street parking.

Boston Railway Station is located just under a mile from the ground and is around a 10-15 minute walk away from York Street.

Head down Station Street towards the large church tower. At the end is a Police Station, bear right down the right hand side of the station and head over the river footbridge. Once across turn right up the alleyway, into Church Lane.  Keep going straight on, past the Britannia Inn and then cross the street to go down South Street. Take a left turn into Spain Lane and at its end you will come to a dual carriageway. The ground is clearly visible on the opposite side of it.

Booking train tickets in advance will normally save you money! Find train times, prices and book tickets with Trainline. Visit the website below to see how much you can save on the price of your tickets:

Seating
Adults £15
Concessions £11
Under 17’s £5
1 Adult + 1 Child £17
1 Adult + 2 Children £21
2 Adults + 2 Children £34

Terrace
Adults £13
Concessions £10
Under 17’s £4
1 Adult + 1 Child £15
1 Adult + 2 Children £18
2 Adults + 2 Children £30

Boston United FC fixture list (takes you to the BBC Sports Website).

If you require hotel accommodation in Boston 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. Just click on “Search” below or on the hotel of interest on the map below to select dates, get prices and more information. The map is centered on the football ground. However, you can drag the map around or click on +/- to reveal more hotels in the town centre or further afield.

 

If you require hotel accommodation in Boston, then first try a hotel booking service provided by Late Rooms. 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 go to help with the running costs of keeping the Guide going. The Hotels listing also includes details of how far away the accommodation is located from the Jakemans Stadium in Boston (showm as distance from centre).

Access their Boston Hotels and Guest Houses pages.

Kings Lynn, Lincoln City and Stamford.

Official Programme £3

Record Attendance

11,000 v Derby County
FA Cup 3rd Round Replay, 9th January 1974

Average Attendance
2018-2017: 1,093 (National League North)
2017-2018: 1,053 (National League North)
2016-2017: 1,116 (National League North)

Special thanks to Peter Ratledge for providing the photos of the Jakemans York Street Stadium, Boston United.

If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, please e-mail me at: contact@footballgroundguide.com and I’ll update the guide.

  • Boston United v North Ferriby United
    Conference North
    Monday 21st April 2014, 3pm
    Chris O'Keeffe (Neutral supporter)

    Why you were looking forward to going to the York Street ground?

    I was really looking forward to visiting York Street. As a young boy I bought 100 Boston United programmes for £5 in Ingoldmells on holiday. I have had a soft spot for them ever since. From what I'd seen in pictures, this was a lovely 'old school' ground to see.

    How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?    

    It was a nice steady journey from South Yorkshire to Lincolnshire on the East Coast at just under two hours with the use of my sat-nav. Parking does seem limited but if you're nice and early (2 hours +) before kick off you'll find a bit of street parking right next to the stadium, just like I did.

    What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?    

    Before the game, I had a look around the club shop and the ticket office area before heading to the Pilgrim Bar at the ground. It's a very large space with big screen TV showing sport and a large bar with plenty of drink selections.

    What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium?    

    I was excited from the beginning on arrival. The four large floodlights towering over the area. The old run down look. The away end is very strange and doesn't resemble a 'normal' stand. The rest is glorious. Two terraced stands and a seated Main Stand. Another great feature is the view of St. Botolph's Church (said to be the largest parish church in England) from inside the ground behind the Town End.

    Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..    

    The game was a typical non-league affair, all blood, guts and thunder. The atmosphere was great too with the end of season vibe to it. Boston missed out on a play-off place while North Ferriby already had their spot guaranteed. Stewards were very friendly and approachable and the burger and bovril were of a good standard.

    Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

    Straight out of the terrace and in to my car parked at the stand wall and away back to Yorkshire.

    Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

    Such a great old ground steeped in history. This place it appears will soon be no more, such a shame and all the more reason for people to see it. I'll be returning a few more times before the club leaves for sure.

  • Boston United v FC Halifax Town

    National League North

    Saturday 10th October 2016, 3pm

    Michael Cromack (FC Halifax Town)

     
    Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Jakemans Stadium?
     
    It was just a place that sounded intriguing, not that far away and a ground not yet visited.
     
    How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
     
    One or two changes on the train and a short walk to the ground. I only wished I had done my homework and got there a bit earlier. The town of Boston looked to have medieval history to it. So it would have been nice to have had a walk around the town and a visit to a pub of course.
     
    What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
     
    I got there about 15 minutes before kick off with just enough time for a warm cuppa.
     
    What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Jakemans Stadium?
     
    This is one of footballs real grounds the sort that were all over the country in the 1970s. Four huge floodlight pylons made for a good homing in guide, close to the centre of the town, four solid stands, no frills, or corporate hospitality boxes. Everything geared to the real fan who wants nothing more than to turn up and cheer on his team. 
     
    Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
     
    Town were on top for much of the game and ran up a 4-1 victory to maintain their good start to the season. Good turn out by the travelling Shaymen who were in fine voice throughout the match.
     
    Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
     
    A pretty straightforward back to the station the train arriving conveniently just as I walked on to the platform.
     
    Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
     
    I was just a bit disappointed at not having time to walk around the town but job done, an away win and another ground ticked off.
  • Boston United v Tamworth
    National League North
    Saturday 6th January 2018, 3pm
    Daniel Turner (Neutral – but happy to see Boston win)

    Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Jakemans Stadium?
     
    I am a lover of old school grounds, the old floodlight pylons and old stands and terraces. I have been wanting to go to the York Street ground for many years but never have got the chance of going until now. I had also heard that the Club intend moving to a new stadium, so I had limited time to go!
     
    How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
     
    I came up from North Essex for this visit. Ee left about 9:30am and arrived in Boston at 1pm (including a 30 minute stop). It was a very cold frosty start in which we were worried about a frozen pitch but those worries were gone as we tracked up the A14 to be prone to Winter Sunshine!
     
    What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
     
    Before the game we had two hours to kill, I went to collect my ticket and got a pin badge and programme then headed into the Pilgrim Lounge and had a read of my programme, I was so excited to get in the ground I went in when the gates were open to get empty ground photos.
     
    What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Jakemans Stadium?
     
    It lived up to my expectations. I loved how tight the ground was. The tiered stand behind the goal was one out of the blue. I can’t recall ever seeing a similar one. I really liked the old fashioned goal nets, a triangle net.
     
    Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
     
    The game was really good with four goals, with the home side winning so I was pleased. (So relieved I never saw a 0-0!)
     
    Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
     
    A little slow as the town is small and there was traffic after the game, hopped in the car but we was facing the wrong way out so we had to swing round somehow but we did and a few traffic light so later we weren’t heading back down south.
     
    Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
     
    Brilliant day out at York Street, one of the more expensive admissions at that level but for a ground like this who cares? It has to be my favourite non league ground I’ve done. In my eyes it’s a perfect ground and the people of Boston are very lucky to have this ground, I would love to watch football here every week!
  • Boston United v Blyth Spartans
    National League North
    Saturday 27th January 2018, 3pm
    John Hague (Blyth Spartans fan)

    Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Jakemans Stadium?
     
    Once the fixtures came out this was the first game I looked for. I just love York Street, it is my all-time favourite football grounds. A fantastic mix of old and new with four corner floodlight pylons… ahh. What a crying shame that the ground will soon be no more. I've even climbed the Boston Stump in the past just to get a ground shot from above. I think if I wasn't a Blyth supporter I'd follow The Pilgrims, I love the amber and black kit, everything.
     
    How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
     
    York Street is so easy to find just look for the floodlights like we always did in the 1970s. I always park on Rowley Street and as I always try to get there early I rarely have a problem. Be warned though Boston's road system is prone to being gridlocked especially with people queuing onto a roundabout to get to the McDonald's drive-thru.
     
    What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
     
    Dave Gray and I had an early start from Leicester and a cheeky Micky D's breakfast in Spalding before heading to the RSPB's fantastic nature reserve at Frampton Marsh for a spot of bird watching. After a few hours of getting blasted by wind and driving rain we headed to the ground. My modus operandi at York Street is always to arrive early and walk around the outside of the ground taking photographs. being a rain sodden day, Dave and I had a whole host of opportunities for photos including reflection shots. Deciding we should dry out and warm up we headed for the very welcoming social club, The Pilgrim Lounge. A couple of nice beers on and it gave us the opportunity to chat to other Blyth fans as home fans. I always enjoy the banter. Before heading in I headed off to the shop for an amber and black bar scarf for the collection. I also pointed John McClure to a secret supply of pin badges in the club offices.
     
    What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Jakemans Stadium?
     
    I've said it once and I'll say it again, York Street is perfect a blend of old and new. A food bar built under a floodlight pylon, life doesn't get better. Always a great atmosphere.
     
    Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
     
    The less said about Blyth's performance the better. Nice pie and chips but a lack of mushy peas, gravy or mint sauce is criminal.
     
    Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
     
    Easy, Rowley Street is perfect for getting back on to the ring road and heading home for me.
     
    Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
     
    Another visit to one of my favourite grounds is always a pleasure, win lose or draw (I've still never seen us win there).
  • Boston United v Blyth Spartans
    National League North
    Tuesday 19th November 2019, 7.45pm
    John Hague (Blyth Spartans)

    Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Jakemans Stadium?
     
    This is York Street's last season and so this will be the first of hopefully a few visits to this gem. I still can't get my head around it going for good. I also pleased to say that thanks to a book United People my photos of the ground from Boston Stump will live forever in the British Library as I was asked to supply the cover photos. What an honour and what a tribute to the old girl.
     
    Ground With The "Boston Stump" In the Background
    How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
     
    Apart from heavy traffic leaving Leicester we made good time to the ground. I wasn't driving for once. Mark W complained about parking so we directed him to Rowley Street a couple of streets away. He was pleasantly surprised by the ease of it all.
     
    What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
     
    Before the game, I just had to take photos of those magnificent floodlights. It's going to be such a loss to tradition when they've gone. Then it was into the ground for more photos and food. One of the great things about non-league is also being able to chat to players warming up, giving them our good wishes or giving them a bit of stick.
     
    What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Jakemans Stadium?
     
    Being my favourite ground it still thrills me to see those lights. Football under lights is just so much better. The ground is perfect. Two fantastic terraces, the old York Street Stand with wooden benches and a shallow paddock and a cracking Main Stand that always puts me in mind of Burnden Park's Burnden Stand but without a paddock. Rip off the new Mick George adverts and replace it the adverts for Mother's Pride, Embassy No 6 and Scoggins Fish and Chips and you're back in the 1970s. Boston are doing retro programmes this season but why not bring back the half-time A-Z scoreboards?
     
    Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
     
    The stewards are generally friendly and I don't think 17 hardy away fans were going to cause the lonely steward any upset. So he was chatting about the club and how a lot of what makes a Boston matchday special will lost in an out-of-town ground. After our thrilling 4-4 draw on Saturday at Kettering and with a number of key players absent we weren't expecting much. The 2-0 home win, however, flattered the Pilgrims and with a fit striker, we could have easily taken one or all the points. However, unless we draw Boston in the FA Trophy I will end my association with York Street without a Blyth win. The pie and chips were good but still no mushy peas or mint sauce. They did have gravy though.
     
    Those Wooden Benches
    Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
     
    Easy, apart from Boston's ring road.
     
    Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
     
    I can't say I was upset at the result, we've never won there but I was sad that's the last time I'll be there… at least with Blyth.
  • Boston United v AFC Telford
    National League North
    22nd February 2020, 3pm
    Martin Thirkettle (Neutral)

    Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Jakemans Stadium?

    Never been to the ground before and never really been to Boston. I had passed through previously but not stopped off there. I wanted to go to York Street (a good old traditional football ground but mow called the Jakemans Stadium) before they moved to their new stadium on the southern edge of the town. I passed it on the way in and looks well on the way to completion (although I understand that only two sides will be open in time for next season).

    How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

    An easy journey from Norwich – under 2 hours and I found on-street parking within a couple of minutes walk of the ground.

    What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?

    I had looked online for a decent pre-match venue and had come up with Goodbarns Yard (a really decent hidden gem near the church in the centre of town). Great food, real ale and very friendly staff – I would highly recommend it. Given the club's present location, it was only about 10 minutes walk from the ground. I had some good banter with some Boston fans outside the ground who were not looking forward to the out of town location of the new stadium. I also had some fun with one of their stewards (who admitted to being an Ipswich fan) – my how we laughed!

    What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Jakemans Stadium?

    A proper football ground with real floodlights!. We sat in the Main Stand behind the dug outs – always good for getting a manager's perspective on a game! There was a small roofed terrace opposite us with a larger terrace stand behind the goal to our right, which is the home end. The Away Stand was a combination of seats behind terracing – an interesting design.

    Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..

    The game was played at a great pace and was highly entertaining, particularly given the very tricky wind conditions. Boston won 1-0 with a first-half penalty – a clear decision and once again it was great to be watching a game untroubled by the dreaded VAR! Telford put up a good fight but Boston could have won by more. The facilities basic but fine – the guy in front of us had a decent looking pie and mushy peas which he devoured in record time! There was a quite a good atmosphere. I was impressed by the noise from the Boston home end and the stewards were absolutely fine (even the Ipswich one!). There was a decent crowd of over 1200.

    Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

    A quick getaway from the ground. A bit of a wait to get out onto the 'ring road' but only 5-10 minutes so nothing horrendous.

    Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

    I'm really glad we went to see the old ground in all its glory. I would certainly recommend a visit if you can fit one in before the end of the season. The current location close to the town centre is brilliant for seeing the town and using facilities within a few minutes walk of the ground. I can see why locals are not too happy with the new location – Costa, KFC and McDonalds rather than a decent local pub/cafe on the doorstep. They seem a passionate bunch so I hope it all works out for them.

Updated 19th June 2020
See 6 Reviews