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Bradford Park Avenue

Horsfall Stadium

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Capacity: 3,500 (Seats 1,800)
Club Nickname: Avenue
Year Opened: 1931*
Pitch Size: 110 x 70 yards
Address: Cemetery Road, Bradford, BD6 2NG
Phone: 0791 2271498
Pitch Type: Grass
Undersoil Heating: No
Home Kit: Green and White
Last Update: November 17, 2024

Horsfall Stadium is primarily a council owned athletics facility which is also used for football. It is dominated by one large seated stand on one side. This Main Stand which has 1,800 seats, is mostly covered but does have some portions of open seating to either side. It has a number of supporting pillars running across the front of it. which may impede your view. An interesting fact is that the seats in the Main Stand came from Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Although the open areas each side of this stand may appear to be for standing, in fact, supporters are not allowed to stand but must sit on the concrete. There are large notices saying ‘No Standing.’ At the Cemetery End situated directly behind the goal, the Club have erected a very small covered terrace. Comprising seven steps, the stand is not much taller than the goal itself and is around twice as wide. This stand is for home supporters only and has been christened the ‘Bus Shelter Terrace’ by the Park Avenue faithful. Otherwise, the rest of the stadium is primarily open with just a small flat standing area around the perimeter.

One of the main features of this ground is the brick built structure on the south side of the pitch. This actually resembles a house, but it contains the team dressing rooms, P.A. announcer and the Press. On the front of this structure there is an engraving in the wall which says: City of Bradford Horsfall Playing Fields. These grounds were opened on the 5th day of September 1931 by Alderman S Horsfall JP Chairman of the parks and cemeteries committee from 1913.

On the same side of the pitch as this structure is probably the smallest stand you will ever see! It has 29 new plastic tip up seats. However, this is where is gets even stranger – there is no access to the stand! It has perspex to each side and the front is completely closed in with a strong metal grill. The East End of the ground is overlooked by a number of houses that are set into the hill side above. As the stadium has an athletics track then fans are mostly set well back from the action.

There are four floodlight pylons on each side which do not get in the way.

There is a bar at the stadium itself, which welcomes away fans. Inside this clubhouse bar, you will find on display a fantastic model of the old Park Avenue ground. Other options include:

  • Chapel House – Chapel House Buildings, Low Moor, Bradford BD12 0HP
  • The Royal – 5 Wooller Rd, Low Moor, Bradford BD12 0RR
  • The Top House – 1023 Manchester Rd, Bradford BD5 8NF

Horsfall Stadium has a capacity of 3,500 with the bulk of this capacity coming via the main stand on the north side of the ground. This stand has 1,800 seats and is the only area of the stadium where fans can sit on a seat.

The two ends are terraces but interstingly, fans aren’t permitted to stand. They must sit on the concrete which isn’t exactly the comfiest of experiences.

Bizarrely, opposite the main stand is a tiny stand which has 29 seats. These seats are currently not used by the club as they fail to meet National League standards.

Leave the M62 at Junction 26 and take the M606 towards Bradford. Just before the end of the M606 take the left hand slip road signposted Ring Road West A6177. At the top of the slip road you will reach a roundabout at which you take the second exit towards Halifax (A6036).

You will pass Odsal Stadium on your left and at the next roundabout take the 3rd exit continuing on the A6036 towards Halifax. Horsfall Stadium is signposted from this roundabout. After one mile and immediately before the Childrens Nursery, turn a sharp left into Cemetery Road.

The stadium entrance is down on the left. There is a car park at the stadium which is free, otherwise there is street parking available along Cemetery Road.

The nearest railway station to the Horsfall Stadium is Low Moor which is located on the Bradford Interchange to Halifax line. An hourly service is in operation each way along the line. Low Moor station is located 1.3 miles away from the Horsfall Stadium and it is a steady uphill walk to the ground, which will take around 30 minutes.

Adult £10
Senior Citizens & Students (with current NUS card) £8
Under 17’s £1

Official Programme £2.

Bradford City, FC Halifax Town and Guiseley.

2022-2023: 568 (National League North)
2021-2022: 492 (National League North)
2020-2021: N/A (Covid)
2019-2020: N/A (Covid)
2018-2019: 524 (National League North)
2017-2018: 495 (National League North)
2016-2017: 454 (National League North)

Reviews

Avatar of John Warcup John Warcup
Game AttendedBradford Park Avenue v Boston Utd
CompetitionVanarama National League, North
Date30/08/2021

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the ground itself?

Always been impressed with the name and with living in Derby was always keen to know more about the club that sold the Rams Kevin Hector.

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

Thanks to reasonable information gleaned from football ground guide it was easy to connect with the local transport arrangements to find the stadium.

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

Went in the clubhouse bar and enjoyed friendly banter with not only home fans but also a good contingent of visiting supporters from Lincolnshire. My wife's Mum and Dad were publicans at the nearby New Inn when Boston used to play at York Street so was already aware of their healthy home and away following. Both sets of fans were welcoming and friendly and a nice atmosphere was created.

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

Thought it was a beautiful ground, large but not too far from the action on the pitch. Plentiful seating and good shelter should the weather turn inclement. Wirdcif warning though the admission charge remain the same whether you choose to sit or stand but there are age concessions. On the whole the ground does not let itself down and even with a running track it remains compact but equally imposing. A well kept and presented stadium.

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

Good end to end action, just about deserved 2-1 victory for the visitors. Cracking equaliser from BPA to peg back Boston's early opener, screaming top corner effort courtesy of Dean Windass's lad. Taught him well Deano !! Being Bradford delicious Indian samosas and lamb kebabs were the dishes of the day with generous £5 combo variations of both delicacies flying off the shelves. Beer is well kept and very courteous and helpful bar staff and stewards.

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game

As it was a bank holiday the buses were at 30 minute intervals so if you'd just missed one that is the longest you would be waiting !! Seemed to be a good and punctual service down Halifax Road towards Bradford Interchange (the recommended preferred rail head to use...)

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out

Cracking day out at the footie with welcoming like-minded folk. Was glad I went, football like it used to be !!
Avatar of Michael Cromack Michael Cromack
Game AttendedBradford Park avenue vs Fc Halifax town
CompetitionNorthern premier league
Date24/01/2011

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the ground itself?

Ground not yet visited and not too long a journey as I live near Wakefield

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

Went on a dummy run the previous week. Not far from the M62 and parking available around the ground

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

Tried to get a drink in the clubhouse before kick off but it was too busy so my eldest son, workmate and myself gave it up as a bad job and took up 3 spare seats in the middle of the main and only stand at the ground

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

Without being too critical with it being an athletics ground the view of the pitch from the main stand was quite good and the players emerged from a curious but charming looking pavilion like building opposite. Flat standing on the other 3 sides of the ground. No segregation in place which is a good thing

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

Town in charge from the kick off although it was difficult for both sides due to a strong wind. Town ran out fairly comfortable 4 - 1 winners

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game

Not a big turnout so no congestion coming out of the ground and a fairly straightforward journey home

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out

A satisfying away win to strengthen Town's promotion push
Avatar of Jeremy Gold (Neutral) Jeremy Gold (Neutral)

Bradford Park Avenue v Ashton United
National League North
Saturday 17th November 2018, 3pm
Jeremy Gold (Neutral)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Horsfall Stadium?
 
I don't live too far away and adding Bradford Park Avenue to my list of National League North grounds was definitely one I was looking forward to. They were riding high at the top of the league and had great support when I saw them earlier on in the season at FC United.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
It was a bit of a tricky journey from Lancashire due to the ongoing Northern Rail train strikes. I managed a couple of bus journeys to get me to Halifax where another short bus hop saw me arrive at the ground. It's a very short walk down the main road to the stadium.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
There are a couple of pub options on the main road but not being much of a drinker I went straight into the ground to have a wander around. This included a great little chat with the match officials who were warming up on one side. Tell me where you would get that in the Premier League!
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Horsfall Stadium?
 
It's an interesting ground situated at a running stadium with a large covered stand along the side and a very odd little covered standing area situated behind one of the goals on the track. The changing rooms are situated in a large building on one side of the stadium. The ground is a little tired but perfectly adequate for the level they find themselves in at the moment. It would be interesting if they got promoted and started playing some bigger teams.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
An absolute cracker, Ashton found themselves two up for almost the entire game before a mad last ten minutes saw the home team finally get themselves together and knock in three unanswered goals. You had to feel for Ashton as to be fair they would have been full value for a victory. There is a nice little clubhouse and as usual, everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
I walked back up to the main road to catch the three buses back home which in the end turned out to be four. There was only a small crowd so it wasn't too busy walking up the road.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
There is something quite nice about a visit to Bradford Park Avenue, despite the athletics track and a tired stadium. You have a set of fans who love their club and are obviously very proud of it. Good luck to them and I hope they one day get back to their former glories.
Avatar of Brian Scott (Neutral) Brian Scott (Neutral)

Bradford Park Avenue v Southport
National League North
Monday 7th August 2017, 7.45pm
Brian Scott (Neutral Ipswich Town fan)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Horsfall Stadium?
 
By some careful planning I had worked out that I could watch a match in the National League North on three consecutive nights, and this was the first on the Monday evening.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
When I was planning this visit I was expecting to have to catch a bus from Bradford Interchange and was concerned that there might not be one suitable at the end of the match. However, I was delighted to find that there is a new railway station at Low Moor which I used. From there it is a steady walk uphill all the way to the ground. Great coming back though!
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
I travelled up from Stowmarket by train and had booked into the Premier Inn not too far from Bradford Interchange station. I had a meal in the Wetherspoons not too far from the station. Then caught an early train to Low Moor to give me time to explore the ground before kick off.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Horsfall Stadium?
 
I had my usual wander around the whole ground enjoying its many quirky features. After reading about it in this guide, I had a look in the club bar at the model of the old Park Avenue ground and the photograph to put it into context. Very interesting. I spent some time trying to find out more information about the 'house' type structure on one side of the ground which is now houses the dressing rooms, press and PA announcer etc. There is an engraving on the front wall which says, "City of Bradford, Horsfall Playing Fields, These grounds were opened on the 5th day of September 1931 by Alderman S Horsfall JP. Chairman of the Parks and Cemeteries Committee from 1913." In my quest for more information, I ended up, (by mistake) talking to the Bradford manager! I was also asking about the very strange stand that is on this side of the pitch. This contains only 29 new tip-up seats and is impossible to get in! It has perspex at each end and a metal grill across the front. I was reliably informed that it was built a few years ago to comply with ground regulations should Bradford Park Avenue ever be promoted to the next league as they must have two sections of seats. I was informed that it is never, or very rarely used! I also asked a senior looking man on the main car park gate who was checking in people from a list. A smart man gave me his name assuming I was in charge as I had paper and pen in hand!
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
Bradford Park Avenue scored in the 9th minute, but the equaliser came twenty minutes later. This was after several goalmouth clearances until it eventually went in. In the 58th minute, Bradford had a player sent off for a bad tackle. It was all square until the final minutes of play when Southport managed to get the winner. For such an open ground the atmosphere was quite good with either side having a drummer. The Southport drummer was a young lad aged about 8 and his drum was nearly as big as he was. Having said that he was good. The home drummer had a smaller drum, but his actually made more noise especially when he was in the small stand right behind the goal. Incidentally, when I was having my walk around the ground I was told that I had to have a ticket to stand there. I was allowed a quick look to enable me to count the number of steps. I had quite a chat with a local who was very friendly. He turned out to be a volunteer groundsman and he said that he could get me into the little stand should I wish.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
It was a relatively easy walk downhill to the Low Moor station and then back into Bradford Interchange and the Premier Inn. The next day onto Whitley Bay for my hotel and then bus to Blyth, to watch my next game at Blyth Spartans.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
It was a very relaxed atmosphere and all in all, it turned out to be the best of my three visits that week.
Avatar of Anthony Hanley (Neutral) Anthony Hanley (Neutral)

Bradford Park Avenue v Gloucester City
National League North
Saturday 4th March 2017, 3pm
Anthony Hanley (Neutral Fan) 

The Journey.
It is a bit of a hike from my home in North London. At Bradford Interchange station you get the escalator upstairs to the spacious and smart bus station and head for Bus Stand F to catch the No. 681 to Halifax. (It makes sense to buy a Plusbus ticket with your rail ticket as its only £3 for unlimited bus travel). This service runs every 30 minutes and I caught the 2:05 pm bus. I timed the journey at 14 minutes. Once you pass the rugby ground at the roundabout on your left you are only 2 or 3 stops from your destination. Get off at Cemetery Road. If you pass a nursery on your left you’ve gone past it! However on my bus I counted eight Avenue fans, most wearing the green and white, and I simply followed them. From the bus stop it’s a short walk down the narrow Cemetery Road to the Horsfall Stadium at the bottom.

The Location
I like Bradford. Money and effort has been put into making it a smart and worthwhile place to visit. I was going to re-visit the National Media Museum which is close to the station and has free admission. Previously I’d found it a bit dog-eared and uncared for but unfortunately time was tight so I skipped it.

The Ground
No football club would choose to move to an athletics stadium, it’s a ‘needs must’ decision. Mostly it doesn’t really work (e.g. the Withdean Stadium, The Don Valley) and impairs the spectator experience. But sometimes it is a success (Gateshead Stadium) and the Horsfall Stadium is a case in point. Bradford Park Avenue have inherited a Main Stand which suits their needs admirably. Large and capacious it extends along most of the length of one touchline with terracing either side of it. The seating is at quite a steep angle and the running track is a narrow affair of six lanes so you are not far from the pitch and have an excellent view of the action. 90% of the crowd gathered here. Behind one goal is one of the smallest stands I’ve ever seen outside of a Subbuteo set. This was where the vocal fans from either side stood when their team were attacking that goal. Apart from a few fans scattered around the perimeter near the club house facing the Main Stand (reminiscent of and old pub or hotel) that was it.

Programmes were only on sale inside the club shop close to the turnstiles (lack of volunteers I assume). Go to the club shop of most big league teams and you are confronted by an antiseptically clean, soulless and dull place flogging over-priced trash. At Bradford Park Avenue it was cramped, cluttered, a bit chaotic – and fantastic. There was a big selection of old programmes from many clubs and eras. They had an impressive selection of FA.Cup Final programmes which were reasonably priced (I picked up a copy of Everton v West Brom from 1968 for £4).In addition there was an array of specialist and unusual books, enamel badges and more besides. It was heart-warming to find such a place.

I popped into the club bar at half-time to catch the current scores. Seemed to have an interesting selection of beers on sale.

The Match
The pitch was a little heavy with moisture and cut up easily. One of the penalty areas was quite heavily sanded which is something you don’t see too often nowadays. Interestingly Avenue sport shirts and shorts more commonly associated with Glasgow Celtic (or should that be the other way round?). The first 45 minutes were utterly unmemorable. I can’t recall any goal attempts or incidents. In fact I was distracted by the tiny ball boy working in front of the Main Stand who covered acres of ground scampering around retrieving loose balls. The second half was an improvement. Within ten minutes of the re-start Gloucester City had worked the ball to Zack Kotwica directly in front of goal who had the easy task of putting them one up. Naturally Avenue responded but the visitors were comfortable in repelling their unimaginative attacks. In fact Gloucester looked the more likely to score on the break and held on for a regulation three points. The defeat ended struggling Bradford’s season-best run of three wins on the trot.

Getting Away
The return bus stop is directly across the road from where I’d arrived and the bus came precisely as scheduled at 5:12pm. Only 11 minutes to get back to Bradford Interchange. I decided to head early back to Leeds to pick up my connecting train to Kings Cross. Now if you want a night out, or even a few drinks, you might wish to linger in Leeds which was absolutely swarming with people out for a good time.

Final Thoughts
I was interested to see how the former League club was getting on nowadays and I enjoyed my trip to Bradford Park Avenue more than I thought I would. It’s not swish and swanky but there were plenty of smiles, jokes and good-natured joshing among these friendly, stalwart and heroic fans to make a visit worthwhile.