Part of the Scarborough Sports Village, Flamingo Land Stadium was first constructed in 2016 and originally had a capacity of 2,070. However, in 2019, a new stand was built which increased that figure to approximately 2,800, and was again increased in the summer of 2022. In its current form, the ground has a capacity of 3,252.
The Adverset stand, which was constructed in 2019, is the reason behind the vast majority of the sharp increase in capacity at the stadium in recent years, and it is an excellent structure. A covered stand with a whopping 336 seats, the area also has a terraced standing section which can accommodate a further 802 spectators – it is truly remarkable, especially when you consider that it was built while the Seadogs were still playing their football at Step Three.
Opposite the Adverset stand is the main stand, which has 250 seats, while there is further standing areas at the North and South ends of the ground. In total, the Flamingo Land Stadium boasts 586 seats – a very impressive figure for a side competing at the National League level.
The on-site clubhouse, which is located at the top of the main stand, includes a bar and also has sponsor facilities, while the club shop is situated pitch-side.
Construction of the ground began in 2016 after Scarborough were exiled from their previous ground for 10 years, and as a result, it should be no surprise to learn that the stadium is incredibly modern.
Technically just seven years old, it is incredibly likely that the ground will continue to grow and develop as the needs of the club also continue to do so, and fans will be hoping that after a turbulent last decade, the Flamingo Land Stadium will be a consistent source of security for the foreseeable future.
As most grounds are at this level, the Flamingo Land Stadium is relatively warm-welcoming towards all travelling supporters. The clubhouse usually opens at 12:30pm, and is more often than not accessible to all spectators, whether they be home or away fans.
For a match in which segregation is in place, away supporters will be provided with their own exclusive entrance, which is usually the turnstiles at what is referred to as the ‘Swimming Pool End’.
In the majority of matches, away supporters will be allocated the terraced standing area in section D, as well as all seats in the new away-end seated stand.
With the clubhouse serving drinks from 12:30pm onwards it is an excellent choice as a location for some pre-match beers. However, if you are a traditionalist and enjoy a cheeky visit to the local pub before the game, then do not worry, Scarborough has you covered in this department too. Local pubs include:
- The Valley Bar– 51 Valley Rd, Scarborough YO11 2LX
- The Scholars Bar – 6 Somerset Terrace, Scarborough YO11 2PA
- The Courtyard – 4-6 Vernon Rd, Scarborough YO11 2NH
The most significant development at the Flamingo Land Stadium, at least from a capacity point of view, has of course been the construction of the Adverset Stand in 2019. Aside from adding space for 802 spectators in a terraced standing section, it also enabled the Seadogs to more than double its previous seated capacity at the ground.
Other recent developments also include a new marquee being installed at the Victory Bar, a new club shop installed and online ticketing services implemented.
At the time of writing, there are also plans for “better fan segregation, a dedicated away end, improved toilet facilities, new wheelchair viewing areas and a giant scoreboard. Plans are also well underway for a new club office and fan zone behind the shed end”, as per the club’s official website.
We cannot talk about the history of the Flamingo Land Stadium without at least touching upon the wider context of the club as a whole.
Originally, the Seadogs were named Scarborough FC and played the vast majority of their football at their previous home, Athletic Stadium, also known as the McCain Stadium for sponsorship reasons. However, when the club went bust in 2007, the ground was left vacant and was eventually demolished four years later.
It was in 2007 that Scarborough Athletic FC were formed, although they were immediately exiled from the town, and the Seadogs were forced to ground share with Bridlington Town FC. It is for that reason that the Flamingo Land Stadium is loved so dearly by all those associated with the club – after all, without its construction, they may never have been able to return to their place of origin.
Opened in 2017, the first match to be hosted at the ground occurred on July 15 of the same year and saw the side take on current Premier League outfit Sheffield United.
You could be forgiven for thinking that given its very recent construction, developments on the ground will have been few and far between since its opening – but, remarkably, that is not the case.
A new stand, improved hospitality facilities and general matchday experience upgrades have all been implemented during its short life so far. With plenty more improvements in the works, the Flamingo Land Stadium is still far from what will likely be its finished state.
From the west
You will want to take the A64 into Scarborough, and, after passing a Lidl and Peugeot t garage, you will arrive at a set of traffic lights. At these lights, turn right onto Valley Road, at which point you will arrive at a roundabout.
Head straight over this roundabout before taking the next right onto Ashburn Road. Continue straight until you reach the end of this road, at which point you will arrive at the Flamingo Land Stadium.
From the North and South
Regardless of which of these two directions you are travelling from, you will want to head towards the aforementioned A64. From the North, this would likely be via either the A170 or the A171, while from the south your best bet is probably the A64 itself.
Once on the A64, proceed to follow the same directions outlined above.
Car parking
Scarborough Athletic encourages all travelling fans to park in their on-site car parking facility. However, while this may feel particularly restrictive, keep in mind that this car park has 200 spaces and even comes with the added bonus of being completely free.
Arriving and departing the facility may take a little longer than usual given the unavoidable hike in traffic before and after games, so please take this into account when planning journey times.
Travelling ahead of matches by train is also an excellent option with Scarborough Railway Station located just one mile away from the ground. After arriving at the station, Turn left and start walking away from the town.
Cross over Belgrade Crescent when you arrive at the traffic lights and then walk through the bollards onto Londesborough Road. At this point, follow the road down the hill and the ground is signposted.
With that being said, it is worth noting that you will need to leave plenty of time for the initial travel time to the station itself. While from many of the country’s major cities, the journey can be done with just one change, given Scarborough’s relatively remote location, the journey can take anywhere between two and four hours to complete.
Matchday tickets at the Flamingo Land Stadium vary depending on whether you wish to acquire a seating or standing ticket. For standing, the prices are as follows:
- Adults – £15
- Concessions – £11
- Youth – £7
- Child – £1
For a seated ticket, the prices are as follows:
- Adults – £17
- Concessions – £13
- Youth – £7
- Child – £1
Current price of a matchday programme at Flamingo Land Stadium: £2.50
Over the years, the Seadogs have developed a fierce rivalry with local side Whitby Town FC, who are located just 20 miles away from the club.
The club do offer on-site disabled parking spaces, however, these are allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis, and therefore booking ahead of your visit is highly recommended.
There are also a total of 14 accessible seats at the ground, with disabled toilet facilities having also been implemented.
Finally, the club also provide live match commentary in the stadium, enhancing the matchday experience for supporters who have audio or visual impairment.
Record attendance
The Seadogs’ record attendance at the Flamingo Land Stadium is also respectable, with 3,205 spectators in attendance for a match against Darlington in 2023.
Average attendances
2023-2024: 1,589 (National League North)
2022-2023: 1,687 (National League North)
Official club website: https://www.scarboroughathletic.com/
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