Last Update:
July 22, 2024
The ground is set into the side of a hill which gives it an enclosed but very green look. On one side is the relatively new Main (East) Stand. This single-tiered, covered, seated stand, has had a chequered history. It was originally constructed during the 2001/02 season, but due to financial problems it was left unfinished for some years, before the work re-commenced in 2009, with the stand finally opening in 2010. The stand is of a fair size, having a capacity of 3,500 and has some corporate hospitality boxes located at the back of it. There are windshields to either side and it has a rather odd look with a large area for wheelchair supporters being incorporated half way up on one side. The stand disappointingly has a shallow angle, meaning that spectators seated at the back of the Stand are situated quite far away from the playing action. The players tunnel and team dugouts are located on this side.
Opposite is the covered all-seated Skircoat Stand. This old-looking stand has a line of supporting pillars running across the front of it. It was opened a couple of years after the Club moved into the Shay in 1921. The roof of the stand pre-dates this, as it once was in place at Manchester City’s old Hyde Road Ground, which Manchester City left in 1923 to move to Maine Road. The Skircoat Stand doesn’t run the full length of the pitch and has grassy banks to either side. There are also a number of large trees that can be seen on the hill behind it, giving the ground a rural feel.
Both ends are good-sized covered terraces, both of which were built in the late 1990s. However, the North Terrace is only open for the bigger matches. One ‘hangover’ from the delays of the building of the Main Stand is that in the South East corner of the stadium there is the steelwork erected for what was going to be a hospitality area, but this was not completed along with the Main Stand.
In early 2024, Calderdale Council, the current owners of the Shay, announced their plans to sell the stadium. The Council stated that the sale would give them a huge boost in cash and ensure savings of £161,000 per year.
Halifax Panthers, a Rugby League side who are co-tenants alongside Halifax Town FC, have openly discussed the possibility of purchasing the stadium. However, nothing is set in stone as of yet.
All options are on the table which means Halifax Town could soon be looking for a new home stadium.
Away fans are normally housed in the Skircoat Stand on one side of the pitch. Although covered it does have a number of supporting pillars running along the front of it that may hinder your view. Around 1,450 away supporters can be accommodated in this area. Although the facilities in this old stand are basic, the acoustics inside the stand are good, meaning that away fans can really generate some noise from this area.
For clubs where there is only a small away following (less than 250), then the north section of the Main Stand is allocated. Whilst for games where a large away contingent is expected, then the North Terrace can be opened.
Food available inside normally includes burgers, hot dogs, pies and chips.
There is a supporters club at the ground, called the South Stand Bar which admits away fans. However, it is rather on the small side, having a capacity of 200, and fills up quickly. Nearby pubs include:
- McCafferty Bar & Restaurant – McCafferty’s Bar & Restaurant, Halifax HX1 2DZ
- The Barum Tap Inn – 17 Rawson St, Halifax HX1 1NX
- White Horse – 33 Southgate, Halifax HX1 1DL
From the M62 motorway, take the A629 at Junction 24 and follow the signs for Halifax. The Shay ground is on the right-hand side after about three miles. Parking at the stadium is limited, however, there is some street parking to be had, but only if you arrive early. Otherwise, it is a case of parking in one of the nearby town centre car parks.
Halifax Railway Station is only a five minute walk away from the Shay Stadium.  The station is on the Trans Pennine route between Leeds & Manchester. On exiting the station approach turn left onto Church Street. Keep straight on this road, passing the Three Pigeons pubs and you will reach the stadium entrance on your right.
Official Programme £3
Halifax ticket prices 2023/24
- Adults: £21
- Concessions: £18
- 12-17s: £9
- U12s: £4
For details of disabled facilities and club contact at the ground please visit the relevant page on the
Level Playing Field website.
Record Attendance
36,885 v Tottenham Hotspur
FA Cup 5th Round, February 15th, 1953.
For an FC Halifax Town Fixture:
8,042 v Bradford City
FA Cup 1st Round, November 9th, 2014.
Average Attendance
2022-2023: 2,194 (National League)
2021-2022: 2,130 (National League)
2020-2021: N/A (Covid)
2019-2020: 2,164 (National League)
2018-2019: 1,553 (National League)
2017-2018: 1,726Â (National League)
2016-2017: 1,810 (National League North)
If you require hotel accommodation in Halifax 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 input the relevant dates and click on “Search” below or on the hotel of interest on the map to get 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.
Official website: www.fchalifaxtown.com
If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, please email me at:Â [email protected] Â and I’ll update the guide.
Special thanks to Russell Cox for providing the photo of the Main Stand. Visit his Wycombe Wanderer ground hopping blog.
Ground Layout
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
Images
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
FC Halifax Town v Woking
National League
Saturday 7th March 2020, 3pm
Michael Cromack (FC Halifax Town)
Halifax Town v Halesowen Town
FA Trophy 3rd Round
Saturday 8th February 2020, 3pm
Martin Brooke (Neutral)
Halifax Town v Bromley
National League
Saturday 1st February 2020, 3pm
Rukon Ali (Bromley)
Halifax Town v Notts County
National League
Saturday 21st December 2019, 3pm
John Watson (Notts County)
Halifax Town v AFC Fylde
National League
Saturday 24th August 2019, 3pm
Stewart Meggs (AFC Fylde)
FC Halifax Town v Tranmere Rovers
National League
Saturday 21st April 2018, 3pm
Keith Beswick (Tranmere Rovers fan)
FC Halifax Town v Tranmere Rovers
FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round
14th October 2017, 3pm
Dave (Tranmere Rovers)
Halifax Town v Darlington
National League North
Sunday 1st January 2017, 3pm
David Forster (Darlington fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Shay Stadium?
I was looking forward to revisiting the Shay for my first new years game with the wife.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
The journey itself was a shocker, we nearly did not make it as we came very close to being involved in a crash on the way. We ended up getting to the ground late as could not easily find a place to park.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
We went to a Wetherspoons in Halifax Town Centre before the game for a nice mixed grill. We never had the pleasure of meeting any home fans as we we had to rush our lunch.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Shay Stadium?
I have been to the Shay before, so knew what to expect. However, I did not expect the Skircoat Road Stand, where the away fans are now seated. The views are restricted by large supporting columns across the front of the stand.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The game itself was decent. It finished in a 2-2 draw, played in front of a good atmosphere. The attendance was 2,511 with around 550 travelling fans. As for the stewarding, it left a lot to be desired, I was nearly ejected from the ground for taking photos and felt like I was constantly watched for the rest of the match. As for the facilities, the toilets left a lot to be desired too, very basic. The catering was not up to much, I did not sample the food, but the coffee was lukewarm at best.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
We got away from the Shay and away from Halifax relatively easy.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
It was okay although I did not like feeling I was being constantly watched by Police and stewards…
Game 8/10 Atmosphere 9/10 Facilities 2/10 Stewarding 2/10
FC Halifax Town v Grimsby Town
Conference National League
Saturday 20th February 2016, 3pm
Kevin Dixon (Grimsby Town fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Shay Stadium?
Apart from Lincoln, our closest neighbours in this league, and always a good atmosphere when we've played them before. They were expecting a big following from Grimsby, so we didn't disappoint with almost 1,800 in a total attendance of 3,131. Third time this season we have outnumbered the home fans.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
A simple trip via M180/M18 and M62, then a battle into Halifax on the A629, which was a bit of a bottleneck. I had decided to park in the town centre, about a 15 minute walk from the ground, as apart from the small car park at the ground, parking seems to be at a premium. We were given access to a multi storey right by the ground, but £4 seemed a bit steep, so I parked in Mulcture Hall Road car park for £1.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
Having been held up getting into Halifax, there was no time for a pint, but plenty of Town fans were inside and outside The Old Post Office on Winding Road, and The Three Pigeons further up the road. There were also a few in the coffee shop on Hunger Hill as I passed. Locals were friendly enough.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Shay Stadium?
The Shay has changed a lot since I last saw it, although I have never actually been in it. it is certainly one of the best grounds in this league, with covered stands right around. We were in the North Stand, which is a large covered terrace housing around 2,000 and also in the seated Skircoat Stand, which holds a further 1,200. The home fans have the South Stand, which is almost a mirror image of the North, and the large newish Main Stand.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
There was a really good atmosphere, with a good sized attendance, despite the constant rain. Our fans were in good voice, but the team chose today to put in one of their worst performances of the season. We were 3-0 down after half an hour, and despite half time substitutions, we succumbed 4-2 in the end. Some of our fans were chanting for the manager's head, unbelievable really when we have only lost three of the last 25 league games, and once in 8 cup games.The stewards and police were friendly, There was a burger van at the back of the stand, which was doing a roaring trade in burgers and hot dogs, so I assume they were okay. The toilets were clean when I went in before the match..
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
15 minute stroll back to the car, then another battle with the traffic out of the town. Once back on the M62, a straight run through, with a brief comfort stop at Ferrybridge Services, and back in the house at 7pm.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
A decent day out, in spite of the weather and the result. It's good to be able to stand in the dry, as a lot of the grounds in this league have open terraces. I would probably visit again.
FC Halifax Town v Grimsby Town
Conference Premier League
Tuesday, September 16th, 2014, 7.45pm
Glynn Sharkey (Grimsby Town fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
I always look forward to Halifax having fond memories of my trips there from when I first started following Grimsby in the early 70's. It's a nice town with some fab buildings in a beautiful part of the country. Couple that up with an abundance of watering holes and what's not to like?
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
Every time I've arrived in Halifax it's been by train, the station is only a few minutes walk from the ground, the town centre maybe 10-15mins. However having recently met my chauffeur… err… girlfriend we went by car. Setting off from Scunthorpe we made it to Junction 24 of the M62 (Ainley Top) in just over an hour and then the long sweeping drive down towards Elland and Halifax along the A629 courtesy of Ozzy Osbourne on the sat nav. The traffic added another half hour but we got parked up at the Shay's car park (£3) with a few hours to kill.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
I love Tuesday night away games as they coincide with Wetherspoons steak club night so a 10 minute walk into town and the Barum Top spoons, rude not to really. I would recommend this place to anyone for both the food and ales on offer. Very pleasant.
Then it was a walk to the Three pigeons to meet up with friends. Another excellent place situated halfway along the road between the station and ground. 5 minutes each way. Not the largest of pubs but a good selection of beers and a mix of home and away fans. I noticed that the Pump Room, another top notch boozer, was closed and boarded up. I hope this re opens as it was a good meeting place and away fan friendly.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium?
The Shay has been completely redeveloped in recent years and would do justice to any of the lower leagues, it looks and feels like a proper football ground with the away fans having one side of the Skircoat side stand. I remember the stunning views of the countryside and hills from this stand which are now unfortunately blocked by the new Main Stand opposite. Oh well.. progress eh?
View from the Skircoat Stand
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
I thought it was a cracking game with a good atmosphere helped by 400 plus travelling fans which to be fair isn't bad for a Tuesday night. At 1-1 with 10 or 15 minutes to go I thought we were going to nick the points with a goal line clearance and one just over the bar. Everyone seemed friendly and helpful and although I didn't try any of the food and drink the feedback (pun intended) about it was very positive. As for the toilet facilities.. probably best to cross your legs.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Straight out the gate and into the car. Due to our early arrival and cherry picking the car park space we were soon on the road. A pit stop at Xscape and the Winter Seam Wetherspoons rounded off an excellent day out.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
I've never had a bad day out in Halifax even last season when they thrashed us, I wasn't disappointed this time either and look forward to the next time if we are still in the same division together.
FC Halifax Town v Gateshead
Conference Premier League
Wednesday, January 1st, 2014, 3pm
Callum William (Gateshead fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
I hadn't been in to an away game in a while and have only been able to attend home games so I was looking forward to visiting the Shay its a 240 mile trip there and back and think, but the distance isn't really too far. I had looked at pictures of the ground and it looked quite good and also it hosting Rugby League championship matches and being ex football league it would have to be of a decent nature.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
The journey down was a strange one. It had been raining non-stop for most of the day and all night and me and the family travelling down where in real fear of the game being called off. So we stopped off half way down in Harrogate for around 30 minutes, checking Halifax's twitter account which eventually confirmed the match was on. From there it was a straight forward drive down along the M62 dull.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
Not the drinking type so we had a look around the shops in the area, but there wasn't much around. I believe I would have been better heading for the town centre, but not sure of our bearings and with time ticking on we headed for the ground.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
We brought a total 109 away fans and we were housed on one side of the pitch in part of the new Main Stand. This stand was quite good, with the seats having plenty of leg room. And even though we were small in number the acoustics of the stand were quite good, so we were able to make a lot of noise. Overall the ground is quite nice with covered terraces at each end and an attractive stand opposite. It did look though in areas to be going though a renovation at the moment. All in all one of the better grounds in this league, certainly.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The game was a pure thriller. Halifax were 2-0 up in 15 minutes we got a goal just after half time, then they scored to make it 3-1. Halifax were leading until the last ten minutes or so until we scored 2 late goals to make it 3-3, we had chances to get the winner but it missed an inspired sub in Marcus Maddison who played his heart out and was fantastic. When Halifax were 3-1 up I thought we would lose by more, but we sorted it out. The celebrations from us at the end were wild, running down to the side lines and celebrating with the players, fantastic! Our fans were in good voice as per usual and so were the Halifax fans stood in their terraced end. The Halifax fans in the Main Stand were quiet, but there were lots of families, older people and children in this stand so its to be expected.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Getting away from the ground was fine, the home fans I was chatting too were a friendly bunch and we chatted about how great the game was. Nice to be friendly, I've had experiences in the past where this has been the total opposite.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
A great day out, a good ground visited, only downsides is that I found the area around the stadium to be a rather dull and the price of a ticket! £17 too steep for this level! and a great game! Not often we see many 3-3 draws.
Halifax Town v Hyde
Conference Premier League
Monday, August 26th, 2013, 3pm
Mike Turner (Neutral fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
A hot bank holiday Monday and I’d done enough gardening so it was about time I visited my local non-league club for the first time, having promised myself for a couple of seasons to do so. Halifax were “back” in the Conference after various financial problems and had had a strong start to the season.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
Very easy from the train station – as the guide advises, turn left out of the station and it’s less than 10 minutes’ walk.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
Unfortunately I didn’t have time to partake in a local ale or taste the local fried cuisine, but I passed the Pump Room and Three Pigeons, both of which were serving home and away fans. I regretted not catching an earlier train to drown a few!
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
The ground is very impressive for this level, with a modern, attractive Main Stand dominating. The North and South terraces are of a good size. Away fans are usually housed in the far end of the Main Stand unless their numbers are significant. Overall, a ground that would not look out of place in the football league.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The first half was dominated by Halifax with a host of wasted chances. The second half was a more even affair with Southport looking to counter. Halifax scored the only goal in the 86th minute, much to the delight of the home crowd and the players. I stood with the home supporters in the terrace, with a good atmosphere in excellent weather. I can imagine the terracing rocking if it gets full. There are small catering vans here and there if you really want / need a hotdog and there’s a Supporters’ Bar in the Main Stand.
Stewards were on hand if needed, but the whole afternoon was rather relaxed.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Very easy back to the station.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
An enjoyable non-league outing, although the adult admission of £17 is a bit steep for this level. However there are various concessions available for the young and not so young. No doubt I’ll be back.