Last Update:
August 1, 2024
Although Priory Lane is a tidy and well-kept ground, it has a smaller feel to it than some other grounds in the Division. On one side is the smart-looking Main Stand. This covered, all-seated stand, has a capacity of 542 seats. There are no supporting pillars, resulting in good views of the playing action. However, the stand runs for about half the length of the pitch and strangely has been built mostly to one side of the halfway line, so that the team dugouts that are located in front of the stand, sit to one side of it, rather than as you would expect in the middle.
Opposite is a small covered terrace, called the Peter Fountain Stand, which extends again for around half the length of the pitch. In one corner this meets the River End Terrace, which is covered.
The opposite end, the Mick Green Stand, is a small covered area that is divided into two. The team entrance from the dressing rooms to the ground runs out from this end, splitting the terrace.
During the Summer of 2016, the Club installed a new 3G artificial playing surface.
In the rare occurrence that fans are segregated, then away supporters are housed in the River End Terrace at one end of the ground. This terrace, although only a few steps high, does at least have some cover. The stewarding is fairly relaxed and normally a hassle-free day out.
The Club provide their catering which includes the usual fare of Cheeseburgers, Burgers, Hot Dogs, Chips etc.
This is a popular away trip as many decide to make a weekend of it at the seaside.
Pubs near Priory Lane:
- The Martello Inn – Langney Rise, BN23 7DD
- The Kingfisher Tavern – Langney Shopping Centre, Eastbourne BN23 7RT
- The Farm – 15 Friday St, Langney, Eastbourne BN23 8AP
Building started in 1983 when the club, who had just joined the Sussex County Football League, were leasing a playing field and storing their equipment in a garage. The first competitive match at Priory Lane was against East Preston in September 1984 which was won by Eastbourne by one goal to nil.
Over the years, the ground has seen a lot of development. Some of these involved piping a tunnel and installing their pumping station for drainage. The Peter Fountain stand was first built in 1989, named after the man who supplied the labour. This was later extended in the early 1990s.
Take the A22 towards Stone Cross and Westham. At the next roundabout take the first exit again towards Stone Cross and Westham. Continue towards Stone Cross village until you will come to a crossroads, with a church on your left and the Red Lion pub on the.
Turn right just past the pub onto the B2104 Friday Street. At the end of Friday Street, turn left at the double mini-roundabout into Hide Hollow (B2191). After passing Eastbourne Crematorium on your right, turn right at the roundabout into Priory Road.
The entrance to the ground is about 200 yards down the road on the left.
There is a good-sized car park at the ground which holds 400 cars, part of which is allocated to away supporters and is free of charge. As there is only one entrance/exit to the car park, then this can lead to a bit of a bottleneck at the end of the game.
The nearest station to the Priory Lane ground is Pevensey & Westham, which is around a mile and a half away. However, it is not served by any practical public transport that can take you to the ground.
It may be more practical to head for Eastbourne station instead. Although Eastbourne Station (which is served by trains from London Victoria) is around four miles away from the stadium, it does have public transport links and a taxi rank, whereas Pevensey & Westham does not.
Eastbourne Borough ticket prices:
Adult: £13-£18
Concessions: £9-£12
Student: £4-£6
U12: £4
Official Matchday Programme: £2
Lewes, Whitehawk and Crawley Town.
Record Attendance
3,770 v Oxford United
FA Cup 1st Round, 5th November 2005
Average Attendance
2023-2024: 1,363 (National League South)
2022-2023: 1,053 (National League South)
2021-2022: 968 (National League South)
2020-2021: 0 (Covid) (National League South)
2019-2020: 466 (National League South)
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Official Web Site: www.ebfc.co.uk
If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, please e-mail me at: [email protected] and I’ll update the guide.
Eastbourne Borough v Hemel Hempstead Town
National League South
Saturday 14th October 2017, 3pm
Brian Scott (Neutral fan)