Clarence Park

The ground is largely an open one with terracing on three sides of the ground.

On one side is the old Main Stand that was originally built in 1922. This small wooden stand is quaint looking, however, it doesn’t have many creature comforts for the paying customer. The six rows of seating sit behind a large number of supporting pillars running across the front of the stand and if that were not enough hindrance, the stand is set well back from the playing area and there are also the bases of two floodlight pylons sitting between the stand and the pitch.

There is a slope on the pitch that runs up from the Clarence Park End up to the York Road End and you can see how the Main Stand has been built in sections, each raised a bit higher, to climb up the slope. Part of the Main Stand towards the Clarence Park End has been converted into a Director’s Lounge. Behind the stand, the large brick building which is visible is the Club House.

Opposite the Main Stand is the East Terrace perhaps better known as the Cricket Pitch Side. This largely open terrace does have a small covering in the middle. It is an interesting stand as it is cantilevered and is made of concrete, even its roof. The low roof does provide excellent protection from the weather. Both ends are small open terraces.

There is a small Club Shop situated inside the ground, next to the York Road Terrace. A set of four small floodlights, run down each side of the pitch and the playing surface has gained a reputation as being one of the best-kept in the country

The ground with a park on one side and a cricket ground on the other (which has an interesting-looking Pavilion) is set in an attractive setting. This is enhanced by several trees being visible behind each side of the ground perimeter.

Up until the late 90’s the ground was famous for having a large oak tree that sat in the middle of the Clarence Park Terrace. It was not unknown for visiting goalkeepers to get the odd acorn thrown in their direction. Alas, the oak tree became diseased and was swiftly removed by the Club.

If away fans are segregated then the Clarence Park Terrace is allocated to them. This small terrace is open to the elements so hope that it doesn’t rain.

Refreshments are provided by a refreshment van, which sells the usual array of burgers, hot dogs and chips.

As the ground is open, it can be difficult for home and/or away fans to generate any kind of atmosphere.

Pubs near Clarence Park:

• The Peahen – 14 London Rd, St Albans AL1 1NG
• Ye Olde Fighting Cocks – 16 Abbey Mill Ln, St Albans AL3 4HE
• The Six Bells – 16-18 St Michael’s St, St Albans AL3 4SH

Chicken tenders and chips with a garlic and Parmesan sauce at St Albans City (@stalbanscityfc @ChickenGJnr)

? £10 pic.twitter.com/PiUJjLnD1v

— Footy Scran (@FootyScran) February 9, 2024

From The North (M1)
Leave the M1 at Junction 7 and take the M10 towards St Albans. At the end of the motorway, proceed straight across the first roundabout that you reach and at the next roundabout turn left onto the A1081 towards St Albans. Proceed along the A1081, until you reach a small roundabout which you turn right into Alma Road (signposted St Albans City Railway Station). Proceed up to the traffic lights (with the ‘Horn’ pub on your right-hand side) and turn right into Victoria Street.

Go up this road passing the railway station on your left and continue to follow the road around to the left. At the next traffic lights (with the Crown pub on your right), go straight onto Clarence Road. A short way up Clarence Road, turn left for the entrance to the Football & Cricket grounds.

Car Parking
There is little parking at the ground itself, although if you arrive early then you may be lucky. Otherwise, there is plenty of on-street parking on Clarence Road and on York Road (which is the next left after the entrance to the ground).

The nearest station is St Albans City, which is served by Thameslink trains from St Pancras and further south of London. Slow trains from London normally terminate at St Albans but fast trains go on to Luton or Bedford. The station is about a 5-10 minute walk away from the Clarence Park ground.

Ticket prices at St Albans City:

Adult: £16.50
Concession: £11
18-23: £8
12-17: £6
0-11: FREE

Official Matchday Programme £2.50

Boreham Wood and Hemel Hempstead.

Record Attendance
9,757 v Ferryhill Athletic
FA Amateur Cup Quarter Final, February 27th, 1926.

Average Attendance
2023-2024: 1,681 (National League South)
2022-2023: 1,400 (National League South)
2021-2022: 1,311 (National League South)
2020-2021: 0 (Covid) (National League South)
2019-2020: 625 (National League South)

Official Web Site: www.stalbanscityfc.com