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Harrogate Town

CNG Stadium

Capacity: 4,108 (Seated 600)
Address: Wetherby Road, Harrogate, HG2 7SA
Telephone: 01423 210600
Pitch Size: 100 x 66m
Pitch Type: Artificial 3G
Club Nickname: Town
Year Ground Opened: 1920
Undersoil Heating: No
Home Kit: Yellow and Black Stripes

What Is The CNG Stadium Like?

The CNG Stadium has seen quite a sizeable investment in its facilities and this has continued into 2019 with two new terraces and a small seated stand being erected. These works have expanded the capacity of the stadium to 4,000 with 500 seats, which meets Football League standards.

On one side is the modern looking Main Stand, which is called the Greene King IPA Family Stand. This covered seated stand comprises six rows of seating and runs for around half the length of the pitch. The view is good from this area as there are no supporting pillars or floodlight pylons to hinder your view. On the roof of this stand is a platform for television cameras. On one side of this stand is a sizeable covered terrace that is taller than the Main Stand as was opened in April 2019. It is around 15 rows high and although pre-fabricated it is fairly steep. It gives this side of the ground a unique look. Unfortunately, this terrace does have the base of a floodlight pylon located near the middle of it and the roof only extends over the back rows.

Opposite is the Envirovent Stand, which is a covered terrace that is mostly free of supporting pillars, although it does have the bases of two floodlight pylons protruding through it. The team dug outs are located in front of this stand. On one side of this terrace (towards the 1919 Venue end of the ground) is a new small covered seated stand, which has around 150 seats in six rows. Again there is a base of a floodlight near the centre of this stand. At the Hospital End of the ground, a new covered terrace was opened in 2014, which is called the Henderson Stand. Although it has developed that area of the stadium, the terrace itself, although being practical, isn't the most attractive of stands. At the other end, there is a small covered terrace that was also opened at Easter 2019. Although only four rows high it does have a roof and extends almost the full width of the pitch. An unusual feature is that around two thirds along this stand, almost in line with the 18 yard box, is the Player's Tunnel, which can be extended outwards towards the pitch and retracted as needed. On one side of this terrace is the 1919 Clubhouse Venue Bar. The stadium has a set of six floodlights, three of which run down each side of the ground.

In the Summer of 2016, a new 3G artificial surface was installed at the CNG Stadium.

Future Stadium Developments

The Club have received planning permission to increase the capacity of the CNG Stadium to 5,000 and one that will meet Football League standards. This will be mostly achieved by extending the Main Stand towards the South End of the ground and increasing the amount of terrace on the Wetherby Road side and installing a new terrace at the South end itself. In addition, a new two storey clubhouse is to be built, which will include a corporate area on its upper floor.

What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters

Most matches at the CNG Stadium are segregated. Away fans are housed on the Wetherby Road side of the ground, in the Envirovent Stand. This stand is a covered terrace, that runs for around two-thirds of the length of the pitch. It is comprised of six steps and its low roof means that away can really make themselves heard. It has a capacity of 700. On one side of this stand is a small covered seated stand that comprises 150 seats, which is also given to away fans. Whilst on the other side of the Envirovent Stand towards the home end is an open standing area. Although these covered areas are free of supporting pillars, there are the bases of floodlight pylons present.

One of the highlights of visiting the CNG Stadium is the catering which is provided by a local company called Burgers & More. Not only do they offer a number of gourmet burgers (£4-£4.50) and Pies (£3), but also a tasty Beef Stew (£5) and the intriguingly named Wellington Burger (£5). The latter being more of a pastry which has a filling beef, blue cheese, garlic mushrooms and red wine gravy.  Certainly, a cut above catering at most grounds and that includes the Premier League! However can someone can confirm for me if this catering is available in the away section or whether it is different? Please email [email protected].

Where to drink?

There is a Clubhouse bar inside the ground called the ‘Nineteen Nineteen Bar’ (1919 was the year that the Club was founded). However where matches are segregated, which seems to be most matches nowadays, then it does not allow in visiting fans. Otherwise, the nearest pub is the Woodlands, which is a short distance back down the A661 Wetherby Road, heading away from town. About a ten minute walk in the opposite direction along the Wetherby Road (heading towards the town centre and just set back from the roundabout is the Empress which also offers food.

If arriving by train then just off Platform 1 is the Harrogate Tap that has up to 11 real ales on offer.

Harrogate town centre is around a 20 minute walk away from the ground, where there are plenty of pubs to be found including the Winter Gardens on Royal Baths Road, which is a Wetherspoons outlet. Also on Cheltenham Crescent there is a small miropub called the Little Ale House.

Directions and Car Parking

Leave the A1(M) at Junction 47 and take the A59 towards Knaresborough. Then take the A658 towards Bradford/Harrogate. At the second roundabout turn right onto the A661 towards Harrogate. You will pass a Sainsburys and then after the lights with the Woodlands pub on one corner, then the entrance to the ground is just a bit further down on the right. Please note that traffic can be quite congested along the A661, so you may wish to allow more time for your journey.

Car Parking
There is no parking available for supporters at the ground and to make matters worse there is a residents only parking scheme in operation on roads close to the stadium. However, there is the nearby Kingswood Surgery on Wetherby Road (HG2 7SA) which offers parking at £5. Otherwise, you will need to street parking further away or in a town centre car park, around one mile away. I have been informed that the Sainsburys Store has free parking for up to three hours, but if using this please double check any signage in the car park to ensure that this is still the case.

By Train

Harrogate Railway Station is located just over a mile away from the ground. It is served by trains from Leeds and York.

Brian Scott informs me; 'It is a pleasant 15-20 minute walk from Harrogate Railway Station to the ground. Exit the station on the East side (trains towards Leeds), go up a slight incline and turn right onto the main road. Cross this road at the pelican crossing and continue due South. Turn left at the roundabout into Station Avenue. Continue straight up this road crossing over at some point, until you come to a grassed area. Cross the A6040 at the pelican crossing and then turn left, passing public toilets on your right. Take the diagonal footpath across the park which is called "The Stray or Two Hundred Acre." Turn right along Wetherby Road and the ground is on the left after about 400 yards passing the hospital on the left. It's a busy road so best to use the pelican crossing'.

You can also catch the Harrogate Bus Number 7 or the Connexions Bus Number X70 from Stand 9 of the Harrogate Bus Station in the Town Centre. Both these buses pass the ground along Wetherby Road. From the Railway Station, turn right out of the main entrance and the Bus Station is a short walk down on the right. The Bus journey time to the ground is no more than ten minutes. On showing your match ticket to the driver of  Harrogate Bus Number 7, then you can get a reduced fare of £2 return Adults and £1 children.

Booking train tickets in advance will normally save you money! Find train times, prices and book tickets with Trainline. Visit the website below to see how much you can save on the price of your tickets:

Ticket Prices

Seating *
Adults £19, Concessions £15, Under 16's £6

Terrace*
Adults £18, Concessions £14, Under 16's £5

Concessions apply to Over 65's and Students (with valid ID).

* A £2 discount is offered on Adult and Concession prices if purchased online and in advance. The Club also offers a 1 Adult and 1 Under 16 seated ticket for £22 (£20 terrace) or 1 Concession + 1 Under 16 for £19 (seated), £18 (terrace), but again online only.

Programme Price

Official Matchday Programme £3

Fixture List

Harrogate Town FC fixture list (takes you to the BBC Sports Website).

Record and Average Attendance

Record Attendance
3,048 v Portsmouth
FA Cup 1st Round, 11th November 2019

Average Attendance
2018-2019: 1,576 (National League)
2017-2018: 1,134 (National League North)
2016-2017: 896 (National League North)

Harrogate Hotels - Find and Book Yours And Help Support This Website

If you require hotel accommodation in Harrogate 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.

Club website links

Harrogate Town Feedback

If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, please e-mail me at: [email protected] and I'll update the guide.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Robin Griffiths for providing the photos of the CNG Stadium Harrogate Town.

Reviews

  • Harrogate Town v Grimsby Town
    FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round
    Saturday 24th October 2015, 3pm
    Kevin Dixon (Grimsby Town fan)

    Why were you looking forward to visiting the Wetherby Road Football Ground?

    I'm aiming to visit as many non league grounds as I can, before we hopefully(?) regain our league status. I have found that, in general, non league fans are much friendlier than their league counterparts.

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

    Steady 80 mile drive from home. Parked in the town centre (Tower Street multi storey), and left the girls to visit Betty's and browse the shops. Then a 15 minute walk across the Stray to the Wetherby Road ground.

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

    Had a walk around the town and grabbed a sandwich. There are numerous places to eat if you have time to spare. A few home shirts in evidence, along with a few of ours. Everyone seemed friendly.

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

    A decent ground by this league's standards. Main Stand with seating on one side. New looking covered terrace opposite housing our fans, and a covered terrace at the hospital end housing the home fans. The other end is occupied by the dressing rooms, and the 1919 clubhouse.

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

    A cracking good cup tie, with a few heavy tackles thrown in. We should have had a two goal lead early on, but then went a goal behind. We went on to win 4-1 quite comfortably. The atmosphere was great, with a crowd of over 1900, half of them from Grimsby. Harrogate assistant manager John McDermott got a great reception, as expected for our longest serving former player. Stewards were friendly, and food looked okay. A bank of Portaloos made up the facilities, which I didn't have the need for.

    Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

    15 minute walk back to the car, and collect the family, then a while to get round the town through the one way system.

    Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

    Yet another friendly place to visit, and one I would recommend to any fan.

  • Harrogate Town v Gloucester City
    National League North
    Saturday 24th September 2016, 3pm
    Brian Scott (Neutral fan)

    Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the CNG Stadium?

    Another ground to tick off in my quest for the 202. Despite my own team Ipswich Town, actually playing at Elland Road! They lost 1-0, so I actually had more fun!

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

    I had an easy journey by train from Ely, deciding to change at York on the outward journey. I was rewarded by seeing a steam train (The Duchess of Sutherland) stop at York en-route to Scarborough. It was an easy walk from the railway station to the ground along some very nice roads and across The Stray or Two Hundred Acre park. I was informed that this piece of open land is sacroscant as regards any development, and the use of it is strictly controlled. Someone once landed in a helicopter and has been banned for life for doing so.

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

    I got to the ground very early and so I retraced my steps a bit and sat on a seat in the park to wait until 2pm before gaining entry to the ground. I then had my usual walk around to look at the stands etc. Anyone I spoke to was very friendly.

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

    There is no away area as such, but most of the away fans congregated in the hospital end, swapping end/side at half time. Three sides of the ground look very good, just the dressing room end to be developed. I was told that the Chairman has recently invested quite a bit of money into the facilities. There was masses of leg room in the seats in the Main Stand.

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

    Harrogate Town were on top from early on, but Gloucester did manage to pull one back, but the home team then went on to clinch it with two more goals to make it a comfortable 3-1 home win. There were plenty of toilets and those I used in the club house and the hospital stand were very good. The food looked appetising, but I always come well prepared with my own.

    Comment on getting away from the ground after the game :

    Towards the end I moved from the seats to the corner of the Hospital Stand to get the quickest get-away for my easy walk back to the railway station. I had ample time to spare to catch the 17.15 to Leeds.

    Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

    Harrogate is a lovely town, and had I not stayed there recently I would have had a look round. All my trains ran to time, but my day was capped off by a brilliant gesture from a home fan. Once this man sat down next to me I soon got talking to him and we chatted about football, the ground etc and he was interested in my ground hopping. He told me he used to be a Leeds fan but got fed up with the club and now supports his home town club. About 10 minutes before the end of the game he got up and I presumed he was going to the toilet, but he actually walked to the front of the stand and talked to someone in a suit. This person then walked up the steps and introduced himself to me as a director of the club. He said he liked to walk amongst the fans rather than sit in the directors box all the time. He was of course interested in what I thought of the ground, and he asked which grounds were on my list next, wishing me luck in my travels. This was a wonderful gesture, firstly by the season ticket holder who I had been chatting to all game, and then the director who took the trouble to shake my hand and talk to me for a few minutes. Brilliant Harrogate, thank you for making my day.

  • Harrogate Town v Darlington
    National League North
    Saturday 29th October 2016, 3 pm
    Patrick (Darlington fan)

    Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the CNG Stadium?

    I was debating going to this one as we'd had two home games in a row so I hadn't had a weekend with the wife for a while, but once she told me she was spending the day with her sister I threw the home shirt on, jumped in the car and set off for Harrogate. It is of our closer away games this season and I had heard that the Wetherby Road ground was quite nice. Both teams were doing well so it promised to be a good away day. I had also heard we were taking well over a thousand supporters to the game, so I was excited for this one.

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

    Pretty simple. Directions from this website were easy to follow and the ground is on one of the main roads into Harrogate. There are houses all around the stadium where you can park, obviously at your own risk but it seemed like a nice area so I took my chances.

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

    There's a pub just up the road from the ground called The Woodland, as I approached it seemed to be full of Darlo fans but the club's advice was to arrive in good time to avoid big queues at the turnstiles. Thinking I could get a beer in their clubhouse (one of the perks of football at this level) I headed straight into the ground, only to find we'd been segregated and that home fans were not allowed entry to their club. Harrogate Town really missed a trick here, they would have made a killing from the many Darlo fans who fell into the same trap.

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

    A tidy little ground, three sided with a seated stand one one side and a neat little terrace behind the goal that housed the more vocal Harrogate fans. Darlo were given the terrace that ran the length of the pitch opposite the seated stand. In hindsight they probably could have given us part of their terrace as well as our end became very cosy and with just one way in and out, very congested.

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

    Stewards were our own and as usual, very pleasant. A van sold pies, chips etc, although I had already eaten. Coffee, tea and soft drinks but annoyingly no beer. All reasonably priced. Four portaloos for circa 1500 Darlo fans was a bit awkward. One of the better plastic pitches I've seen meant that some good football was on the cards. The atmosphere was excellent. As expected our lot were very noisy, few smoke bombs let off which, while not everyone's cup of tea, made for a partisan atmosphere in the away end. The home fans in the terrace made some noise as well which made for a great and friendly atmosphere, only subdued by the result. After taking the lead through a Josh Gillies wonder strike, Harrogate equalised, but only briefly as Darlo dominated and ran away with the game to impressively win 4-1.

    Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

    Very easy. Once onto Wetherby Road it was a swift route to the A1 North. Turnstiles to door in just over an hour.

    Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

    Great day out, very good performance and a big win, coupled with the news that Fylde had lost, which saw Darlo cut the gap at the top to a point. Nice ground, brilliant atmosphere, a good day out at the football.

  • Harrogate Town v Bradford City
    Pre Season Friendly
    Saturday 21st July 2018, 3pm
    Ian Bradley (Neutral fan)

    Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the CNG Stadium?
     
    As the only Yorkshire ground in the top five tiers of the English football pyramid and as a proud Yorkshireman this visit was a must.
     
    How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
     
    I travelled by train & took a number 7 bus from the adjacent bus station along Wetherby Road dropping me just outside the ground.
     
    What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
     
    I ate in the town centre but had a reasonably priced pint in the club house before the game chatting and mixing with both sets of supporters, very convivial and friendly.
     
    What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the CNG Stadium?
     
    The CNG Stadium is very small even for the National League with a capacity of under 4,000. Saying that though it's very pretty and quirky & there does seem to be plenty of room for development if the club continues to be successful.
     
    Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
     
    Bradford City turned up with a youthful squad with very little first team experience and were brutally put to the sword by a rampant Harrogate team by 7 goals to 2, going into half time 6-0 to the good. I actually felt sorry for the Bradford fans who were there, making up over half of the 1082 crowd who deserved a better display from their team but take nothing away from Harrogate who showed just why they were promoted to the highest level of non league football and I expect them to adapt well to the higher level. A word on the catering, it's amazingly good for any level, reasonably priced & the Steak Pie with gravy I had (I wasn't going to but it looked so good) was sensational.
     
    Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
     
    Dead easy, straight back on the number 7 bus back into town & the train station.
     
    Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
     
    I loved my visit to Harrogate & wish everyone at this lovely friendly little club all the very best for the forthcoming season.

  • Harrogate Town v Havant & Waterlooville
    National League
    Saturday 8th September 2018, 3pm
    Marcus Dews (Neutral)

    Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the CNG Stadium?
     
    As a Yorkshireman now exiled down in London village for 18 years I was looking forward to a visit to Posh Yorkshire with locals that talk just about properly and call a spade a bloody shovel. And it was splendid. Harrogate is well worth a visit. A handsome town. Maybe try the Turkish Baths?
     
    How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
     
    With a medium rare hangover, I got the 6:12am from Kings Cross and changed at York. If you have time Knaresborough is also worth an hour detour, and you can break your train journey. Alternatively, it's a 4 mile drive from Harrogate.
     
    What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
     
    Stomped around Harrogate and then met my parents for a picnic in a car in the pouring rain and then visited Spofforth Castle about 4 miles from the ground (actually a ruined manor house). I asked my folks, but they said that no, they wouldn't provide this service for everyone…
     
    What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the CNG Stadium?
     
    Very positive. Proper covered terraces on two sides and raised so no daft impeded views behind the dugouts. A couple of pillars on the side terrace. The Main Stand is 1/2 length with a bit of corporate on one side. I understand there are plans to redevelop the other end, which has the changing rooms, bar and corrugated covers and is well kept and tidy, but basic.
     
    Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
     
    An excellent 3-2 win for Town, who just about held on. Good atmosphere with fans of both teams singing and to their credit H&W brought 50-100 for a sod of a journey. No segregation and no drama. Seats sold out, so book online in advance of needed. Also save a couple of quid and printed the tickets at home. There was a raised disabled area with a good view on the side terrace, but open to the elements…
     
    Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
     
    Easy for me but the ground is on the main Wetherby Road and is therefore always busy. I didn't drive but saw very little parking apart from on-street near the ground. My recommendation would be to go back into town, stay the night and have plenty of Yorkshire bitter and a cuzzah. But then I always say that…
     
    Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
     
    A great day and a great set up but they had sold out of programmes 30 minutes before kick off. This made me apoplectic. However, I then celebrity spotted Harry Gration (Yorkshire correspondents know him from BBC Look North) so this tempered my venomous fury… Town top of the National League!

  • Harrogate Town v Leyton Orient
    National League
    Saturday 22nd September 2018, 3pm
    Jon Landers (York City but Neutral on this occasion)

    Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the CNG Stadium?
     
    As a long suffering York fan I decided to take a break from the drivel we’ve been subjected to at Bootham Crescent and check out our nearest neighbours who are unbeaten and top of the National League, whilst we languish in the lower reaches of National League North.
     
    How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
     
    We live 30 miles away easy journey and parked in the Pay and Display Council Car Park at the adjoining the Odeon Cinema that cost 70p per hour. Then a very pleasant 15 minute walk to the stadium via The Stray and called in for a decent pint en route at the Empress pub.
     
    What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
     
    I got into the ground at about 2pm and sampled the local famous Posh Nosh, a Wellington Burger. It cost £5 each but unique at a Football Ground. I had another beer in the 1919 Social Club inside the stadium. The home fans were still in Dreamland, bearing in mind their history and enjoying the adventure. Being a bitter twisted cynical York fan it would have been easy to pour scorn on their naivety but it was joyous and uplifting engaging with them!
     
    What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the CNG Stadium?
     
    A typical Non-League ground; a hotchpotch of stands but is quaint and is set in a lovely setting close to the District Hospital and suburbia.
     
    Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
     
    The Game was unsegregated a crowd just shy of 2,600 near enough a full house. I stood on the Wetherby Road Terrace a covered stand 90% full of vociferous Orient fans sadly there were a few Neanderthal 70s throwbacks in their number whose vocabulary was limited to swearing at the home players and match officials. The Game was entertaining. Orient went top of the League leapfrogging Harrogate after a 3-0 win. Prior to the game, both sides were unbeaten but the visitors were ruthless in their finishing and well organised and ran out worthy victors.
     
    Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
     
    A gentle walk back to the car and cleared the town in 15 minutes onto the A61 towards Ripon.
     
    Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
     
    A very agreeable afternoon.listening to Simon Weaver the Harrogate manager on Radio York after the game he gave a refreshingly honest and articulate interview magnanimous in defeat and appreciative of the Opposition. The Club have a fan-friendly ticket pricing structure purchasing online ahead of the game attracts a decent saving and younger fans are encouraged to follow the side through this strategy. The Club Shop offers a Harrogate Town Gilet which must be a first and reflects the clever marketing policy the Club use to play on their Posh Town image!

  • Harrogate Town v Barrow
    National League
    Wednesday 30th October 2018, 7.45pm
    Tony Smith (Doing the 134 + 24)

    Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the CNG Stadium?
     
    I decided to (re)complete my National League grounds coverage earlier than originally planned in order to maximise free dates for unvisited Scottish venues later in the season.
     
    How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
     
    Other feedback on this site plus Google Maps allowed me to plan an almost straight 15 minutes walking route from the railway station via Station Avenue, North Park Road and narrow footpath across the park to Wetherby Road. Just as well I didn’t “wing it” in the hope of following vast hoards of fans towards a beckoning floodlit area!
     
    What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
     
    The wonders of the internet age had allowed me to purchase a print-at-home unreserved (home) seat ticket for £14 plus £1.30 add-ons. This was specifically for the south entrance but changed segregation arrangements meant I entered via the north (town end) turnstiles. A chatty steward said less than originally expected Barrow fans were coming. He also advised how to progress to the far side seating, location of various facilities and seemed keen to mention future ground developments.
     
    What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the CNG Stadium?
     
    It is certainly a hotch-potch of a stadium with catering in the back corner of the larger seated stand and toilets up steps in a gap before more seating. I could not see if anyone was watching from free from buildings overlooking both ends of the ground but this plus hedges/trees further distanced the ground from the sterile look of ‘modern’ stadia. The 12 seater transparent dug-outs in front of the main terrace, however, gave the appearance of being bought from a catalogue and of a temporary nature. The £3 small dimensioned matchday programme surprisingly ran to 52 pages thus offering typical value for money but apparently with insufficient space to name the match officials. {I wonder if anyone other than Colchester will ever issue a ‘free’ programme to attendees?} Burgers are my fast food of last resort but this website had wetted my appetite to try the £5 (posh-nosh) Wellington version. The gravy, pastry and mushroom etc contents were excellent but could not disguise what was below. The burger was difficult to cut up using a plastic fork and effectively became a separate non-tasty course. My Yorkshire tea (£1.50) and a cup of well-seasoned ‘french-fries’ (£2.50) went down well. I was also impressed with the apparently temporary arrangement to allow “Proper local radio” Stray FM to do the music and announcements.
     
    Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
     
    Having previously topped the table Harrogate have had a bit of a wobble recently and a poor ball passed across their area eventually allowed the younger brother of Wayne Rooney to open the Barrow scoring after 32 minutes. However, the away team were similarly deficient diverting a cross into their own net on 53 mins. Quickly followed by two other goals Harrogate had turned around the game to 3-1 before the hour mark. A triple Barrow substitution was insufficient to stem an eventual 4-2 scoreline. I don’t know if fitness, familiarity with a 3G pitch or ability were major factors but the match thus went to form and on a cold night the locals had something to cheer. The 100 or so Barrow fans were quite vocal, could not switch ends at half time and I would guess had mixed feelings about no longer (my historic perception) taking a very physical direct-football approach to the game.
     
    Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
     
    Having used the clean toilets behind the north end terrace I did the reverse route back to my Bed & Breakfast in town. The unlit (apart from moonlight and distant traffic) walk across the park was accompanied but everyone was thankfully in a rush and the local dogs/owners are obviously meticulously clean. One has only to think of the cow fields at Cambridge and hilly decent through a park to the Aldershot away end to conjure up possible nightmares so close to Halloween.
     
    Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
     
    Road and pedestrian signage appeared particularly lacking and I also got the impression that perhaps football was not something that locals think should be associated with a historic location such as Harrogate. I enjoyed both aspects of my visit but for differing reasons expect both teams to again be regularly meeting in the league below within say three years.

  • Harrogate Town v FC Halifax Town
    National League
    Wednesday 26th December 2018, 3pm
    Michael Cromack (FC Halifax Town)

    Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the CNG Stadium?
     
    I was expecting it to be a decent crowd with it being the festive season and a Yorkshire derby as well as visiting another ground to add to my list.
     
    How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
     
    I settled for a free car park about a 10 minute walk away. Passed the ground in the car on the way there so it was a case of just going back the way we came in.
     
    What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
     
    A bit too early to go straight to the ground so popped in for a pint at a pub on the way to the ground. The pub was full of away fans so I didn't get to talk to any of the home crew. On arriving at the stadium the very helpful stewards directed us to the correct part of the ground.
     
    What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the CNG Stadium?
     
    I had passed the ground in the car a few times on the way to the Yorkshire Dales. A typical cramped (not a criticism) and cosy type of non-league ground, fans close to the pitch. Unusually away fans were given an enclosure on the side rather than an end stand.
     
    Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
     
    An entertaining game with both sides putting in a lot of effort. The home side deservedly taking the lead, Halifax deservedly leveling then getting a late winner. Just made do with a warm drink at half time.
     
    Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
     
    I had talked the wife into coming with me on this occasion telling her there would be a pub meal in it for her so-called in at a pub just out of town for a meal on the way home.
     
    Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
     
    An away is always satisfying but especially over a team above us in the table and overall a good day out.

  • Harrogate Town v Notts County
    National League
    Tuesday 13th August 2019, 7:45pm
    John Watson (Notts County)

    Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the CNG Stadium?
     
    First away trip in the National League, plus a new ground that I had never been to.
     
    How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
     
    Drove up via the M1 and A1, following the sat nav, which took me through Wetherby. I decided to park away from the ground and then walk.
     
    What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
     
    I parked the car at the Travellers Rest at Follifoot and walked to the ground, which took 25 minutes, as I was under the impression street parking was limited near the stadium. I had a great meat pie at the Travellers Rest and they have their own home ale there called the Travellers Rest. I also informed the staff that I would be parking and walking to the ground, with no problems.
     
    What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the CNG Stadium?
     
    This was my first visit to a non-league ground. I was impressed with the South Stand which the Notts County fans were housed in, although the toilets were portaloos. It looks like some new stands have been built recently. The ground has a 4g pitch, so not grass and I was surprised that a sprinkler system to wet the pitch, was in use.
     
    Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
     
    A win for Notts County (phew). It is strange that the team “dug outs” is on the side of the visiting fans. The Harrogate dug out kept me and the other Notts fans entertained throughout the game. As I had eaten at the Travellers Rest I didn’t eat in the ground but what I saw people eating inside the ground looked good. The stewards were very helpful. There was a good following from Notts. 
     
    Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
     
    The street was well lit for my walk back to the car. By the time I got back to the car, the traffic had died down.
     
    Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
     
    I would recommend visiting the CNG Stadium. I have since found out that you can park nearer the ground, off-street. I still enjoyed the walk to and from the ground. Plus I had a big meal to walk off.

  • Harrogate Town v Dover Athletic
    National League
    Saturday 31st August 2019, 3pm
    David Fairhurst (Neutral)

    Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the CNG Stadium?
     
    As a Wigan Athletic fan, I decided to take a week off from my own teams struggles a visit a new ground for me. Harrogate is a great town to visit, period, so adding in the pleasures of lower league football and beers seemed like a perfect combination.
     
    How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
     
    Our group arrived by train or bus. Both stations are next to each other in the centre of Harrogate. The ground is a pleasant 20 minute walk with a pub situated half way.
     
    What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
     
    On arrival in Harrogate, we had a drink in the Harrogate Tap, which is next to the train station. A decent pub with a choice of ales. Then on to the Empress – half way to the ground. This served decent enough pub food of burger and chips etc. The pub had TV screens showing both the lunchtime Premier League and Championship game. What more could you want?
     
    What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the CNG Stadium?
     
    This is a good small ground. Harrogate currently being in the highest division in their history. There was no segregation so away fans could walk around to stand behind the goal their team was attacking for both halves. We paid a little extra to sit down. I wouldn’t do this next time as the seats were a bit cramped and I enjoyed standing on the terrace in the second half. There is a good view from all 4 sides.
     
    Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
     
    There is a decent but windowless bar behind one of the goals. Sky or BT Sport was on showing the half time scores from across the country. No problem getting a pint. They had a decent wine list too! All staff and stewards welcoming and friendly.
     
    Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
     
    An easy exit and walk back to Harrogate. Loads of great pubs in Harrogate for those wanting to make a night of it.
     
    Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
     
    A great trip. Hassle-free. I’ll be back.

  • Harrogate Town v Portsmouth
    FA Cup 1st Round
    Monday 11th November 2019, (8.40pm – late kick off due to power failure)
    Mark Knight (Portsmouth)

    Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the CNG Stadium?

    I always look forward to visiting a new ground with Pompey but with the game being moved to a Monday night due to TV scheduling, it was an expensive trip due to travel and hotel costs plus time off work.

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

    I went by train as it is about a 540-mile round trip which took about 6 hours each way via Kings Cross and Leeds. We stayed in a Travelodge in the Centre of Town and it took about 20 minutes to reach the ground. Friendly locals pointed us in the right direction.

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

    I had a walk around a very pleasant town and then visited a pub near our hotel called The Tap on Tower Street. On reaching the ground it was clear there were problems as there had been a power failure causing the floodlights and turnstiles to not function. I went to a pub about 10 minutes from the ground called The Woodlands. It was full of Pompey fans, some of whom were having a chat with Sunderland manager, Phil Parkinson.

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

    The game was delayed for nearly an hour and on entering the ground there was a long queue for food in the sold-out away section which unfortunately saw supplies fail due to another power cut!

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

    Coupled with all the pre-match problems it was a wet and bitterly cold night so difficult match conditions and for Portsmouth, it was made more difficult by having to play on an artificial pitch. Pompey had never won in 8 previous attempts on these types of pitches and playing a well-rated non-league team who were in pretty good form it was ripe for a giant-killing. Portsmouth soon went a goal down and for the first twenty minutes were struggling to cope with the pitch. Two Portsmouth players also went off injured in the first half but two quality long-range strikes saw Portsmouth take a half time lead. 

    The second half saw little goalmouth action and whilst not playing particularly well Portsmouth went away with a victory. The ground was decent for National League with the away fans situated in seats and terracing along the side.

    Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

    A cold 20 minute walk back to The Tap on Tower Street for some drinks followed by a late-night pizza.

    Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

    Memorable for the late kick off on a Monday night with the game being in serious jeopardy at one stage. Not the best of games but another ground ticked off in a nice town. Pompey fans were not impressed with the TV schedule as it was a difficult journey at any time but a Monday night fixture was taking the proverbial.

  • Game Attended

    Harrogate Town v Rotherham United

    Competition

    Pre-season friendly

    Date

    21/07/2021

    Kick Off Time

    19.30

    Team Supported

    Doing the 92

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

    This was my first live match since Leeds v Huddersfield on 7 March 2020, and the start of the Coronavirus pandemic. It represented an opportunity to start getting back to normal, on a warm summer's evening, and a visit to a new ground.

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

    The ground is easy to locate on Wetherby Road in Harrogate - one of the main routes into the town. Fans who are unfamiliar with the area and decide to travel by car should be aware that all roads in and out of the town become very congested at peak times. Additional time should be allowed if attending an evening game. There is no parking provision at the ground, and residential streets in the immediate vicinity carry restrictions. However, I was able to leave the car in Wedderburn Road, where there was ample space, and only a five minute walk away.

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

    Other than a Sainsbury's supermarket and the odd pub, there is nowhere near the ground offering food or drink. As the recent lifting of Covid restrictions required me to arrive at the ground no earlier than 7 p.m. and I had what I thought was plenty of time, I decided to walk the 1-1.5 miles into Harrogate in search of a chippy. Although the walk was pleasant enough, across 'The Stray' (a massive green expanse on the edge of the town, used by walkers, runners, picnickers etc), a suitable takeaway proved frustratingly elusive. I should really have given myself more time and gone to a restaurant, but instead I returned to the ground hungry as my timed entry was fast-approaching.

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

    Wetherby Road (the traditional name of the ground) is a typical lower-league affair, with a mixture of seating and terracing. My visit was one of the first with fans in attendance since Covid restrictions were lifted, so the following observations might be of interest: 1. Access into the ground is via Wetherby Road, and it was not possible to establish whether there were any other entry points as the club was adopting a one-way system in the interests of fan safety. The stand running along Wetherby Road is terracing only, and now accommodates both home and away supporters, segregated of course. This is still called the Envirovent Stand. 2. Directly opposite the Envirovent Stand is what the club refers to as the Car Park Terrace, Main Stand, and Corporate Lounge (currently showing as the 'Greene King IPA / Covered Terrace' on the Football Ground Guide ground layout map). 3. To the left of the Envirovent Stand (when looking towards the pitch) is the AON Terrace (previously the Henderson Stand), where the most vocal home support congregates). 4. Opposite the AON Terrace is the Myrings Terrace (formerly the Venue End).

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

    I paid the price of my disorganized approach when it came to food, as I discovered that the club were only selling drinks on the night, presumably in anticipation of a relatively low crowd, or to reduce the likelihood of queues at the single refreshment kiosk. As a result, I went hungry. Similarly, the club were not selling programmes. For those who like to pick up a souvenir from each ground they visit, it should be noted that there is no club shop, although there is a retail outlet in the town. Spectators were politely asked to wear face masks - I, and some others, complied, whilst a fairly sizeable number declined. However, distancing was not really issue. In theory tickets were only on sale to Harrogate fans, so there was no obvious Rotherham contingent present and little atmosphere. Stewards were in attendance outside the toilets to prevent overcrowding and explained the safety protocols in operation. The game itself was a typical pre-season affair, with a plethora of substitutions and a bit 'men against boys', certainly in the first half where Rotherham, from the Championship, were dominant. The second half was more even, but Harrogate still fell to a 3-1 defeat.

    Comment on getting away from the ground after the game

    No issues - a brisk five minute walk back to the car and home within 50 minutes

    Summary of overall thoughts of the day out

    As expected from a pre-season friendly, the football was not of the highest quality, but that hardly mattered: the best thing about the day was to get back to watching live football after what had been a 502 day absence.

  • Game Attended

    Harrogate Town versus Stevenage

    Competition

    League Two

    Date

    25/09/2021

    Kick Off Time

    3pm

    Team Supported

    Neutral

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

    I’d watched Harrogate play home games in four lower, non-leagues and wanted to witness a Football League fixture at the ground. Also, I was interested to see what improvements to the facilities had been made since 2017, my most recent visit.

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

    For once, I travelled by train. It’s an easy, flat, 20-minute walk from station to ground. Parking is hopeless. From past experience, the best place to park is Wedderburn Road (on the left, just south of the ground). Parking there is free and unrestricted,

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

    Nothing. There aren’t any pubs or eateries close to the ground. None of the home fans seemed inclined to conversation.

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

    It doesn’t look or feel like a Football League ground. Very bitty. Eight separate areas of cover speaks volumes. At least the plastic pitch has been ripped up and grass reinstated. Best place for an elevated view of the action is the side opposite Wetherby Road.

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

    A 0-0, though not the worst I’ve seen. Stevenage (21st) should have beaten Harrogate (third). The visitors had three efforts cleared off the line. Harrogate didn’t look like scoring. The stewards weren’t much use. Sample response (to a query about purchasing a programme): “I don’t know. I don’t usually work here.”

    Comment on getting away from the ground after the game

    Small crowd - just 1,727 - so no congestion.

    Summary of overall thoughts of the day out

    Decidedly average. Poor ground, poor game.
Updated 19th June 2020