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Dumbarton

C&G Systems Stadium

Capacity: 2,050 (all seated)
Address: Castle Road, Dumbarton, G82 1JJ
Telephone: 01389 762 569
Fax: 01389 762 629
Pitch Size: 105m x 68m
Pitch Type: Grass
Club Nickname: The Sons
Year Ground Opened: 2000
Undersoil Heating: No
Home Kit: Yellow and Black

What Is The C&G Systems Stadium Like?

The ground, opened in 2000, is situated spectacularly under the Castle Rock. It currently comprises of one stand which sits at one side of the pitch. However the stand is of a fair size, is covered and all seated. The space & height between rows is ample, giving fans a good view of the action. One unusual aspect of the ground is that the team dugouts are on the opposite side of the ground to the dressing rooms and this results in a large procession at half and full time. The ground was built by Barr Construction and there is plenty of space around the area, which could be used for future expansion, however, the Club have signalled their intent to build a new stadium elsewhere. David Carson adds; ‘most fans refer to the ground name as being The Rock Stadium’.

In 2018 the stadium was renamed the C&G Systems Stadium in a two year corporate sponsorship deal.

New Stadium

In a surprise announcement the Club have revealed a plan to build a new stadium on the west side of Dumbarton. The proposed stadium would have a capacity of 4,000 (3,000 seats and 1,000 terrace) and would be located at a site known as Young’s Farm. The Club have argued that the site of present stadium, makes it difficult to expand and therefore a new stadium is needed. If things progress, then the Club will make a formal planning application. The existing site of the Dumbarton Football Stadium would be redeveloped for housing.

What is it like for visiting supporters?

Away fans are situated in sections one and two, at one end of the new stand. Around 500 fans can be accommodated in this area. As you would expect from a modern stand, the facilities are good and you should experience a hassle free day at the ground.

Where to drink?

There is a bar located at the ground but this is for home fans only. Popular with away supporters is the nearby Rock Bowling Club. This is situated a little further down the road from the ground, opposite the entrance to the castle. A bit further away is the Stags Head, which is situated opposite the entrance to East Dumbarton station. It is a good sized bar, with TV’s and a pool table.

Directions and Car Parking

Castle Rock dominates the Dumbarton skyline, and with the ground sitting just beneath, it is fairly easy to find your bearings. Follow the A814 into Dumbarton and just after you go under a railway bridge, you will see a sign pointing left for Dumbarton Castle. Turn left here (Victoria Street) and the ground is down the bottom of this road on the right. There is a fair sized car park at the ground.

By Train

Dumbarton East Railway Station is around a ten minute walk from the ground. As you come out the station turn right along the main street, left into Victoria Street and the ground is down the bottom of this road on the right.

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

Adults £16
Concessions £10
Under 12’s £8
1 Adult + 1 Under 12 £20

Concessions apply to OAP’s, Students and Under 16’s.

Programme Price

Official Programme £2.50

Fixture List

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

Local Rivals

Greenock Morton.

Record and Average Attendance

Record Attendance

At Dumbarton Football Stadium:
1,978 v Rangers, Championship League, 19th September 2015.

At Boghead Park:
18,000 v Raith Rovers, 1957.

Average Attendance
2018-2019: 618 (League One)
2017-2018: 832 (Championship League)
2016-2017: 1,130 (Championship League)

Hotel and Guest House Accommodation In Dumbarton

If you require hotel accommodation in the area then first try a hotel booking service provided by Late Rooms. 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. Yes this site will earn a small commission if you book through them, but it will go to help with the running costs of keeping the Guide going.

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

If you require hotel accommodation in Dumbarton or Glasgow 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. Yes this site will earn a small commission if you book through them, but it will help towards the running costs of keeping this Guide going.

Club Website links

Dumbarton Stadium Feedback

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

Reviews

  • Dumbarton v Middlesbrough
    Pre-Season Friendly
    Tuesday July 23rd, 2009, 7.30pm
    Graeme Patterson (Middlesbrough fan)

    1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
     
    When this fixture was announced, it didn't really appeal due to the fact it was a 400+ mile round trip for a midweek friendly but as I missed football throughout the summer and the chance to see 'The Boro' again was too good to turn down.

    2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking
     
    The journey was a lot easier than I expected. Two of us left Teesside around 12:30pm and headed west to join the M6 which would take take me north of the border. We fancied a spot of lunch so opted for a 'Toby Carvery' just off the M6 at junction 43 which was a godsend and I'd highly recommend this to anyone travelling either to or near Carlisle. We continued our journey and hit Glasgow around 4:30pm and Dumbarton was easily signposted from there. We knew that the ground was located next the the famous Dumbarton Rock which stood out in the distance therefore was very easy to find. The stadium had space for around 200 cars behind the Main Stand at no cost, perfect.

    3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
     
    There wasn't an awful lot around the ground so we opted for a nearby Morrisons which was around 10/15 minutes walk away and stocked up with food/drink. Once the turnstiles opened, the stewards allowed you to use the club bar which was getting busier with teessider's as kick off approached. Until kick off, we didnt see any home supporters.

    4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
     
    Being a Middlesbrough fan, a lot of the grounds were used to visit over the past 10/15 years are usually of a high standard. Dumbarton's ground only had one stand, which looked quite new and of a decent standard. The other three sides were just fenced round but I would expect that the stand holding around 2/3k would be sufficient for them.

    5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, toilets etc..
     
    The game itself turned out to be a comfortable 5-0 win for Middlesbrough. Dumbarton had a bit of play at times but never looked like scoring. The atmosphere was helped by a few hundred making the journey from Teesside that got behind the team from the first minute. There was no issues with the home support of stewards. The food inside the ground was just your run of the mill food, Burgers, Pies etc for around £2 but was well worth the money. The toilet facilities were very clean.

    6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
     
    The ground was easy to get away from. We applauded the Boro players off the field and made the short journey back to the car. Dumbarton's ground is on a 'one road in, one road out' system but after a short queue to get back onto the main highstreet, we were away. We arrived back home about 12:30am which was helped by very little traffic on the road due to the time of day.

    7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
     
    Very enjoyable night out and a Boro win which always helps. Would recommend a trip to Dumbarton to any Scottish supporter or an English fan if your team plays there in a friendly. I wouldn't think twice about returning. 

  • Dumbarton v Queen of the South
    Scottish Championship League
    Saturday 10th March 2018, 3pm
    John Boynton (Neutral fan)

    Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the YOUR Radio 103FM Stadium?
     
    I was looking forward to a good day out to a new ground. Also the wife wanted to come as well so I thought the element of the castle on Dumbarton Rock might make the trip a bit more appealing to her!
     
    How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
     
    The journey was dead straightforward. Two trains from Northumberland to Dumbarton East Station and a 15 minute walk to the ground. If I’d gone by car there was ample parking on waste land at the stadium for the size of the crowd.
     
    What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
     
    We went for a coffee first of all, mainly to get out of the driving rain. Turning right out of the station and walking for 15 minutes you come to the ubiquitous retail park so we got a cuppa there in Frankie and Bennys. We then walked to the castle only to find it was unexpectedly shut for maintenance (grrrrr!!). We then went into the Stags Head pub opposite the railway station to watch the televised match on Sky Television before heading to the ground. Everyone we met were in good humour and friendly apart from, strangely, the bar staff in the pub who were completely po-faced and did not seem happy to take my money at all!
     
    What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Rock Stadium?
     
    I’ll try and be as kind as I can because this is probably the worst ground I’ve been to. It is really a pitch with a stand. Although the stand is decent enough. I applaud whoever is pushing for a new ground as it is exactly the right thing to do for the team, the fans and the young footballers of Dumbarton.
     
    Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
     
    The game was quite enjoyable despite having an obnoxious old bloke behind us yelling and swearing abuse at Dobbie, Finney and Naismith all game for no particular reason than they were all %@#£# duds, apparently! It was a shame overall for Dumbarton as they gave as good as they got but can’t buy a goal at the minute, and then proceeded to blaze a penalty over the bar, doh! The stewarding was okay although we threw the first steward we encountered into meltdown by naively declaring we were neutral fans resulting in him having to summon his supervisor to decide what to do with us. Scotch pies were decent but not as good as Dunfermlines!
     
    Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
     
    Dead easy to get away with a gate of only 642.
     
    Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
     
    An enjoyable day out despite miserable weather. All we met were very decent people. Especially the Queen of the South fans in the pub who were enjoying themselves in exactly the right way before a game. The match lacked goals but was still an intriguing contest that could have gone either way. Hopefully the next time I visit it will be to a plush new stadium that the local fans deserve.

  • Dumbarton v Brechin City
    Scottish Championship League
    Tuesday 13th March 2018, 7.45pm
    Tony Smith (Doing the 134)

    Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the YOUR Radio 103FM Stadium?
     
    A fortnight previously, my prearranged travel and accommodation plans were thwarted ahead of the arrival of “The Beast from the East” cold weather phenomenon. There was no settled snow that night but the pitch covers proved inadequate against the frost. That, a (rearranged) dress-rehearsal of the Irn Bru Cup Final would perhaps have had more appeal than tonight’s (rearranged) meeting of the two bottom teams in the league, but you never know (2-1 last time out).
     
    How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
     
    The train again took the strain. The ground is less than ten minutes walk from Dumbarton East with the only ground access through a gap in a wall that will soon face some impressive new housing! There was no queuing on a relatively mild night to pay the £20 entry and a (diminishing) total of only 403 were attracted.
     
    What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
     
    I’ve sampled the Wetherspoons in town previously so chose to have some refreshment at the ground. The Irn Bru Cup was on display in the spacious lounge (plus tickets on sale) and I was surprised that theoretically it could have ended in an Irish v Welsh team final although not as personally unwelcome as inclusion of Under 21 teams in the Checkatrade Trophy. Having grabbed a programme (£2.50) I did not tarry for any alcohol but went to the food/toilets area. My (chicken) curry pie (£2.60) was physically but not spice-wise very hot as was the tea (£2) but disappointingly no chips were available. Large bags of crisps were 90p and small just 20p but I didn’t check if the latter was a bargain or typo, although it said the same at both outlets.
     
    What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Rock Stadium?
     
    A single sided stadium is unique in my experience, with not even provision for fans to stand on the other three (spiked fencing) sides. The club aspire to accommodate up to double the 2,050 present capacity but state that necessitates moving. They say education comprises the 3 R’s and here the site surrounds are Rock, River and Road. The grandstand in front of the imposing castle rock is of a good standard and I refute this needs a rebuild. Plus, depending upon car parking requirements I believe there is still considerable capacity for at least terrace additions. The stadium’s previous sponsor and one of the few programme advertisers (Turnberry Homes) however signal clearly the intended way forward, with the desire for a new stadium.
     
    Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
     
    The toilets were adequate and at least the plumbing was working (unlike Chesterfield 3 days earlier). The central parts of the stand were marked for season ticket holders (many clearly didn’t bother to come) but there was an excellent view from anywhere including across to the dug-outs. Only the current stadium name sponsor and one other featured upon the fencing along the whole of that side. The two ends had quite a few advertising boards but it must be difficult to maximise such potential income. The “Sons we’re the One” played before kick-off was completely ignored by the crowd and it is difficult to image a vibrant atmosphere being generated here. The problematic economics are appreciated, but I would have welcomed a team sheet as the programme was from the original fixture over five weeks earlier and some names were new. The tannoy was audible with both teams in named/squad shirts with short sleeves. About a third of the players had supplemented these to completely cover arms but none had a glove affectation apart from the ‘keepers. The (exclusively?) home crowd were restless, as befits a team perhaps low in confidence. But their player guilty of fluffing one of several simple looking chances scored a decent goal to win the game after about 35 minutes. Whilst skill levels were not high the outcome could have changed before the end with all 6 possible subs on the field. Injury after only 18 mins forced a Brechin change (only 5 to choose from) but despite their hopeles s 4 points from 26 games everyone still put in a shift. The officials were adequate but still received the customary abuse.
     
    Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
     
    There were trains available going in both direction at 21:49 and it was no problem catching mine.
     
    Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
     
    I stayed at Balloch on the edge of Loch Lomond but not long enough to cruise nor did I visit the Aquarium or ubiquitous designer outlet centre there. For the first time, I sampled Lorne (square) sausage at breakfast. It was very bland and reinforced my overall impression that something was lacking in the whole match experience that a new ground won’t necessarily solve. The homeward journey took, as expected, half of 10 hours of a fortnight earlier.

  • Dumbarton v Kilmarnock
    Scottish League Cup Group Stage
    Saturday 21st July 2018, 3pm
    Brian Scott (Neutral fan)

    Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the C&G Systems Stadium?
     
    This is number 3 of 4 grounds in a nine day holiday in Scotland.
     
    How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
     
    I took the advice of reviewer Tony Smith on this website and stayed in Balloch which is a short train journey away from Dumbarton. The ground is an easy eight minute walk from Dumbarton East Railway Station.
     
    What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
     
    I arrived an hour and a half before kick off to find the turnstiles open. Trying to enter the concession turnstile I was asked to show my ‘card’ “What card?” I enquired. “Your er, um card. Blank look from me. “I don’t have a ‘card’. “Oh,er, er, I mean your bus pass.” “Oh yes, here it is!” At Other clubs I’ve been to the charge for a concession in the Scottish League Cup has been £5, here it was £10. Once in the ground I had to ask four different stewards/stewardesses where the club shop was. The first three didn’t know despite it being only a few yards away! It was in fact a table at the end of a function room in the home area of the stand – so no use for an away fan. I knew from this guide that the ground only had the one stand, but I still expected there to be some standing on the other three sides so I could take a photo of the stand. I asked a young-looking steward for permission to go through a gate and walk 20 yards to take a photo. He couldn’t see any problem with that as I said it wouldn’t take long. There was hardly anyone else around at the time. On my quick return to the gate a senior stewardess marched up and told the young steward off and then told me off for asking permission! She did then confirm that I could sit in any seat in the home area. Verdict, young steward friendly, senior stewardess officious and unfriendly!
     
    What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the C&G Systems Stadium?
     
    The single stand is good looking but the three other areas need some development. With the numbers of new houses being built all around, it seems clear to me that money is talking with regard to moving to a new stadium. Planning permission for more houses maybe much easier to obtain on the ‘Rock’ site than out of town to the west. The away fans were allocated the West half of the stand, but despite this segregation, quite a large and vociferous group of away fans were allowed into the home area. So much for segregation! There were obviously many more away fans than home fans. They made quite a lot of noise with the locals sandwiched between.
     
    Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
     
    After about 20 minutes two Killie players went to head the same ball. Both had to go off with head injuries and be replaced. The referee appeared to be making some strange decisions which annoyed the home fans. However, against the run of play and during their first meaningful attack, in the 39th minute, Dumbarton scored from a free kick. I had a big loud-mouthed fan behind me and he kept up a disgusting torrent of abuse at the referee. At least he didn’t swear at all. Killie pulled a goal back on 48 minutes, but Dumbarton went ahead again 20 minutes later to make it 2-1. Shortly after that Killie equalised and deservedly cruised to a win with two more goals. Ending 2-4. I must say that towards the end when Killie were scoring their second and third goals, the atmosphere around me was becoming hostile and intimidating. The fourth goal quashed any hope and it went quiet with many leaving.
     
    Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
     
    It was an easy walk back to Dumbarton East Railway Station and back to Balloch.
     
    Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
     
    This wasn’t quite as bad as my awful visit to Cowdenbeath a year ago, but it was certainly not what I would expect from this level of football. I wonder why some people still think that it’s all right to treat the referee in such a disgusting manner.

  • Dumbarton v Peterhead
    Scottish League One
    Saturday 26th October 2019, 3pm
    Gerry (Neutral)

    Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Dumbarton Football Stadium?
     
    I am trying to visit all 42 league grounds in Scotland. Only 15 to go.
     
    How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
     
    Easy, it's under the rock so you can't really miss it. There is a large car park at ground for £3, free for disabled. Some on-street parking just outside as well.
     
    What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
     
    Got there pretty late due to roadworks on M8. I just had a coffee before taking a seat, £2 for hot drinks. You are within 5/10 minutes walk though of pubs, cafes etc.
     
    What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Dumbarton Football Stadium?
     
    It has one little stand which is smart enough. Plenty of legroom and good height between rows. Like most lower league Scottish grounds it is sit anywhere. I picked a bright yellow seat! £20 for a parent and child as well done Dumbarton. The ground is very open with nothing on the other three sides except dugouts. The fences behind the goals are quite low. The ball went over at least five times. So beware if parking in the club car park!
     
    Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
     
    Absolutely freezing! You are right on the River Clyde where it starts to really open out so it was windy. The game was okay finishing 1-0 to Dumbarton. Plenty of effort from both teams. The local ultras(!!) kept up through the game (about 15 high school age kids with a drum!). I couldn't hear the away fans as they are at the other end of the stand so that does detract a little bit.
     
    Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
     
    No bother, once out the car park back in central Glasgow in 25 minutes.
     
    Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
     
    Nice enough little ground. It would look more balanced with even a little bit of terracing on the dugout side however as they are talking of moving so that's unlikely to ever happen.

  • Dumbarton v Stranraer
    Scottish Challenge Cup
    Friday 6th October 2017, 7.45pm
    Phil Graham (Neutral fan)

    Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the YOUR Radio 103FM Stadium?
     
    Another of the Scottish 42 to tick off.
     
    How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
     
    I got a direct Train from Edinburgh, although expensive at £27.80 return. The Rock Stadium was an easy ten minute walk from Dumbarton East Station. Turn right out the Station cross the Road and head down Victoria Street.
     
    What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
     
    I headed straight to the ground. I bought a couple of the excellent Matchday Programmes (£2.50) and a Club Pennant (£6) as I do at most new grounds to send back to my old club in New Zealand. I bought them from the small club shop inside the Club Bar before paying the reduced cup entry fee of £10.
     
    What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Rock Stadium?
     
    The ground was as I expected only one stand of 13 rows that runs the length of the pitch. Its a shame they didn't build the stand on the opposite side of the stadium so you could see the impressive looking Dumbarton Rock in the background. There is talk of a new Stadium for Dumbarton, Not sure why when the current one easily copes with there average crowds of 600.
     
    Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc.
     
    I didnt have any food but looked like the usual fare available at Scottish Stadiums. Scotch Pies and Bovril. Dumbarton won a fairly poor game 2-1 in front of less than 500 fans.
     
    Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
     
    It was an easy exit from the ground and walk back to the station, as expected with a sub 500 attendance.
     
    Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
     
    Not my most enjoyable game of the 20 Scottish Grounds so far. And not a Ground I would rush back too either! Friendly enough place but lacking any atmosphere or character.

  • Game Attended

    Dumbarton v Dundee

    Competition

    Scottish Cup 4th round

    Date

    22/01/2022

    Kick Off Time

    3pm

    Team Supported

    Dundee

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

    Always look forward to a cup tie, especially against opposition we've not played for several years.

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

    Easy journey, direct train from Edinburgh. I've been to the stadium before so no problems finding it. If you haven't been here before it's the easiest ground in Scotland to find as it is, quite literally, at the foot of Dumbarton Rock which, on a clear day, you can see from 100 miles away!

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

    My maternal grandparents lived in Dumbarton for many years and, though they are both long since deceased, I left myself plenty time to wander round places I remember from childhood visits. After that I paid a visit to the local Weatherspoons which was exactly what you'd expect from a Weatherspoons. I try, whenever possible, to find decent local independent bars to have some lunch but in small towns like Dumbarton such places are non existent. I know Weatherspoons have their critics but you can rely on passable food, decent beer and clean toilets. Didn't really have any interaction with away fans but the atmosphere felt pretty calm

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

    The setting for the ground is spectacular but the stadium itself is dull and lacking any character. It's a one sided stadium with away fans housed at one end and home fans at the other. There was a fairly large travelling support which created a bit of atmosphere but I imagine that for a normal league game with a crowd of 5 or 6 hundred it'd be quite subdued

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

    The game was a typical cup tie with a lower league club against top league opposition, in other words very competitive but little quality football. Dumbarton had a player sent off just before half time which reduced their chances of an upset. In the end it took a penalty for Dundee to clinch a narrow but thoroughly deserved 1-0 win.

    Comment on getting away from the ground after the game

    Easy 10 minute walk back to the railway station

    Summary of overall thoughts of the day out

    Because of my family connections I enjoyed the day out though the game itself was fairly drab

    Images

Updated 13th June 2022
See 7 Reviews