Bescot Stadium

Infobox Stadium
stadium_name = Bescot Stadium


fullname = Bescot Stadium
nickname =
location = Bescot, Walsall, England
built = 1990
opened = 1990
seating_capacity = 11,300
tenants = Walsall F.C.
dimensions = 110 x 73 yards
The Bescot Stadium (currently known as Banks's Stadium for sponsorship purposes), situated in Bescot, Walsall, England, is the home ground of Walsall Football Club. It was built in 1989 at a cost of £28,000 and opened in 1990 by Sir Stanley Matthews, replacing the club's previous ground, Fellows Park, which was located a quarter of a mile away.

It currently has a capacity of 11,300 following an extension to the Floors-2-Go Stand (formerly known as the Gilbert Alsop Stand) during the 2003/04 season. It is now an all-seater stadium with disabled, educational and conferencing facilities that make it a focal point for the local residential and business communities.

The stadium is also to host England under-21 international matches, Aston Villa reserve matches (winter fixtures only) and England women's international matches.

Future plans

It was reported in the Express and Star Newspaper on 6th June 2008, that Walsall FC were attempting to sell the stadium to Walsall Council, and renting it back off them to secure the clubs finanical future. The Council, however, stated they did not have the funds to purchase the ground.

Plans to develop the Homeserve Stand (which usually caters for away supporters) were announced by the club during 2005. The proposed development would mean the stand adopting a similar look to the Floors-2-Go Stand, which stands opposite it. As a part of the redevelopment, a large advertising board on the back of the stand facing the M6 motorway will be built and rented, covering the costs of the build; the board will be the largest illuminated sign adjacent to a motorway in Europe. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/7039216.stm Motorway sign 'biggest in Europe'] BBC News, 11 October 2007] Due to the club's fall from the Football League Championship to Football League Two in the space of three seasons, the redevelopment plans have been halted, though they still remain in place, and are likely to be revived if an advertiser can be found.

Record attendance

*11,049 - Wallsall vs. Rotherham United, May 9 2004, Football League First Division.

References