Sixfields Stadium

Infobox Stadium
stadium_name = Sixfields Stadium
nickname =


location = Northampton, England
broke_ground =
opened = 15 October 1994
renovated =
expanded =
closed =
demolished =
owner = Northampton Town F.C.
operator =
surface = Grass
construction_cost = £6,000,000
former_names =
seating_capacity = 7,653 (Maximum of 1,250 for Visiting Supporters)
dimensions =

Sixfields Stadium was finished in 1994 and was built a 7,653 all seater sports stadium in Northampton, England. It has been the home ground of Northampton Town Football Club following their move from the County Ground.

The site also hosts athletics in the adjacent stadium. Aside from being a sports venue, Sixfields also houses conference facilities.

History

The stadium had been scheduled to be opened at the start of the 1994-95, but was not ready on time and as a result Northampton began the season still at the County Ground. The mid-season relocation to Sixfields is one of just a few which have taken place in English senior football since the Second World War.

tands

*West StandThe largest of the stands, seating just under 4,000 home supporters on a matchday, the West Stand also accommodates the club offices, changing rooms and supporters bar.

*Dave Bowen (North) StandNamed after ex-Northampton Town player and manager Dave Bowen, who helped take the club from Division Four to the First Division during the 1960s, the North Stand is behind the goal nearest to the hill. It seats approximately 900.

*Alwyn Hargrave (East) StandThis is the Family Enclosure which stands opposite the West Stand. It can accommodate approximately 1,700 fans. It is usually reserved for home supporters, although if the opposition sells their allocation in "The Paul Cox Panel & Paint (South) Stand", they are usually sent an extra 450 tickets for the south-end of this stand. It is named after an Ex-Borough Councillor who helped the stadium become reality. This stand is well known for its 'award-winning facilities for disabled supporters' according to "The Football Ground Guide."

*Paul Cox Panel & Paint (South) StandStanding opposite and identical to "The Dave Bowen Stand," this end is reserved for away fans. The only occasion where this stand has held Northampton Town supporters was against Chester City on 29 April 2006 when the stand was split and supporters segregated to allow the maximum amount of home supporters to witness the club's promotion to League One.

Future developments

After successfully attaining a 150 year lease on the ground from the local council, the owners of Northampton Town, David and Tony Cardoza have announced plans to redevelop the whole ground into a 15,000 all-seater stadium, starting with adding executive boxes and a further 2,000 seats to the West Stand whilst expanding the clubs offices and facilities.

The other stands will then be expanded and joined to create a 'bowl' stadium. The home end at Northampton Town's old County Ground was called "The Hotel End", so it is quite apt that the new stadium will also feature its own "Hotel End". The new complex will also feature a hotel which will be built behind the Paul Cox Panel & Paint (South) Stand.

These developments have however become tied up with the bureaucracy of the Borough Council and no timescale has yet been announced for the plans to begin. However, Northampton Town fans have been frustrated at the delay and prior to their 2-1 victory over Scunthorpe United on April 9 2007, marched from the Northampton Guildhall, past Northampton Saints' state-of-the-art Franklin's Gardens to Sixfields to pressure the council to make a quick and informed decision regarding the re-development.

Attendances

*Record Attendance - 7,557 - Northampton Town vs. Manchester City, Division Two, 26 September 1998.

Averages

*2006-2007: 5,573 (Football League One)
*2005-2006: 5,935 (Football League Two)
*2004-2005: 5,927 (Football League Two)
*2003-2004: 5,306 (Division Three)

External links

* [http://www.ntfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Stadium/0,,10425,00.html Stadium information from the Northampton Town Official Website]