England’s 10 most unique grounds – speedway track to ‘Tesco trolley stand’
Non-league football takes centre stage this weekend as the international break puts a halt to all Premier League and Championship games, as well as the majority of League One.
There are few better days out than taking in non-league football on the terraces in a throwback to how football used to be watched and celebrated.
And should you be thinking of heading to watch your local club, or even travelling to tick off a bucket list ground, the Daily Star Sport looks at the top 10 most unique non-league grounds in the country.
Hitchin Town – Top Field
The Canaries play in the Southern League Premier Division Central but unlike most non-league grounds, most of the stadium is non-smoking.
That’s because half of the ground is built from wood so smoking is banned in most parts due to it being a fire risk.
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Marine – Rossett Park
The Northern Premier League side famously hosted Tottenham in the FA Cup in 2021 but unfortunately for fans, it was played behind closed doors at the height of the pandemic.
But those lucky to live in a house backing onto the ground were able to watch from their back garden and bedroom windows.
Which non-league ground are you hoping to visit? Let us know in the comments section below
Coventry United – Butts Park Arena
Playing in a 3,500-seater stadium in step 10, the club share the ground with Coventry Rugby but nearly all of that available capacity is situated in the main stand that runs alongside one side of the pitch – while the rest of the ground remains without a stand or shelter.
Lewes – Dripping Pan
The incredibly named Dripping Pan ground finds the pitch below street level with the banks of the ground formed from an old excavating pit.
Huge grass banks surround the pitch and the towering stand behind the goal offers views of the South Downs, but the adjourning clubhouse blocks the view of the corner flag. Beach huts have also been installed for fans to watch the game in.
Enfield Town – Queen Elizabeth Stadium
Immediately the huge ‘cafe’ sign above the main stands prominently in view at the multi-use sports ground. The main stand is a Grade II listed building built in Art Deco style.
A running track circles the pitch and temporary stands allow fans the chance to watch Isthmian Premier League action from behind both goals and on the far side.
Teversal – Teversal Grange Sports and Social Centre
One of the most famous grounds in the country, Teversal went viral after pictures of their ‘Tesco Trolley Park’ stand was posted to social media.
The Central Midlands League side installed the two Tesco shopping trolley huts to ensure no side in the ground was left without a shelter.
Great Yarmouth Town – Wellesley Recreation Ground
Opened in 1888, the Eastern Counties League side’s ground features what is thought to be the oldest stand still in use at a football stadium – opened in 1892.
The Victorian main stand at the side of the pitch was given Grade II listed status in 2000.
Newcastle Town – Lyme Valley Stadium
Formed as a Sunday league team in 1964, the club now play in the Northern Premier League at a ground that doubles a velodrome track.
Towering mounds behind each goal leave an oval shape where supporters who watch from behind the goals do so on top of the steep uncovered banks.
Dartford – Princes Park Stadium
The National League South side boasts one of the most ecological grounds in the country. Opened in 2006, the ground features a 5.5m wooden man on the terrace, stands built from renewable timber, a green living roof and solar panels on the roof.
A complex water recycling solution helps irrigate the pitch that is 2 metres below ground level to reduce noise and light pollution.
Stourbridge FC – War Memorial Athletic Ground
While most grounds double as Athletics venues, the War Memorial also is a cricket pitch for Stourbridge CC.
The football pitch takes up half the cricket pitch, seeing temporary fencing acting as a barrier to the cricket half, meaning there are only 3 stands. The main stand on the side of the pitch is made up of three separate stands seemingly bolted together too.
Hastings United – The Pilot Field
Hastings’ huge ground was doubled as a speedway track and the stands still remain the same, giving the ground a completely unique shape with towering barn-looking stands behind one goal and the dugouts.
The Pilot Field has been given a second life too after plans were dashed regarding the building of a new stadium for the ambitious Isthmian Premier League side.
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