VICTORIA PARK
Victoria Park was a League ground for 100 seasons
from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2023
and from 1 July 1921 to 30 June 2017
The 123rd ground to be used for a League game
Current capacity: 7,856
Opened: 1908
GROUND HISTORY
adapted from "The Ultimate Directory of English & Scottish Football League Grounds"
The site, part of a disused quarry and rubbish tip, was first used as a sporting venue by West Hartlepool Rugby Club in 1886. Following the demise of the rugby club Hartlepools United FC took the Victoria Ground over in 1908 and split the site into two parts, the northern portion as a football ground and the southern for rugby and, subsequently, greyhound racing.
Full details of the early facilities are not known but there was a main stand on the east side which was famously destroyed by bombs during a Zeppelin raid in 1916. As the council had plans to improve the road behind the stand only a temporary 620 seat replacement structure was erected in time for the clubβs entry into the Football League in 1921. Over the years leading up to 1947, terraces were installed around the ground and a cover constructed at the north end.
Full details of the early facilities are not known but there was a main stand on the east side which was famously destroyed by bombs during a Zeppelin raid in 1916. As the council had plans to improve the road behind the stand only a temporary 620 seat replacement structure was erected in time for the clubβs entry into the Football League in 1921. Over the years leading up to 1947, terraces were installed around the ground and a cover constructed at the north end.
The record attendance of 17,426 was set at the FA Cup 3rd Round tie v. Manchester United (3-4) on January 5th, 1957 and a new cantilever roofed stand was constructed on the west side in 1968. The βtemporary standβ having survived for 66 years was finally demolished as a safety measure in 1985, as were the covers at both ends in the following year.
The ground was improved during the 1990s with the construction of new covers at each end and a new cantilever roofed 1,650 seat main stand on the east side. The venue was re-named as Victoria Park and by the start of the 2007/8 season the capacity was 7,629 with 3,966 seats and the pitch size was 113 x 77 yards.
GROUND DETAILS
adapted from "The Extreme Groundhoppers Guide"
- Ground address
- Victoria Park, Clarence Road, Hartlepool, TS24 8BZ
- Main phone
- 01429 272 584
- Ticket prices
- Adults Β£25 Over 60's/Students under 16's Β£13
- Food & drink
- The Jacksons Wharf is where the Wanderers members meet for the game next door to the Hartlepool Maritime Experience, (formerly known as Hartlepool Historic Quay) across from Asda. This friendly team at the Jacksonβs Wharf offer a warm and relaxing environment. They offer great pub food being served every day and full table service. Real ales are always on offer, with one of our most popular, Hobgoblin. The Jacksonβs Wharf offers traditional English βTwo for Oneβ menu, along with excellent specialβs board for those who cannot make it back home the same day.
- If driving
- From South
Exit A1 at junction 49 and follow the A19 towards Teesside. Exit the A19, onto the A689 dual carriageway, following the signs for Hartlepool. Continue over the next four roundabouts, following the signs for Town Centre. Go straight over the traffic lights by the Middleton Grange Shopping Centre (Signposted the North, Sunderland, Durham A179, A19). Continue past the Hartlepool Mail (on your left), and then take the left hand lane into Clarence Road. The ground is about 200 yards along, on the left hand side.
From North
Take the A1 to Seaton Burn and at the roundabout take the first exit following the signs for the A19 and follow it it through Newcastle. Exit A19 at the junction with the A179 (Hartlepool), and turn left at the junction follow the A179 towards Hartlepool. Continue straight on at a number of roundabouts, and then turn right into Easington Road at the third. Continue on the A179 (Town Centre), going straight over the next three roundabouts. Turn right into the new docks development, at the next (4th) roundabout just after the railway bridge. As Clarence Road is one-way, it's best to head for the Jackson's Wharf car park. Therefore, go straight over the next roundabout, and you can't miss the car park and walk 5 minutes to the ground.
- Public transport
- Hartlepool railway station is a ten minute walk from the ground. Leave the station up at the approach road, and then turn right and head up Church Street towards the church. At the end of this road at the junction, go straight across walk down Clarence Road and the ground is in front of you on the left hand side of the road.