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Huish Park is a modern football stadium located on the outskirts of Yeovil in Somerset, England. Serving as the home of Yeovil Town Football Club since its opening in 1990, it represents a significant step in the club’s evolution from its former ground, the historic Huish Athletic Ground, to a facility that meets modern standards. The move to Huish Park was a major milestone in the club’s history and reflects Yeovil Town’s ambition to grow and succeed in the competitive landscape of English football.
Historical Background and Move
In the mid-1980s, negotiations began to secure a new home for Yeovil Town after years of playing at the sloping Huish Athletic Ground, a venue that had been in use since 1920. The club’s directors, in discussions that started around 1985, opted to sell the old site for a sum that eventually reached approximately £2.8 million. This sale paved the way for the construction of a new stadium on a 20.75-acre freehold site at Houndstone Camp—a former army camp—supplemented by an additional 4.2 acres on a 999-year lease. The new project, costing around £3.5 million, was undertaken by Bartlett Construction, and after several months of planning and public inquiry, Huish Park was officially opened on 4 August 1990 with a friendly match against Newcastle United, which ended in a 2–1 defeat. The first competitive fixture followed shortly on 18 August 1990, when Yeovil Town secured a 2–0 victory over Colchester United, marking the beginning of a new era for the club.
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Stadium Features and Capacity
Huish Park has a seating capacity of approximately 9,565, with 5,212 of these being seated accommodations. The stadium’s design incorporates four distinct stands that cater to various spectator needs:
Bamfords Main Stand: A modern, cantilevered structure that not only offers covered seating for home supporters but also houses the ticket office, club shop, and executive boxes.
Screwfix Stand (East Stand): Similar in design to the Main Stand, it provides additional covered seating along with media facilities.
Thatchers Gold Stand (Home Terrace): This stand is a covered cantilevered terrace that has become a focal point for the club’s passionate home supporters.
Away Terrace: An uncovered area designated for visiting fans, which is equipped with a large electronic scoreboard.
These features, combined with contemporary amenities, create a vibrant and comfortable atmosphere on match days, contributing to the overall experience for both fans and players.
Notable Matches and Developments
Huish Park has been the scene of several memorable moments in Yeovil Town’s history. The record attendance of 9,527 was set during a League One fixture against Leeds United on 25 April 2008. Other high-profile matches, including FA Cup ties against teams like Liverpool and Manchester United, have further cemented the stadium’s reputation as a fortress for the club. In the 1999–2000 season, plans were approved to install a roof over the home terrace—a project completed in early 2001 that helped boost the atmosphere and safety of the ground.
Recent Developments and Community Role
In May 2022, a significant change occurred when South Somerset District Council purchased Huish Park along with its surrounding land for £2.8 million. Under a leaseback arrangement, Yeovil Town continues to use the stadium as their home, ensuring that the venue remains an integral part of the local community. Today, Huish Park is not only a centre for football but also a landmark in Yeovil, reflecting the town’s rich sporting heritage and its ongoing passion for the game.
Overall, Huish Park stands as a testament to Yeovil Town’s journey from a small local club to a respected name in English football, combining modern infrastructure with deep-rooted history and community spirit.
Map showing the location of Huish Park in England.
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