Haig Avenue
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| Former names | Ash Lane |
|---|---|
| Location |
Blowick, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 6JZ |
| Coordinates | 53°38′17.12″N 2°58′43.88″W / 53.6380889°N 2.9788556°WCoordinates: 53°38′17.12″N 2°58′43.88″W / 53.6380889°N 2.9788556°W |
| Capacity | 7,000 (1,660 seated) |
| Field size | 115 x 78 yards |
| Surface | Grass |
| Opened | 1905 |
Haig Avenue, known as Merseyrail Community Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Blowick, Southport, Merseyside, that holds 7,000 spectators, with 1,660 seated.
Since being opened in 1905 it has been the home ground of Southport. Southport currently play in the Conference National League, but have a proud history in the Football League.
The ground is situated in Blowick, which is just inside the east boundary of Southport, just off the A570, the main road to Ormskirk, and to the M58 motorway. It is sited at the edge of a residential area, adjoining school playing fields.
Haig Avenue now has a capacity of 7,000, though the record attendance is 20,010 against Newcastle United in the fourth round of the FA Cup in 1932, and a similar number attended an FA Cup tie with Everton in 1968. These days the ground seldom operates at more than a quarter full, although nearly full houses have been registered for key matches, such as the 1998 F.A. Trophy semi-final against Slough Town which Southport won to reach their first ever Wembley final; and their 2010 FA Cup 3rd Round home tie against Sheffield Wednesday.
The ground has a covered main stand, called the Grandstand, opposite an uncovered terrace, known as the Popular Side. Behind the goals, the south (Scarisbrick) end is covered; this is where the majority of the home fans congregate. The south stand is called the Jack Carr Stand, after a popular director at the club, and was named shortly after his death. The north (Blowick) away end is open to the elements.
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