Oakwell
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| Full name | Oakwell Stadium |
|---|---|
| Location | Grove Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England S71 1ET |
| Coordinates | 53°33′8″N 1°28′3″W / 53.55222°N 1.46750°WCoordinates: 53°33′8″N 1°28′3″W / 53.55222°N 1.46750°W |
| Owner | Barnsley Council |
| Operator | Barnsley F.C. |
| Capacity | 23,009 |
| Field size | 110 x 75 yards |
| Surface | Grass |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1887 |
| Opened | 1888 |
| Renovated | 1992–1999 |
| Tenants | |
| Barnsley (1887–present) | |
Oakwell is a multi-purpose sports development in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England used primarily by Barnsley Football Club for playing their home fixtures, and those of their reserves.
While the name 'Oakwell' generally refers to the main stadium, it also includes several neighbouring venues which form the facilities of the Barnsley F.C. academy – an indoor training pitch, a smaller stadium with seating on the south and west sides for around 2,200 spectators, and several training pitches used by the different Barnsley FC squads.
Until 2003 the stadium and the vast amount of land that surrounds it was owned by Barnsley Football Club themselves; however, after the club fell into administration in 2002, the council purchased the main Oakwell Stadium to allow the club to pay its creditors and remain participants in the Football League.
The West Stand is the only original part of Oakwell Stadium left standing; however, it was made 'all-seater' in 1995.
The stand is made up of two tiers, with only the upper tier covered, but at the expense of several supporting columns for the roof structure. The seats are the originals from the early 1900s, and from here you get a decent view with moderate legroom. In spite of the restricted views and modest facilities, the West Stand remains a popular vantage point for many fans. The lower tier of the West Stand is uncovered and offers a great view of the action.
The roof of the West Stand is corrugated iron. This also houses the main television gantry, which is accessed from the upper tier seating area by a temporary ladder.
At the end of the 1990s, the then stadium owners Barnsley Football Club were considering re-developing the West Stand after several seasons of high attendances; however, with the rapid decline in fortunes of the football club, subsequent sale of the stadium and new club ownership, these plans are unlikely to come to fruition in the near future.
The stand also incorporates a traditional player' tunnel in the centre. While this is used for access to some of the facilities underneath the stand, the main players' tunnel now feeds out from the north-west corner, following the relocation of the changing rooms to the North Stand.
The West Stand has a total seating capacity of 4,752.
The East Stand is a two-tier development, completed in 1993. Funded in part by the football trust, the stand has a capacity of 7,492 and replaced a large covered terrace known as the Brewery Stand. The East Stand was designed by NYP Architects, as were the North Stand and the Corner Stand. With the completion of the East Stand, Barnsley FC became the first football club in Yorkshire to incorporate 'executive boxes' into their stadium. The East stand is very modern, and has plenty of legroom.
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