Vale Park, affectionately known as the “Wembley of the North,” holds a cherished place in the hearts of Port Vale supporters.
Nestled in Stoke-on-Trent, this historic stadium has been home to the Valiants since 1950, renowned for its passionate atmosphere and deep-rooted community spirit. Vale Park is nicknamed the “Wembley of the North” because, when it was built in 1950, the stadium was ambitiously designed to replicate London’s iconic Wembley Stadium. The original plans aimed for an impressive 80,000 capacity, similar to Wembley’s grand scale. Although those plans never fully materialized, Vale Park’s unusually wide pitch dimensions and spacious terraces echo Wembley’s famous layout.
Vale Park Stats
Opened on 24 August 1950, Vale Park is the home ground of Port Vale Football Club. Located on Hamil Road in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, England, the stadium has a seating capacity of 15,036. Beyond hosting football matches, Vale Park has also been a venue for significant events, including the Heavy Metal Holocaust concert in 1981, featuring bands like Motörhead and Ozzy Osbourne.
- Capacity: 15,036
- Address: Hamil Road, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 1AW, UK
- Year Opened: 1950
- Home Team: Port Vale F.C.
- Record Attendance: 49,768 (Port Vale vs. Aston Villa, 20 February 1960)
- Owner: Port Vale F.C.
- First Fixture: Port Vale vs. Newport County, 24 August 1950
Vale Park Design and Architecture
Vale Park is renowned for its spacious pitch, one of the largest in the English Football League. Designed with ambitious plans in 1950, it features a traditional yet eclectic layout with stands constructed incrementally over decades.
The distinctive Lorne Street Stand, redeveloped in the 1990s, stands out with its modern seating arrangement, contrasting older terraces like the Railway Paddock, which evoke nostalgia. The ground retains a classic British stadium feel, with separate stands rather than a modern bowl structure.
Vale Park’s architecture reflects a blend of historical charm and practicality, maintaining intimacy and atmosphere beloved by traditional football fans.
Vale Park Seating Plan
Vale Park offers a distinctive matchday experience with its four main stands, each with unique features.
Hamil Road Stand (South Stand):
Traditionally hosting away supporters, the Hamil Road Stand has been allocated to home fans since the 2023/24 season, now featuring a dedicated singing section to enhance atmosphere. It also includes a family area, creating a welcoming environment for young supporters. Nearby is the Staffordshire University FanZone in Car Park C, offering pre-match entertainment. The club shop and ticket office are conveniently located adjacent to this stand on Hamil Road. Additionally, Tommy Cheadle’s, the stadium’s on-site pub, is nearby, serving as a social hub for supporters before and after games.
Bycars Stand (North Stand):
Formerly occupied by vocal Port Vale supporters, the Bycars Stand now houses away fans. This single-tiered, fully covered stand provides visiting supporters with excellent views of the pitch. It’s equipped with basic facilities, including refreshment kiosks and accessible seating. The move of away fans to Bycars aims to centralize home support, intensifying the stadium’s atmosphere.
Lorne Street Stand (West Stand):
The Lorne Street Stand serves as Vale Park’s main stand, housing key facilities such as the players’ dressing rooms, tunnel, and dugouts. It also includes hospitality suites, like the Valiant Suite and CJ Bayley Lounge, offering premium matchday experiences with fine dining and central views. The club’s administrative offices are also located here.
Railway Stand and Paddock (East Stand):
The Railway Stand and its Paddock run parallel to the pitch, providing home fans with a traditional viewing experience. The Paddock, closer to the field, fosters an intimate atmosphere. This stand offers standard seating with essential amenities, including refreshment kiosks, enhancing the supporter experience.
Vale Park Tickets & Pricing
Port Vale offers a range of ticketing options to cater to its diverse fan base. For the 2023/24 season, adult season tickets are available from just £14.57 per game, providing significant savings for regular attendees. Notably, Under-12 Season Tickets remain free in the Hamil Road Stand when accompanied by a full-paying adult, encouraging family participation.
For individual matchdays, ticket prices vary depending on the stand and the opponent, with adult tickets typically starting around £25. The club also introduced flexible ticketing options, such as the 4, 7, or 10 Flexi tickets, allowing supporters to attend multiple games at a discounted rate.
Demand and Accessibility:
Vale Park has experienced a surge in attendance, with the 2023/24 season recording the largest average home crowd in 25 years, highlighting the club’s growing support. To accommodate all fans, the stadium is fully accessible, featuring dedicated facilities for supporters with disabilities, including wheelchair-user spaces and accessible toilets. The club store is equipped with low-level serving counters and a hearing loop to assist those with hearing impairments. For matchday parking, accessible spaces are available upon request, ensuring a convenient experience for all attendees.
For the most current information on ticket availability and pricing, supporters are encouraged to visit the official Port Vale FC website or contact the ticket office directly.
How to Get Vale Park Tickets
To purchase tickets for Port Vale matches at Vale Park, fans have several options:
Online: Tickets can be bought through the official Port Vale FC e-ticketing platform. This service allows supporters to select seats and make payments conveniently.
In Person: The club’s ticket office, located at Vale Park on Hamil Road, Burslem, is open for purchases. Operating hours are typically from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays, but it’s advisable to check the club’s official website for any changes.
Membership Benefits: The 1876 Membership, priced at £15 per season, offers several advantages:
Discounted Tickets: Members save £4 on matchday ticket prices for all home general admission areas, provided tickets are purchased before matchday.
Priority Access: Early access to high-demand home and away tickets before general sale, following the season ticket holders’ priority period.
Merchandise Discount: A 5% reduction on purchases in the club shop (excluding local range and sale items).
For the 2023/24 season, adult season tickets start at approximately £14.57 per game, offering substantial savings for regular attendees. Individual match ticket prices vary based on the stand and opposition, with adult tickets typically beginning around £25. The club also provides flexible ticketing options, such as 4, 7, or 10 Flexi tickets, allowing fans to attend multiple games at a discounted rate.
For the most current information on ticket availability, pricing, and purchasing policies, supporters should visit the official Port Vale FC website or contact the ticket office directly.
Matchday Atmosphere and Fan Experience
Matchdays at Vale Park are vibrant, passionate, and deeply community-oriented. Hours before kickoff, fans gather at local pubs and the popular Staffordshire University FanZone, buzzing with excitement. Inside, the singing section in the Hamil Road Stand leads chants, creating an electrifying atmosphere that echoes around the ground.
Supporters mingle at Tommy Cheadle’s pub, sharing stories and pre-match anticipation. Vale Park’s intimate layout brings fans close to the action, intensifying the connection between team and supporters. The authentic, family-friendly environment ensures every visit feels like coming home, win or lose.
How to Get to Vale Park
Vale Park is located on Hamil Road, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, easily accessible by road and public transport. By car, exit the M6 at Junction 15 or 16 and follow signs towards Burslem; street parking is limited, but matchday parking is available at nearby car parks, including Dimensions Leisure Centre.
Stoke-on-Trent railway station is around 4 miles away; regular buses run from the city centre directly to the stadium. For accessibility, Vale Park offers designated disabled parking spaces upon request. Supporters with mobility needs can also access dedicated facilities, including wheelchair-friendly seating areas, ensuring a smooth matchday experience.
How to access Vale Park for Home Fans
Home fans attending matches at Vale Park typically enter via the Hamil Road Stand or the Railway Stand and Paddock, with turnstiles opening around 90 minutes before kickoff. The main entrances are conveniently located along Hamil Road, clearly signposted and easily accessible from local bus stops and nearby parking areas.
Season ticket holders and members usually have dedicated turnstiles to expedite entry. Once inside, fans can access the Staffordshire University FanZone in Car Park C, offering entertainment and food stalls. The club shop and ticket office are adjacent to the Hamil Road Stand, providing easy access for merchandise or ticket collection. Vale Park’s accessibility features, including wheelchair-friendly entrances and seating, ensure a welcoming environment for all home supporters.
How to Get to Vale Park for Away Fans
Away fans visiting Vale Park access the stadium via the Bycars Stand, located at the northern end. The dedicated away entrance is clearly signposted, with turnstiles opening about 90 minutes before kickoff. Fans arriving by car can find limited street parking or use nearby paid parking at Dimensions Leisure Centre, a short walk away. Those travelling by train should arrive at Stoke-on-Trent station, approximately 4 miles from Vale Park, and then catch local buses or taxis directly to Burslem.
Supporters’ coaches typically park adjacent to the away section, making arrival and departure smooth. The Bycars Stand offers essential amenities, including refreshment kiosks and accessible facilities, ensuring visiting fans experience a comfortable, hassle-free matchday. Friendly stewards are on hand to assist with directions or questions.
Hotels Near Vale Park
For fans visiting Vale Park, several nearby accommodations offer comfort and convenience:
Borough Arms Hotel
A budget-friendly option, the Borough Arms Hotel provides comfortable rooms and is approximately 1.5 miles from Vale Park. Guests appreciate its on-site restaurant and bar, as well as free parking facilities.
Address: 26 King Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 1HX, UK
Website: Borough Arms Hotel
Telephone: +44 1782 629421
North Stafford Hotel
Located opposite Stoke-on-Trent railway station, the North Stafford Hotel is about 3 miles from Vale Park. This historic hotel offers traditional rooms, an on-site restaurant, and easy access to public transport.
Address: Winton Square, Station Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2AE, UK
Website: North Stafford Hotel
Telephone: +44 871 222 0091
Travelodge Stoke Talke
Approximately 5 miles from Vale Park, Travelodge Stoke Talke offers affordable accommodations with modern amenities. Guests benefit from free parking and convenient access to the A34 and M6.
Address: Newcastle Road, Talke, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 1UP, UK
Website: Travelodge Stoke Talke
Telephone: +44 871 984 6064
These accommodations cater to various budgets and preferences, ensuring a comfortable stay near Vale Park.
Pubs, Bars Near Vale Park
For fans visiting Vale Park, several nearby pubs and bars offer welcoming atmospheres:
Tommy Cheadle’s
Located within the Vale Park stadium premises, Tommy Cheadle’s is the club’s official bar, offering a convenient spot for home supporters to gather before and after matches.
Address: Vale Park, Hamil Road, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 1AW, UK
Telephone: +44 1782 655800
The Bulls Head
A short walk from the stadium, The Bulls Head is renowned for its selection of real ales and traditional pub atmosphere, making it a favourite among locals and visiting fans alike.
Address: 14 St John’s Square, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 3AJ, UK
Telephone: +44 1782 834153
The Post Office Vaults
Situated in Burslem town centre, The Post Office Vaults offers a variety of beers and a cosy environment, ideal for pre-match gatherings.
Address: 3 Market Place, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 3AA, UK
Telephone: +44 1782 811027
These establishments provide excellent options for refreshments and camaraderie before heading to the match.
Updates on Vale Par
Port Vale has recently introduced several initiatives to modernize Vale Park and enhance the overall fan experience. One major update is the installation of a state-of-the-art big screen in the old Family Stand, announced in June 2023. This screen will broadcast live match feeds, replays, and interactive content, significantly enriching the matchday atmosphere. The project received backing from club partner Ian Donaldson, underlining its importance for future fan engagement.
Additionally, by December 2024, Port Vale plans to install four digital touchscreens throughout the stadium, replacing traditional static signage. These innovative screens will display live match content, such as game statistics, scores, club announcements, and social media interactions, keeping supporters informed and entertained before, during, and after matches.
In terms of seating arrangements, a significant update came in the 2023/24 season, when the club reallocated the stands to improve fan dynamics. The Hamil Road Stand was designated exclusively for home fans, complete with a dedicated singing section and family area, aiming to consolidate and amplify home support. Conversely, the Bycars Stand was reassigned for away supporters. These changes aim to create a more unified and vibrant atmosphere, reflecting Port Vale’s dedication to continually enhance the supporter experience at Vale Park.