Ballymena Showgrounds

Ballymena Showgrounds is a football stadium in Ballymena, County Antrim. It sits on the edge of the town centre and belongs to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. Ballymena United F.C. and Ballymena United Women F.C. play their home games here. The ground also hosts field hockey, women’s football and, until recently, stock car racing. Surrounding pitches serve youth teams and amateur clubs across the district. The stadium was rebuilt in 2001 for £30 million, adding a new main stand and dressing rooms. In 2010 the Warden Street Stand was turned into an all-seater stand with space for 2,200 spectators. A security tower was later added to help police and stewards monitor the ground. The New Stand cost £3 million and opened with a friendly against Bolton Wanderers in 2002. Fans have long campaigned to rename it after local businessman Norman McBurney. Visitors enter the New Stand through turnstiles at the social club. Home supporters occupy this stand while away fans use the Warden Street Stand, which seats just over 1,200. In front of the Warden Street Stand there is terracing for around 2,000 standing spectators. The dug-outs sit at pitch level in front of this stand. Other pitches on site include a 3G surface and smaller pitches used by youth and amateur teams.