Bescot Stadium

Bescot Stadium stands in Bescot, Walsall, West Midlands, on a site chosen in 1988 after Walsall’s club moved from Fellows Park. The 11 300-seat ground opened in August 1990 with a friendly between Aston Villa and Walsall, watched by 9 551 people. Sir Stanley Matthews performed the opening ceremony before Aston Villa won 4–0. The first competitive match a week later drew 5 219 spectators as Walsall drew 2–2 with Torquay United. The first goal at the stadium was an own goal after 65 seconds, scored by Matt Bryant. The stadium now hosts both Walsall and Aston Villa Women, plus England youth internationals. Outside football it has held concerts by The Wonder Stuff in 1991 and Elton John in 2015, each drawing thousands of fans. Two large conferencing suites, the Bonser Suite and the Stadium Suite, sit inside the ground, hosting events throughout the year. Five bars and food kiosks provide match-day refreshments, while a huge advertising hoarding faces the M6 motorway. Parking for about 1 200 cars and a nearby railway station make the venue easy to reach. Visitors find a modern all-seater stadium with four stands, each named for local figures or sponsors. The Tile Choice Main Stand houses the Bonser Suite and two lounges, while the NorthStarr Stand shelters the Stadium Suite beneath its upper tier. The Mick Kearns community hub lies under the lower tier of the NorthStarr Stand, and a bar sits beneath the University of Wolverhampton away stand. The Experienced Energy Solutions Community Stand completes the circle, with kiosks in every corner.