Oakwell Stadium is a multi-purpose sports complex that is located in Barnsley, South Yorkshire and it is mainly used by Barnsley Football Club to host their home games.
The Oakwell name normally refers to the central stadium, but it is also the name given to a number of the other venues in the facility, including the Barnsley FC Academy, a smaller stadium and an indoor training pitch, as well as a number of outdoor training pitches.
This was the first English football stadium that had a specialized stand for supporters who are disabled. Barnsley Football Club owned Oakwell Stadium and the surrounding land up until 2003.
However, the club had financial issues and went into administration in 2002. This led to the local council buying the Oakwell Stadium so the club would be able to pay off creditors and still be a part of the Football League.
The makeup of the Oakwell Stadium
There are four main stands in place at Oakwell Stadium. The West Stand has two tiers, with only the upper tier being covered. These seats were first installed during the early 1990s and there is a good view. While the lower portion of the stand is not covered, it makes for an ideal viewing experience.
The roof of this stand is made out of corrugated iron and where the main television gantry is located.
There were plans at the end of the 1990s to renovate this stand, but the worrying financial situation at the club put these plans on the back burner. There is a players pitch entrance at the centre of this stand, but it is no longer used as the main player tunnel, which is found at the north-west corner. The total capacity for seating in the West Stand is 4,752.
The East Stand
The East Stand also has two tiers and was finished in 1993. The football trust contributed towards its development and it can seat 7,492 people, with the previous terrace being called the Brewery Stand.
After the East Stand was finished, it made it the first club in Yorkshire that offered executive boxes at their stadium. As Oakwell Stadium is built on a slope, the back of the East Stand is pretty tall, so a climb is needed to get up to the back.
CK Beckett Stand
The CK Beckett Stand was built in 1995 and is often called the Ponty End. This stand can seat 4,509 people and this single-tier stand is covered and is located behind the south side goal. The club store, general admin offices and ticket office are found at this portion of the stadium.
The North Stand
The North Stand is the newest portion of Oakwell Stadium and it seats 6,257 in the single-tier that is covered. This is usually where away fans will watch games.
It cost £4.5 million to build at the time. Finally, the Wakefield Audi Corner Stand was developed in 1998 and provides more executive box areas, as well as facilities for disabled viewing. There is enough space for 202 spectators here.
Barnsley Football Club
Barnsley Football Club currently plays in the Championship and was first started in 1887. It has been played at Oakwell since 1888. The club has won one FA Cup in its history, doing so in 1912, having finished runner-up two seasons previously. It also won the Football League Trophy in 2016.
Despite playing in the Football League for 94 years by the time the Premier League was created, Barnsley had never made it to the top flight of English football. Their one and only season in the Premier League to date came in 1997/1998. The club got relegated straight away and has not been back since.
Betting on games at Oakwell Stadium
Barnsley Football Club has had mixed fortunes over the years. It has its eyes on getting back to top-flight football again someday. To follow this effort, you can place some bets on these games to add an extra layer of excitement.
To see what the best football betting sites are to bet on games at Oakwell Stadium, you can head on over to Roger.com. There you will find expert reviews of these platforms. Once you find an option that fits your eye, you are able to sign up for an account in just a couple of minutes.
