Valley Parade guide
Valley Parade, known as the University of Bradford Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is an all-seater football stadium in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. Built in 1886, it was the home of Manningham Rugby Football Club until 1903, when they changed code from rugby football to association football and became Bradford City. It has been Bradford City’s home since, although it is now owned by former chairman Gordon Gibb’s pension fund. It has also been home to Bradford (Park Avenue) for one season, and Bradford Bulls rugby league side for two seasons, as well as host to a number of England youth team fixtures.
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On 11 May 1985, one of the worst sporting disasters occurred at Valley Parade, 56 people died and at least 265 were injured when the main stand was engulfed by fire. The fire started 40 minutes into the club’s final game of the 1984–85 season against Lincoln City and destroyed the main stand in just nine minutes. For the next season and the first five months of the 1986–87 season, Bradford City played home games at Leeds United’s Elland Road, Huddersfield Town’s Leeds Road and Bradford Northern’s Odsal Stadium, while Valley Parade was rebuilt.
The stadium was rebuilt to all-seater standards and reopened on 10 August 1986. The new stadium has a capacity of 25,136, with the Kop End being the largest stand with a capacity of 7,492. The main stand is of a similar height and design, and has a capacity of 6,500. The North West Corner is the smallest stand with a capacity of 2,300.
Valley Parade is a Category 3 stadium, the third-highest category in English football. It has hosted a number of high-profile matches and is a popular venue for concerts and other events. It has hosted a number of major acts, including Oasis, Take That, and Bruce Springsteen. The stadium is also used for corporate events and conferences.
Valley Parade is a landmark in Bradford and is a popular destination for football fans and tourists alike. It is a reminder of the club’s resilience and the strength of its community.
Pubs near Valley Parade, home of Bradford City FC
- The Peacock Bar is a popular spot for both locals and visitors alike. It has a wide selection of beers on tap, as well as a menu of pub food. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, and it’s a great place to watch a game or catch up with friends. Address: 25 N Parade, Bradford BD1 3JL. Phone: 07863 863163.
- The Fighting Cock is another popular option, known for its traditional English pub fare and friendly service. It’s a bit smaller than The Peacock Bar, but it’s still a great place to enjoy a pint and relax. Address: Preston House, 21 Preston St, Bradford BD7 1JE. Phone: 01274 736701.
- The Bradford Arms is a bit further from Valley Parade, but it’s worth the walk for the stunning views of the city. It has a large beer garden and a menu of modern British cuisine. Address: 77 Manningham Ln, Bradford BD1 3BA.
- The Salutation is a great option for those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere. It has a small beer garden and a menu of pub classics. Address: 124 Sunbridge Rd, Bradford BD1 2ND
Hotels near Valley Parade Stadium, Bradford
- ibis budget Bradford. This hotel is a 7-minute walk from Valley Parade and offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant and a bar.
- Travelodge Bradford Central. This hotel is a 9-minute walk from Valley Parade and offers bright, colourful rooms with free Wi-Fi. It also has a 24-hour restaurant.
- The Midland Hotel. This hotel is a 0.7-mile drive from Valley Parade and offers luxurious rooms with plush beds and marble bathrooms. It also has a spa, a gym, and a restaurant.
- Leonardo Hotel Bradford. This hotel is a 0.8-mile drive from the Stadium and offers contemporary rooms with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant, a bar, and a gym.
- Premier Inn Bradford Central Hotel. This hotel is a 0.9-mile drive from Valley Parade and offers spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant, a bar, and a 24-hour gym.
All of these hotels are within walking distance of Valley Parade and offer a variety of amenities to make your stay enjoyable.
How to get to Valley Parade, Bradford City football ground
- By car: Valley Parade is located at Valley Parade, Forster Square, Bradford, BD1 5SE. There is a car park at the stadium, but it can fill up quickly on match days. There are also several pay-and-display car parks in the area.
- By bus: There are several bus stops near Valley Parade, including Forster Square Bus Station and City Hall Bus Station. The number 610 bus runs from Forster Square to Valley Parade every 10 minutes.
- By train: Bradford Forster Square train station is a 10-minute walk from Valley Parade. There are trains from London, Leeds, Manchester, and other major cities.
- By bike: There is a cycle path that runs from Bradford city centre to Valley Parade. The path is well-signposted and takes around 20 minutes to cycle.
Once you arrive at Valley Parade, you will find a number of bars and restaurants in the area. There is also a museum dedicated to the history of Bradford City Football Club.
Useful links
Official club website
Fan forums and websites
Things you can do at the Valley Parade Stadium
- Watch a Bradford City football match.
- Visit the Bradford City Football Club Museum.
- Have a drink or a meal in one of the bars or restaurants in the area.
- Take a walk around the stadium and see the pitch up close.
- Take a photo of the stadium from the outside.
Things to do near Valley Parade in Bradford
- Visit the National Science and Media Museum. This museum is home to a collection of over 3 million objects, including televisions, radios, cameras, and film cameras. There are also interactive exhibits that allow you to learn about the history of science and media.
- Take a walk through Lister Park. This park is home to a variety of gardens, a boating lake, and a bandstand. There are also plenty of places to sit and relax.
- Visit Bradford Cathedral. This cathedral is over 100 years old and is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. There are also regular tours and events held at the cathedral.
- Go shopping in the city centre. Bradford has a variety of shops, from high street stores to independent boutiques. There are also several markets held throughout the week.
- See a show at the Alhambra Theatre. This theatre has been hosting performances for over 150 years. There are a variety of shows on offer, from musicals to plays to comedy.
- Sample the local cuisine. Bradford has a diverse range of restaurants, serving everything from traditional English food to international cuisine.
If you have more time, you could also visit some of the other attractions in the area, such as the Bradford Industrial Museum, the Brontë Parsonage Museum, or the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.