Bescot Stadium facts for kids
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Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium
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The Bescot Stadium in 2021.
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| Full name | Bescot Stadium |
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| Former names | Banks's Stadium (2007–2022) |
| Address | Bescot Crescent Bescot Walsall WS1 4SA West Midlands England |
| Coordinates | 52°33′56″N 1°59′27″W / 52.5655°N 1.9909°W |
| Public transit |  Bescot Stadium |
| Owner | Walsall F.C. |
| Capacity | 11,300 |
| Record attendance | 11,049 Walsall v Rotherham United 9 May 2004 |
| Surface | Grass |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1989–1990 |
| Opened | 18 August 1990 |
| Construction cost | £4.5m |
| Tenants | |
| Walsall (1990–present) Aston Villa Women (2020–present) |
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The Bescot Stadium is a football stadium in Walsall, England. It is currently known as the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium due to a sponsorship deal. This stadium is the home ground for Walsall Football Club. It also hosts matches for Aston Villa Women.
The stadium was built between 1989 and 1990. Its construction cost about £4.5 million. It replaced the club's old home, Fellows Park, which had been used for 94 years.
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Stadium History and Opening
The idea for a new stadium began in 1986. This was after Terry Ramsden took over Walsall F.C. A new location at Bescot Crescent was chosen in 1988. Building work started in 1989. The goal was to finish it by the 1990–91 football season.
The Bescot Stadium officially opened on 18 August 1990. Famous footballer Sir Stanley Matthews was there for the opening. A friendly match was played against Aston Villa. About 9,551 fans watched the game.
The first official match happened a week later, on 25 August 1990. Walsall played Torquay United. The game ended in a 2–2 draw. The very first goal was an own goal by Walsall's Matt Bryant. Stuart Rimmer scored Walsall's first goal at the stadium.
Stadium Capacity and Changes
When it first opened, the stadium had standing areas at both ends. Its total capacity was 11,104 people. In 1992, seats were added to the away supporters' area. This reduced the capacity to about 9,800.
Later, during the 2002–03 season, the 'home' end was expanded. The stadium then became an all-seater venue. Its current capacity is 11,300 fans.
Sponsorship and Other Events
In 2007, the stadium's name changed to the Banks's Stadium. This was part of a sponsorship deal with Banks's Brewery. This sponsorship lasted until the summer of 2022.
The stadium has hosted many important football matches. These include games for England's under-21, under-19, and under-17 teams. It has also hosted matches for Aston Villa's reserve team. Both Aston Villa Women and the England women's team have played here.
Beyond football, the stadium has also held concerts. In 1991, The Wonder Stuff performed there. In 2015, Elton John played to 14,000 fans at the stadium.
Stadium Facilities and Access
The Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium is easy to reach. It is less than a mile from junction 9 of the M6 motorway. There is also a train station very close by. The stadium has parking for about 1,200 cars.
The stadium offers two large areas for events. These are called the Bonser Suite and the Stadium Suite. They are used for meetings, parties, and concerts.
There are also several bars inside the stadium. These include the Swifts and Priory Lounges. The Mick Kearns Community Hub is also a popular spot. Food and drinks are available at kiosks around the ground.
Stadium Ownership History
In 2008, there were talks about Walsall F.C. selling the stadium. The club wanted to sell it to Walsall Council. They would then rent it back to help the club financially. However, the council said they did not have enough money to buy it.
In 2011, the stadium's owner, Jeff Bonser, put it up for sale. A lifelong Walsall fan, Steve Jenkins, tried to get the council to buy the land. On 11 July 2011, the council voted against buying the stadium.
In December 2022, a new announcement was made. The Trivela group bought the stadium's ownership. This meant that Walsall F.C. owned its home ground for the first time since it was built. The agreement is set up like a mortgage. This means the club will fully own the ground once it is paid off.
Past Development Plans
In 2005, the club announced plans to improve the southernmost stand. This stand is usually for away supporters. The idea was to make it look like the stand opposite it. Funding for this project was partly planned to come from a large advertising board. This board would face the M6 motorway. It would have been the biggest lit sign next to a motorway in Europe. However, these plans were put on hold. This happened because the club did not return to the Championship league. Also, fewer people were attending games.
