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Valley Parade facts for kids

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Valley Parade, also known as the Coral Windows Stadium, is a famous football stadium located in Bradford, England. It is the home ground for the football club Bradford City A.F.C.. This historic stadium was first built in 1886. It has been the site of many exciting matches and important moments in football history.

In 1985, a very sad event happened at the stadium when a fire broke out in one of the stands. This tragic accident resulted in the loss of 56 lives. After the fire, the stadium was rebuilt and made safer for everyone.


What is Valley Parade?

Valley Parade is a special place where football teams play their home games. It's not just a field; it has stands where fans sit to watch the matches, changing rooms for the players, and other facilities. For Bradford City A.F.C., it's their main base and where they train and play most of their matches.

Home of Bradford City A.F.C.

Valley Parade, Bradford
A view of the main stand from the Bradford end of the ground

Bradford City A.F.C. is a professional football club. They play in various leagues in England. Valley Parade is where their loyal fans come to cheer them on. The stadium becomes a lively place on match days, filled with the energy of supporters.

History of Valley Parade

Valley Parade has a long and interesting history, stretching back over a century. It was first opened in 1886. Over the years, it has seen many changes and improvements to make it a modern and safe place for football.

Early Days of the Stadium

When Valley Parade first opened, football was quite different from today. The stadium has grown and changed with the sport. It started as a simpler ground and has been developed many times to add more seating and better facilities for both players and fans.

The 1985 Fire

Valley Parade 1990s
Valley Parade during the early 1990s, after it had been redeveloped following the fire, but before further work at the end of that decade

On May 11, 1985, a terrible fire started in the main stand during a match. This was a very sad day for the club and the city. The fire led to a major rebuilding effort. This made sure the stadium was much safer for everyone who visited in the future. New safety rules were also put in place for all football stadiums across the country.

Modern Valley Parade

After the fire, Valley Parade was completely rebuilt and updated. It now has modern stands and facilities. The stadium continues to be a central part of the community in Bradford. It hosts football matches and sometimes other events too.

Stadium Features

Valley Parade has several different stands, each with its own name. These stands offer different views of the pitch. They also provide seating for thousands of fans.

The Kop Stand

Valley Parade Carlsberg Stand
The Kop, formerly known as the Carlsberg stand

One of the most famous parts of the stadium is "The Kop." This stand is often where the most passionate fans gather. They sing and chant to support their team throughout the game. It creates a fantastic atmosphere on match days.

Midland Road Stand

Midland Road stand for Bradford City Football Club
The concrete Midland Road stand for Bradford City Football Club nearing completion in 1908.
Valley Parade Midland Road
The Midland Road stand

The Midland Road stand is another important part of Valley Parade. It provides more seating for fans. Like other parts of the stadium, it has been updated over the years to ensure comfort and safety for everyone attending matches.

Main Stand

Valley Parade Main Stand
The ground's current main stand

The Main Stand at Valley Parade is usually where the changing rooms for the players are located. It also often houses the executive boxes and press areas. This stand is a key part of the stadium's structure.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Valley Parade para niños

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