Acklam Park
 | |
| Full name | Acklam Park |
|---|---|
| Address | Green Lane, TS5 7SL |
| Location | Middlesbrough, England |
| Type | Sports venue |
| Capacity | 5,000 (159 seated) |
| Surface | Grass |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | 1928 |
| Built | 1928–1929 |
| Opened | 1929 |
| Renovated | 2008 |
| Years active | 1929–1940, 1945–present |
| Construction cost | £1,200 (1929) |
| Tenants | |
|
Middlesbrough RUFC (1929–present) Middlesbrough CC (1932–present) | |
Acklam Park is a rugby union and cricket ground located in Middlesbrough, England.[1] Initially opened in 1929, the venue has hosted games of Middlesbrough RUFC since the ground's opening as well as Middlesbrough CC since 1932. With a capacity of 5,000, the ground initially cost the rugby club £1,200.
History
Middlesbrough RUFC purchased a 12-acre field in 1928 for a fee of £1,200.[2] The club paid 13 shillings, club members paid £500 and £800 was loaned from the Rugby Football Union.[2] Middlesbrough played their first games on their present ground in 1929 having played at several previous venues.[2] Due to the cost of the ground, the club officials began selling oats and wheat from the field in order to pay off their loan from the RFU.[2] The name Acklam Park was adopted in 1930, and the following year a stand and pavilion were built, funded as a result of 12 interest-free loans of £100 each from local businessmen, the majority of whom refused to take repayment of their loan.[2]
In 1932, Middlesbrough CC became joint-owners of Acklam Park.[2][1] With play halted during World War II, the ground close in 1940, before being re-opened in 1945.[2]
In 2008, a new clubhouse was opened at Acklam Park, which includes a bar, a café, a gym, a function room and lounge.[2] Changing and shower rooms were also inserted, which leads out to an exit to the main cricket and rugby pitches.[2] Seats are placed in front of the changing rooms exit and café door exit facing a clear view of the cricket pitch and a view of one of two rugby pitches on the left-hand side.[2] Despite seats, supporters are eligible to stand and watch the rugby team play.[2] There is also a stand facing the first team pitch, with the stand featuring the name "Middlesbrough Rugby Club".[2] The stand uses bench seating rather than plastic seating.[2]
In 2017, it was announced that the club aimed to have plastic seats added into their stand.[2]
Location
The ground sits on Green Lane Avenue, and is located near Acklam Hall. The ground is located near Acklam Shops, and there is a range of pubs near ground, in which the away supporters can have other hospitality. Next door to the ground, there is a care home.
Other events
Annually, a summer beer festival is held at the ground, which has raised much money over the years.[2] They also host an annual firework display.[2]
On 27 August 2017, the ground hosted a fundraiser event, Party in Acklam Park!, with live music and entertainment.[3] The purpose of this event was to raise more money for the club, for new developments in the youth teams.[3]