Bangor City Stadium kicks-off new era for football in the community

Football legend Graeme Sharp officially opened the new Bangor City Stadium on Saturday, 6 July, just before the Bangor 1876 played a pre-season friendly against FC United of Manchester. The event marked a significant moment for the community and the future of football in Bangor.

There was a bumper crowd for the first game at the stadium, which is now under new management. The game itself ended with a 4-2 win to Bangor 1876.

Graeme Sharp said: “My first impressions as I walked through the door was, Wow! This is very impressive and many places in higher leagues would be envious of what is here in Bangor, even some Premier League clubs.”

Graeme, an ex-Everton star who also successfully managed Bangor City to a Welsh Cup victory in 1998, went on to say, “I have some very pleasant memories of my time here, and it’s an honour to be asked back to open the stadium.”

Nick Pritchard, the new Chairman of Bangor City Stadium, said: “What a great day this has been and we’re so happy to welcome our friends from FC United who were a great crowd in fine voice.

“This is a marker in the sand for a new beginning for the stadium and football in Bangor, and we have some big plans ahead to benefit the whole community and give Bangor 1876 the opportunity and platform for continued success.”

The event, with its impressive turnout and enthusiastic atmosphere, set a positive tone for the future of the stadium and the local football community. The newly refurbished stadium, complete with a revamped function room and bar, showcased its potential as a top-tier facility for sports and community events.

As a UEFA-approved Category 1 stadium, Bangor City Stadium is now looking forward to welcoming Caernarfon Town on the 11th of July, hosting them for their “home” game in their Europa Conference League tie against Crusaders. The Belfast-based club have faced big names all over Europe, including Valencia, Liverpool, Fulham, Wolves, and Newport! It promises to be a big night and will be broadcast live on S4C and TNT Sports, further establishing Bangor City Stadium as a premium sports venue.