Impact Arena – Alfreton Town

The Impact Arena is a small ground that does have a bit of character but seems to have a disproportionate amount of seating for its size. On one side is the small Main Stand that runs for about a two-thirds of the length of the pitch. It is comprised of three small structures, with a small covered seated stand at its centre, with covered standing area the; “Tommie Bradley Terrace” on one side and another small seated area the; ‘Lottie Bradley Hospitality Area” on the other side. There are a number of supporting pillars running across the front of this side. The team dugouts are also located on this side of the pitch. 

Opposite is a similar looking covered all seated stand called the Tom McRoy Stand, however, this is around twice the size in terms of length and has more rows of seats. It is unusual that there is no barrier at all between the pitch and the stand. One end of this stand, the Bentley Close End, is a small seated area that is open to the elements. It looks like that this end was a former terrace that has had seats bolted onto to it. Opposite is a small steep terrace, known as the ‘Tin End’. This has a small covered area at the back towards the centre. There is a noticeable slope to the pitch which runs down from this end to the other. The ground has a set of four modern floodlights.

The Club have announced plans to build a new stand to replace the current Tom McRoy Stand. This development would also see the relocation of the team changing rooms, tunnel etc.. which would make it the new Main Stand at the ground. Both ends will also be redeveloped with new covered terraced stands. No timescales have been given as to when this will happen. A video clip showing a virtual tour around the proposed developments can be viewed on YouTube. In the short term the Club intend to put a roof on the Bentley Close End as well as cover the sections of open seating in the Tom McRoy Stand.

Away fans are mostly housed in the mostly open ‘Tin End’ terrace at one end of the ground. This end can accommodate around 1,200 supporters. In addition a small amount of seats are also made available in the covered seating area on one side of the pitch. This area though does have a number of supporting pillars that may impede your view. At the back of the open terrace there is a small covered area, which can provide some shelter but only for a relatively small number of fans, plus again there are a number of supporting pillars to contend with. I enjoyed my visit to the stadium and found it to be a friendly one. 

Food on offer inside includes; a range of Pukka Pies (£2.20), Cornish Pasties (£1.80), Sausage Rolls (£1.50), Cheeseburgers (£2.70), Beefburgers (£2.20), Chips Cob (£1.90). Plus you can have Pie, Peas, Chips & Gravy for £4.20. 

Inside the stadium, there is a bar, but this is for home supporters only. However, located just outside the entrance to the ground is the Alfreton Town Supporters Club, which does admit away fans. I personally preferred the Victoria pub on Nottingham Road, which is only a few minutes walk away, going back up onto the main road. The Victoria serves two real ales (both of which are guest beers which vary) and also shows SKY Sports. A few minutes walk from the Victoria on Prospect Street is a small micropub that has recently opened, is aptly called the Prospect Street Micropub, which offers a choice of four real ales and two ciders, plus wine and mead.

A little further along Nottingham Road going towards the town centre is Blueys Bar.

If you have a bit of time on your hands, then you may care to take the 15 minute walk into the town centre (back up to the main road from the ground and turn left). Of choice here is the Waggon and Horses on King Street, which is a Wetherspoons outlet.

Leave the M1 at junction 28 and take the A38 towards Derby. After around two miles leave the A38 and take the B600 towards Alfreton. At the top of the slip road on leaving the A38 turn right along the B600 towards Alfreton Town Centre. After around half a mile you will see a Garage on your right and a modern looking church on your left. Turn left just after the church into North Street. The ground is down the bottom of this street on the right. For the away turnstiles then fans should continue past North Street and then take the next third left into Alma Street. The away fans entrance is down on the left just before the park. There is a small car park at the ground in North Street, otherwise there is plenty of street parking.

Alfreton Railway Station is located just under three-quarters a mile away from the ground and is about a 15 minute walk, mainly uphill to the ground. It is served by trains from Nottingham and Chesterfield. Come out of the station entrance and at the main road turn right into Mansfield Road. Cross the road to the other side and take the second left into Prospect Street. At the bottom of this road turn right into Nottingham Road, then take the first left into North Street and the ground is down on the right. Thanks to Brian Scott for providing the directions.

Booking train tickets in advance will normally save you money! Find train times, prices and book tickets with Trainline. Visit the website below to see how much you can save on the price of your tickets:

All areas of the stadium
Adults £14
Over 65’s/Under 16’s £10
Under 16’s £2*

* When accompanied by a paying adult, otherwise concession price applies.

Concessions apply to Over 65’s, Under 21’s, Students and Under 16’s when not accompanied by an Adult.

Official Programme £3

Matlock Town and Ilkeston Town.

Alfreton Town FC fixture list (takes you to the BBC Sports Website).

Record Attendance
5,023 v Matlock Town 1960.

Average Attendance
2018-2019: 535 (National League North)
2017-2018: 577 (National League North)
2016-2017: 547 (National League North)

If you require hotel accommodation in Alfreton or in the surrounding area then first try a hotel booking service provided by Booking.com. They offer all types of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets from; Budget Hotels, Traditional Bed & Breakfast establishments to Five Star Hotels and Serviced Apartments. Plus their booking system is straightforward and easy to use. Just input the relevant dates and click on “Search” below or on the hotel of interest on the map to get more information. The map is centered on the football ground. However, you can drag the map around or click on +/- to reveal more hotels in the town centre or further afield.

Official Web Site: 
www.alfretontownfc.com
Unofficial Web Site:
Any recommendations?

If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, please e-mail me at: [email protected] and I’ll update the guide.

Thanks to Owen Pavey for providing the ground layout diagram and photos of the Impact Arena.