Bradford: The Bradford & Bingley Stadium
Capacity: 25,136
Stadium Address: Bradford City FC, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD8 7DY
Highest Attendance: 39,146 v Burnley, FA Cup 4th Round, March 11th, 1911
Official programme: £2.50
The Ground Itself:
First of all, with the Bantams in all sort of trouble on and off the pitch, the stadium has lost its original identity of Valley Parade, and has since been called both The Pulse Stadium, and now The Bradford & Bingley Stadium. Since their unceremonious exit from the Premier League in 2001, Bradford have desperately struggled, with over inflated wages and transfer fees taking their toll…. the hangover from Geoffrey Richmond’s ill-fated reign as Chairman still hasn’t worn off as they struggle in the relegation zone. 
Anyway enough of that, The B & B Stadium is totally dominated by two modern, adjoined stands which completely dwarf the remaining two. They were obviously built in anticipation of the Bantams consolidating a Premier League place, because they are top rate and wouldn’t look out of place in the top flight - it is a shame that they will probably be witnessing Division Two football next year. The Carlsberg Kop Stand is the home end, a spectacular two-tiered end that can hold approximately 8000 fans. It has a massive sports store and club shop in the back of the stand, as well as a café. Equally impressive, The Sunwin Stand is the ground’s two-tiered main stand that is joined to the Kop, with a row directors boxes and full hospitality facilities. It cost £8 million to erect in the summer of 2001, yet it has never seen top flight football.
Away fans, be prepared disappointed, because we are housed in a comparatively tiny end, called The TL Dallas Symphony End. This has two tiny tiers and was built for Second Division football back in 1991. It is notoriously freezing at this time of year, and views are apparently awful. The remaining stand is The CIBA East Stand – a nondescript single tiered stand that is so boring I can’t see any point elaborating on it!
Just another point - following the Valley Parade fire disaster of 1985, the Bantams played at The Odsal Stadium for about eighteen months, but after spending approxmately £4m on referbishing it, the club decided to return to their spiritual home of Valley Parade in December 1986.
Parking?
There is limited street parking around the stadium area, so get there early.
Nearest Train Station?
Bradford Interchange is about a half hour’s walk from the B & B Stadium. Alternatively, Bradford Forster Square via Leeds runs twice an hour and is only a ten-minute walk from the B & B.
Want a drink? Eating out?
Pubs are virtually non-existent around the stadium, so visit the town centre for a few drinks, but remember to keep club colours covered up or you could be kicked out. Stadium food facilities are, as always, below par, so why not visit one of the 380 curry houses that are dotted around the culturally diverse city? Many are only a few minutes away from the ground – try Oak Lane or Lumb Lane for some good Indian restaurants.
For directions, please visit Bradford MAD by clicking here