Galpharm Stadium, Huddersfield

Galpharm Stadium
Stadium Way
Huddersfield
West Yorkshire
HD1 6PX

Home to: Huddersfield Giants (Super League), Huddersfield Town FC
Capacity: 24,500
Opened: 1994

Facilities: The ground is extremely modern, and includes facilities for the blind and seats for match commentators. It forms part of a retail and leisure complex. There are plenty of hospitality packages and the view from every seat in the ground is good.

Impressions: The Galpharm Stadium has been one of the best Super League stadiums of its era so far, with a capacity of 24,000. Unfortunately, crowds are often low for Rugby League games, with only 2 sides open for League games. The atmosphere is often poor due to the low crowds, which is a shame at a top class venue.

Records:

History: The Alfred McAlpine Stadium, as Huddersfield’s modern all-seater stadium was originally known, was opened in 1994 with a 50-12 win over Barrow, witnessed by 4,300 fans. Huddersfield had moved from Fartown when the old ground was no longer up to the required standard. Fartown had been home to Huddersfield since they joined the Northern Union, and the club is nicknamed Fartown to this day. For a short period the club shared with Huddersfield Town AFC at the old Leeds Road ground, until both clubs moved into the new stadium. Galpharm Stadium has since become a favoured venue for Great Britain internationals, Challenge Cup semi-finals, and also hosted the first ever northern Ford Premiership Grand Final in 1998.

Ticket Prices: Adult £16.50, Concessions/Students £10.50, Juniors Free-£5

Directions: From North/East/West
Leave the M62 at junction 25 and follow the A644 and A62 signposted Huddersfield. About 1m from the town centre, the stadium becomes visible. Turn either into Bradley Mills Road and then right into Kilner Road or take the following left into St Andrews Way and left into Stadium Way.

From M1
Leave the M1 at junction 38 and follow the A637, A642 to Huddersfield. At the ring road, follow signs for A62 Leeds. Turn right into St Andrews Road and left into Stadium Road, or next right into Bradley Mills Road and right into Kilner Road.

From M62
Exit the M62 at junction 24 and follow the A628 to Huddersfield. As you approach the town, turn left onto the ring road. Exit the ring road onto the A62 Leeds Road. The ground is on the right hand side.

Car Parking: There are large car parks at the ground but as at most stadiums, exit from these takes a while. Street parking around Leeds Road should allow a quicker exit. There are also side streets a bit further from the ground that provide ample free parking.

Local Pubs: The Slubbers Arm
This pub is located one mile up Halifax Old Road 1/2 mile from the McAlpine Stadium. They serve a cracking pint of Tim Taylors.

Ricky's
This bar is located on Leeds Road, and has been described to us as 'without a doubt the best post-match bar in huddersfield'. The bar is only a 2 minute walk from the ground, and there is a pool table.

The Ropewalk
These two pub are located behind the Panasonic Stand (next to the UCI cinema). Beware thought, as away fans won't get in if you wear your colours!

The Head of Steam
Located next to the rail station is a favourite for arriving away fans.

Fans View: Although the Galpharm is a fantastic venue, the atmosphere it creates is poor mainly due to the lack of home fans. I found that the seats could do with revitalising when I last visited, as they seemed extremely faded from the sun. They could do with re-painting. I found access to the ground easy though.