A profile of the home of Port Vale
Having discovered that the Grecians will be commencing the 2017/18 campaign at home to Cambridge United, we offer a flying tour of the six new grounds that the Grecians will be visiting during the course of the next season.
Fifth up, Rory Ngah takes a look at:
Port Vale: Vale Park
Fixture Date: February 13, 2018
Capacity: 19,052
Distance to St James Park: 203 Miles
Dubbed 'The Wembley of the North' in its day, Vale Park was initially designed to hold 80,000 spectators. By the time it opened in 1950, this capacity had been halved to around 40,000. Nevertheless, its £100 pitch ensured that it maintained its notoriety, as the most expensive playing surface in the country at the time.
Away fans are currently housed in the Signal One Stand, which can accommodate up to 4,500 supporters.
Top Tip for Travelling Fans: Grab a Pint
Before heading to Vale Park it is important for away fans to scout out their pre-game watering hole in advance. This is because many of the pubs around the ground are reserved for home fans. One highly recommended hostelry is The Bull’s Head. Listed on CAMRA’s guide, it is owned by the local Titanic Brewery, who use it to showcase their latest wares.
City’s Last Visit: Port Vale 0-2 Exeter City, February 26, 2013
Fans and players alike hold happy memories of the Grecian’s last trip to Vale Park. First-half goals from Jamie Cureton and Danny Coles ensured that City returned home with all three points.
The journey: Port Vale
Port Vale is in Stoke and travelling from Exeter you would take the M5 all the way to the M6 and then come off at junction 15. The journey from St James Park to Vale Park is just over 200 miles and, without traffic, will take you just over three and a half hours.