Turf Moor: The Fortress and Historic Home of Burnley FC

Turf Moor is a football stadium located in Burnley, Lancashire, England. It is the home of Burnley Football Club and has been in use since 1883, making it one of the oldest continuously used football grounds in the world. The stadium has a capacity of over 21,000 and is known for its unique charm and historic significance.

Turf Moor has been a fortress for Burnley FC, with the team enjoying great success at home over the years. The stadium has witnessed some of the club’s greatest moments, including their two top-flight title wins in 1921 and 1960. Burnley FC’s legacy at Turf Moor is a testament to the club’s rich history and the loyal support of its fans.

The stadium features several unique facilities, including the dressing rooms, players’ tunnel, directors’ box, dugouts, press room, and even police cells. Turf Moor also offers guided stadium tours that provide fans with an opportunity to explore the club’s rich history and learn more about the stadium’s unique features. Overall, Turf Moor is a historic and iconic stadium that holds a special place in the hearts of Burnley fans around the world.

Key Takeaways

Turf Moor is one of the oldest continuously used football grounds in the world and has been the home of Burnley FC since 1883.
Burnley FC has enjoyed great success at Turf Moor over the years, including two top-flight title wins in 1921 and 1960.
Turf Moor offers unique facilities and guided stadium tours that allow fans to explore the stadium’s rich history and learn more about its unique features.

Turf Moor’s Historical Significance

Construction and Inauguration

Turf Moor, the home of Burnley FC, was constructed in 1883. The stadium was built on a piece of land that was previously used for peat cutting, and it was named after the adjacent moorland. The first match played at the stadium was between Burnley FC and Rawtenstall, which ended in a 6-3 victory for Burnley FC.

Evolution of the Stadium

Over the years, Turf Moor has undergone several renovations and expansions. In 1969, the stadium underwent a major renovation, which included the construction of a new stand and the installation of floodlights. In 1995, the stadium was converted into an all-seater stadium, and in 2014, a new training facility was built adjacent to the stadium.

Landmark Matches

Turf Moor has been the site of many landmark matches over the years. In 1921, the stadium hosted the FA Cup Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers. In 1960, Burnley FC won the First Division title for the second time in their history, under the management of Harry Potts. The team’s success that season was largely due to their impressive home record at Turf Moor, where they won 17 of their 21 matches.

In 2009, Turf Moor hosted its first Premier League match, which was between Burnley FC and Manchester United. The match ended in a 1-0 victory for Burnley FC, which was their first win over Manchester United in over 40 years. Since then, Turf Moor has become known as a fortress for Burnley FC, with the team consistently performing well at home.

Overall, Turf Moor has played an important role in the history of Burnley FC, and it remains one of the most historic and iconic stadiums in English football.

Burnley FC’s Legacy at Turf Moor

Club Achievements

Burnley FC’s success at Turf Moor is an important part of the club’s history. The Clarets have won the top-flight title twice, in 1920-21 and 1959-60 seasons. They have also won the FA Cup once, in 1914.

In addition to these major trophies, Burnley FC has also enjoyed success in lower divisions. They have won the Second Division title twice, in 1897-98 and 1972-73 seasons. They have also won the Third Division title once, in 1981-82 season.

Notable Players and Managers

Over the years, many great players and managers have contributed to Burnley FC’s success at Turf Moor. One of the most notable players is Jimmy McIlroy, who played for Burnley FC from 1950 to 1963. He was a key player in the 1959-60 title-winning team and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the club’s history.

Another notable player is Ralph Coates, who played for Burnley FC from 1971 to 1978. He was a key player in the 1972-73 Second Division title-winning team and also played in the 1973-74 FA Cup final.

Several great managers have also led Burnley FC to success at Turf Moor. One of the most notable managers is Harry Potts, who managed the club from 1958 to 1970. He was the manager of the 1959-60 title-winning team and also led the club to the quarter-finals of the European Cup in 1961-62 season.

Another notable manager is Sean Dyche, who has been the manager of Burnley FC since 2012. Under his leadership, the club has established itself as a solid Premier League team and has also reached the Europa League qualification round in the 2017-18 season.

Overall, Burnley FC’s legacy at Turf Moor is a rich and storied one. The club’s success at the stadium has been a source of pride for fans and players alike, and its history is a testament to the enduring spirit of the club.

Stadium Features and Facilities

Seating Capacity and Layout

Turf Moor is a historic football stadium located in Burnley, Lancashire, England, and has been the home of Burnley Football Club since 1883. The stadium has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, with the latest being in 2018, which increased the seating capacity to 21,944. The stadium has four stands, namely the James Hargreaves Stand, the Jimmy McIlroy Stand, the Bob Lord Stand, and the Cricket Field Stand.

The James Hargreaves Stand is located at the south end of the stadium and is the newest stand, opened in 2014. It has a capacity of 5,500 seats and is named after the inventor of the spinning jenny, who was born in the town. The Jimmy McIlroy Stand is located on the east side of the stadium and has a capacity of 5,500 seats. The stand is named after Jimmy McIlroy, who is considered one of the greatest players in the history of Burnley FC.

The Bob Lord Stand is located on the west side of the stadium and has a capacity of 7,000 seats. The stand is named after a former chairman of the club, who was instrumental in the success of the team in the 1960s. The Cricket Field Stand is located on the north side of the stadium and has a capacity of 4,944 seats. The stand is named after the cricket pitch that used to be located on the site of the stadium.

James Hargreaves Stand

Opened in early 1996, the James Hargreaves Stand boasts two large tiers with a row of executive boxes nestled between them. This modern structure replaced the iconic Longside Terrace, a steep and covered area that was once a favorite among Burnley fans.

Jimmy McIlroy Stand

The Jimmy McIlroy Stand, opened in 1996, mirrors the design of the James Hargreaves Stand, giving Turf Moor a cohesive and harmonious look. In 2019, the ground saw further modernization with the addition of two three-story buildings at each corner of the Jimmy McIlroy Stand. These new constructions offer improved facilities for disabled fans, along with a large video screen positioned between the James Hargreaves and Jimmy McIlroy Stands.

Bob Lord Stand

On the opposite side of the pitch is the Bob Lord Stand, a single-tiered structure dating back to 1974. Though smaller in size, it carries its own charm, with a series of supporting pillars and protective windshields on either side. This older stand contrasts with the newer sections of the stadium, lending Turf Moor a touch of nostalgia.

Barnfield Construction Stand

The Barnfield Construction Stand, previously known as the Cricket Field Stand, is another of Turf Moor’s classic structures, dating back to 1969. It is a simple, single-tiered stand with supporting pillars, offering a more traditional football experience. The teams enter the pitch from a tunnel located between the Barnfield Construction Stand and the James Hargreaves Stand.

This is also where visiting fans sit, and in 2019, the old wooden seats were replaced with modern plastic ones, ensuring comfort while maintaining the ground’s historical spirit.

Turf Moor’s unique blend of old and new creates a captivating environment for fans and players alike, celebrating Burnley’s heritage while embracing the future.

Modern Amenities and Technology

In recent years, Turf Moor has undergone several modernizations to bring it up to the standards of modern football stadiums. The stadium has several modern amenities, including a state-of-the-art video screen, a new public address system, and improved lighting. The stadium also has several food and beverage outlets, including a fan zone located outside the stadium.

The stadium also has several technological features, including a high-speed Wi-Fi network and a mobile app that allows fans to order food and beverages from their seats. The stadium is also equipped with a modern CCTV system, which ensures the safety and security of all fans attending matches.

Overall, Turf Moor is a historic and modern football stadium with a seating capacity of 21,944 and several modern amenities and technological features. The stadium is a testament to the history and tradition of Burnley Football Club and is a must-visit for any football fan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the seating capacity of Turf Moor?

Turf Moor has a seating capacity of 21,944, making it one of the smaller stadiums in the Premier League. Despite its size, the stadium has a unique and intimate atmosphere that is highly regarded by both home and away fans.

How can I find a map of Turf Moor?

A map of Turf Moor can be found on the official Burnley FC website. The map shows the location of the stadium, as well as the surrounding area and nearby transport links.

Are there any plans for expanding Turf Moor in the near future?

There are currently no plans to expand Turf Moor in the near future. However, the club has recently invested in a new state-of-the-art training facility, which is aimed at helping to attract new players and improve the team’s performance.

What are some of the most notable historical events at Turf Moor?

Turf Moor has a rich history and has played host to many memorable events over the years. Some of the most notable include the club’s promotion to the First Division in 1913, the team’s victory over Liverpool in the 1947 FA Cup Final, and the club’s return to European football in 2018.

How much does it cost to attend a match at Turf Moor?

Ticket prices for matches at Turf Moor vary depending on the opposition and the location of the seats. However, prices are generally considered to be reasonable and affordable, especially when compared to other Premier League stadiums.

What are the facilities like at the away end of Turf Moor?

The facilities at the away end of Turf Moor are generally considered to be basic but functional. There are a number of food and drink outlets, as well as toilets and other amenities. However, the facilities are somewhat limited compared to those available in other stadiums.