Home Park – stadium description

The venue was built in 1893 and for the first five years main tenants were rugby side Albion who moved out in 1898. Three years was the ground left unused until Argyle club became host to sporting events – initially in athletics, but soon football became the most important discipline. Back then the ground consisted of one wooden grandstand for some 2,000 people and tailings on remaining three sides.

First major revamp came in 1920 when the club advanced to Premier League and main stand was replaced by a covered concrete structure. So were the remaining sections, however they were transformed into uncovered terracing. New infrastructure for players and officials was also created, largely funded by supporters association. Following years saw the club draw large crowds with average around 20,000 in 1930’s and record attendance reached in 1936’s game against Aston Villa.

WWII bombings that hit Plymouth in 1941 due to its military base status haven’t spared the stadium. Main stand was almost destroyed and repaired after the conflict ended in 1945. It was later replaced by a two-tiered stand by Archibald Leitch (1952, along with floodlights), one of his last works. Until mid-80’s remaining stands were receiving cover.

Plans to build a completely new venue were drawn in 2001 with three stands being replaced that same year as part of first phase. Main grandstand was supposed to be next, but it hasn’t happened to date. In 2011 the club went into administration and municipality took over the ground.

How Home Park compares to other Championship venues?