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Coordinates: 56°01′42″N 3°48′53″W / 56.02833°N 3.81472°W / 56.02833; -3.81472
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{{Short description|Football stadium in Stenhousemuir, Scotland}}
{{use dmy dates|date=March 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{Infobox venue
{{Infobox venue
| name = Ochilview Park
| name = Ochilview Park
| nickname =
| nickname =
| logo_image =
| logo_image =
| logo_caption =
| logo_caption =
| image = [[File:Ochilview Park - Geograph-2010936-by-kim-traynor.jpg|250px]]
| image = Ochilview Park - Geograph-2010936-by-kim-traynor.jpg
| caption = <small>The Norway Stand</small>
| caption = The Norway Stand
| pushpin_map = Scotland Falkirk
| pushpin_map = Scotland Falkirk
| pushpin_mapsize = 250
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Falkirk
| pushpin_label_position = left
| pushpin_label_position = left
| fullname =
| fullname =
| former_names =
| former_names =
| location = [[Stenhousemuir]], Scotland
| location = [[Stenhousemuir]], Scotland
| coordinates = {{coord|56|01|41.68|N|3|48|52.77|W|type:landmark|display=inline}}
| coordinates = {{coord|56|01|42|N|3|48|53|W|type:landmark_region:GB-FAL|display=inline,title}}
| broke_ground =
| broke_ground =
| built =
⚫
| opened = 1890
| built =
⚫
| renovated = 1990s
⚫
| opened = 1890
| expanded =
⚫
| renovated = 1990s
| expanded =
| closed =
| closed =
| demolished =
⚫
| owner = [[Stenhousemuir F.C.]]
| demolished =
⚫
| operator =
⚫
| owner = [[Stenhousemuir F.C.]]
⚫
| surface = [[Artificial turf]]
⚫
| operator =
| scoreboard =
⚫
| surface = [[Artificial turf]]
| scoreboard =
| cost =
| cost =
| architect =
| architect =
| project_manager =
| project_manager =
| structural engineer =
| structural engineer =
| services engineer =
| services engineer =
| general_contractor =
| general_contractor =
| main_contractors =
| main_contractors =
| capacity = {{SPFL-stadiums|stenhousemuir}}<ref name="capacity"/> (626 seated)
| capacity = {{SPFL-stadiums|stenhousemuir}}<ref name="capacity"/> (626 seated)
| suites =
| suites =
| record_attendance =
| record_attendance =
| dimensions = 101m x 66m<ref name="dimensions">[http://www.scottishfootballleague.com/club/stenhousemuir/ The SFL Clubs - Stenhousemuir], Scottish Football League. Retrieved 12 May 2012.</ref>
| dimensions = 101m x 66m<ref name="dimensions">[http://www.scottishfootballleague.com/club/stenhousemuir/ The SFL Clubs – Stenhousemuir], Scottish Football League. Retrieved 12 May 2012.</ref>
| acreage =
| acreage =
| volume =
| volume =
| tenants = [[Stenhousemuir F.C.|Stenhousemuir]] (1890–present)<br />Stenhousemuir Juniors (1909–10)<br />[[Stirling Albion F.C.|Stirling Albion]] (1992–93)<br />[[Falkirk F.C.|Falkirk]] (2003–04)<br />[[East Stirlingshire F.C.|East Stirlingshire]] (2008–2018)
| tenants = [[Stenhousemuir F.C.|Stenhousemuir]] (1890–present)<br />Stenhousemuir Juniors (1909–10)<br />[[Stirling Albion F.C.|Stirling Albion]] (1992–93)<br />[[Falkirk F.C.|Falkirk]] (2003–04)<br />[[East Stirlingshire F.C.|East Stirlingshire]] (2008–2018)<br/>[[Syngenta F.C.|Syngenta]] (2021–23)<br/>[[Queen's Park F.C.|Queen's Park]] (2022–23)
| embedded =
| embedded =
| website =
| website =
}}
}}


'''Ochilview Park''' is a [[association football|football]] stadium in [[Stenhousemuir]] in central [[Scotland]], which is the home ground of [[Scottish League One]] club, [[Stenhousemuir F.C.|Stenhousemuir]]. The stadium has a capacity of {{SPFL-stadiums|stenhousemuir}}<ref name="capacity">{{cite web |url=http://spfl.co.uk/clubs/stenhousemuir/ |title=Stenhousemuir Football Club|publisher=Scottish Professional Football League |accessdate=11 November 2013}}</ref> with 626 seated.
'''Ochilview Park''' is a [[association football|football]] stadium in [[Stenhousemuir]] in the [[Falkirk (council area)|Falkirk council area]] of Scotland. It is the home ground of [[Scottish League Two]] club [[Stenhousemuir F.C.|Stenhousemuir]]. The stadium has a capacity of {{SPFL-stadiums|stenhousemuir}}<ref name="capacity">{{cite web |url=http://spfl.co.uk/clubs/stenhousemuir/ |title=Stenhousemuir Football Club|publisher=Scottish Professional Football League |access-date=11 November 2013}}</ref> with 626 seated.


The stadium was opened in 1890 and has been the home of Stenhousemuir since. It has also played host to the home games of other nearby clubs including [[Stirling Albion F.C.|Stirling Albion]] and [[Falkirk F.C.|Falkirk]] whilst their new stadiums were under construction. The record attendance of 12,500 was set during a [[1949&ndash;50 Scottish Cup#Quarter-finals|Scottish Cup]] quarter final match against [[East Fife F.C.|East Fife]] in March [[1949–50 in Scottish football|1950]].
Ochilview was opened in 1890 and has been the home of Stenhousemuir since then. It has also temporarily hosted home games of other nearby clubs including [[Stirling Albion F.C.|Stirling Albion]], [[Falkirk F.C.|Falkirk]] and [[East Stirlingshire F.C.|East Stirlingshire]]. The record attendance of 12,525 was set during a [[1949&ndash;50 Scottish Cup#Quarter-finals|Scottish Cup]] quarter final match between Stenhousemuir and [[East Fife F.C.|East Fife]] on 11 March [[1949–50 in Scottish football|1950]].


==History==
==History==
{{See also|Stenhousemuir F.C.#History|label 1=History of Stenhousemuir F.C.}}
{{See also|Stenhousemuir F.C.#History|label 1=History of Stenhousemuir F.C.}}
Stenhousemuir F.C. was founded in 1884 following the breakaway from a local team called ''Heather Rangers''. The club played at two other grounds, Tryst Park and Goschen Park, before moving to Ochilview in 1890.<ref name="Brief_history">[http://www.stenhousemuirfc.com/club/history/ A Brief History of Stenhousemuir Football Club], [[Stenhousemuir F.C.]]. Retrieved 16 May 2012.</ref> The name ''Ochilview'' derives from the nearby [[Ochil Hills]] which are visible from the stadium.<ref name="Name">[http://www.stenhousemuirfc.com/club/ochilview/ Ochilview], [[Stenhousemuir F.C.]]. Retrieved 16 May 2012.</ref> In 1928 a new main stand was constructed with bench seating for 310 spectators. It was known by fans as the "Doll's House" due to its small size.{{Citation needed|date=May 2012}} It was built to replace the previous stand which was gutted by a fire in the same year. During the build it was discovered late into the project that the architect had omitted plans for access to the seating area which had to be quickly rectified;<ref name="Brief_history" /> two external staircases were added later.
Stenhousemuir F.C. was founded in 1884 following the breakaway from a local team called ''Heather Rangers''. The club played at two other grounds, Tryst Park and Goschen Park, before moving to Ochilview in 1890.<ref name="Brief_history">[http://www.stenhousemuirfc.com/club/history/ A Brief History of Stenhousemuir Football Club], [[Stenhousemuir F.C.]] Retrieved 16 May 2012.</ref> The name ''Ochilview'' derives from the nearby [[Ochil Hills]] which are visible from the stadium.<ref name="Name">[http://www.stenhousemuirfc.com/club/ochilview/ Ochilview], [[Stenhousemuir F.C.]] Retrieved 16 May 2012.</ref> In 1928 a new main stand was constructed with bench seating for 310 spectators. It was built to replace the previous stand which was gutted by a fire on 2 April that year. Club folklore has it that during the build it was discovered late into the project that the architect had omitted plans for access to the seating area which had to be quickly rectified;<ref name="Brief_history" /> two external staircases were added later.
[[File:Ochilview - geograph.org.uk - 1606405.jpg|thumb|250px|left|A match against [[Meadowbank Thistle F.C.|Meadowbank Thistle]] in 1982]]
[[File:Ochilview - geograph.org.uk - 1606405.jpg|thumb|250px|left|A match against [[Meadowbank Thistle F.C.|Meadowbank Thistle]] in 1982]]
Ochilview Park recorded its largest official attendance on 11 March 1950, when 12,500 spectators attended the club's [[Scottish Cup]] [[1949–50 Scottish Cup#Quarter-finals|quarter-final]] tie against [[East Fife F.C.|East Fife]]. A year later, Ochilview wrote itself into Scottish football history when it was the venue of the first ever floodlit match in Scotland, during a friendly against [[Hibernian F.C.|Hibernian]] on 7 November 1951.<ref name="Brief_history" /><ref name="Ground_guide">[http://www.scottishgrounds.co.uk/stenhousemuir.htm Scottish Football Ground Guide - Ochilview Park] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060820213226/http://www.scottishgrounds.co.uk/stenhousemuir.htm |date=20 August 2006 }}, ''scottishgrounds.co.uk''. 1 January 2012. Retrieved 16 May 2012.</ref>
Ochilview Park recorded its largest official attendance on 11 March 1950, when 12,525 spectators attended the club's [[Scottish Cup]] [[1949–50 Scottish Cup#Quarter-finals|quarter-final]] tie against [[East Fife F.C.|East Fife]]. A year later, Ochilview wrote itself into Scottish football history when it was the venue of the first ever floodlit match in Scotland, during a friendly against [[Hibernian F.C.|Hibernian]] on 7 November 1951.<ref name="Brief_history" /><ref name="Ground_guide">[http://www.scottishgrounds.co.uk/stenhousemuir.htm Scottish Football Ground Guide – Ochilview Park] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060820213226/http://www.scottishgrounds.co.uk/stenhousemuir.htm |date=20 August 2006 }}, ''scottishgrounds.co.uk''. 1 January 2012. Retrieved 16 May 2012.</ref>


In 1994, Stenhousemuir were considering relocation, having provisionally agreed to sell Ochilview to a supermarket chain for £2.5 million. The scheme, however, was frustrated by planning regulations, and instead it was decided to upgrade the existing stadium.
In 1994, Stenhousemuir were considering relocation, having provisionally agreed to sell Ochilview to the Safeways supermarket chain for £2.5 million. The scheme, however, was frustrated by planning regulations, and instead it was decided to upgrade the existing stadium.


At the end of season 1994–95, the covered terracing on the south side of Ochilview was removed to make way for a new 626 seater main stand. The new stand, which opened in season 1996–97, was subsequently named as the Norway Stand due to a sponsorship deal with Stenhousemuir's [[Norway|Norwegian]] supporters' club. It is now the only seated accommodation available at the ground, as the old "Doll's House" opposite had to be demolished in April 1999 after being refused a safety certificate. The north side of the ground is now largely used for car-parking, but could be used as standing accommodation in the event of a larger than usual crowd being expected.<ref name="Brief_history" />
At the end of season 1994–95, the covered terracing on the south side of Ochilview was removed to make way for a new 626 seater main stand. The new stand, which opened in season 1996–97, was subsequently named as the Norway Stand due to a sponsorship deal with Stenhousemuir's [[Norway|Norwegian]] supporters' club. It is now the only seated accommodation available at the ground, as the old main stand opposite had to be demolished in April 1999 after being refused a safety certificate. The north side of the ground is now largely used for car-parking.<ref name="Brief_history" />


===Ground-sharing===
===Ground-sharing===
Ochilview Park has played host to several [[groundshare|ground-sharing]] agreements throughout its history from clubs near Stenhousemuir in towns such as [[Stirling]] and [[Falkirk]]. However, the first to do so was Stenhousemuir Juniors in the early 1900s for one season in 1909&ndash;10.
Ochilview Park has played host to several [[groundshare|ground-sharing]] agreements throughout its history from clubs near Stenhousemuir in towns such as [[Stirling]] and [[Falkirk]]. However, the first to do so was Stenhousemuir Juniors in the late 1900s for one season in 1909&ndash;10.
[[File:EastStirlingvDundeeUnited-20090111.jpg|thumb|250px|left|East Stirlingshire's opponents [[Dundee United F.C.|Dundee United]] warm up before a Scottish Cup fourth round match at Ochilview in 2009]]
[[File:EastStirlingvDundeeUnited-20090111.jpg|thumb|250px|left|East Stirlingshire's opponents [[Dundee United F.C.|Dundee United]] warm up before a Scottish Cup fourth round match at Ochilview in 2009]]
The next club to share the ground was [[Stirling Albion F.C.|Stirling Albion]] who played their home games at Ochilview for the 1992–93 season whilst the club's previous home of [[Annfield Stadium]] was demolished. The club moved to their new home of [[Forthbank Stadium]] in 1993.
The next club to share the ground was [[Stirling Albion F.C.|Stirling Albion]] who played their home games at Ochilview for the 1992–93 season whilst the club's previous home of [[Annfield Stadium]] was demolished. The club moved to their new home of [[Forthbank Stadium]] in 1993.
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Other close rivals and neighbours to have shared the stadium include [[Falkirk F.C.|Falkirk]] in [[2003–04 in Scottish football|2003–04]], who did the same as Stirling Albion by sharing the ground for one season, whilst their home of [[Brockville Park]] was demolished and replaced by the [[Falkirk Stadium]] on the outskirts of the town. Marquee-type stands were erected on the north and east sides of the ground to temporarily raise the ground's capacity to 5,267 during Falkirk's period of tenancy.
Other close rivals and neighbours to have shared the stadium include [[Falkirk F.C.|Falkirk]] in [[2003–04 in Scottish football|2003–04]], who did the same as Stirling Albion by sharing the ground for one season, whilst their home of [[Brockville Park]] was demolished and replaced by the [[Falkirk Stadium]] on the outskirts of the town. Marquee-type stands were erected on the north and east sides of the ground to temporarily raise the ground's capacity to 5,267 during Falkirk's period of tenancy.


The most recent club to occupy Ochilview is other Falkirk club [[East Stirlingshire F.C.|East Stirlingshire]], who have ground-shared at the venue since the start of the 2008–09 season, having moved from their ground at [[Firs Park]] the previous season. The agreement was initially intended to be for a period of five years, during which the club hoped to develop a new venue in Falkirk.<ref name="East_Stirlingshire_move">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/e/east_stirlingshire/7376220.stm Shire explain Firs Park Departure], [[BBC Sport]]. 30 April 2008. Retrieved 11 June 2011.</ref> In April 2018 it was announced that East Stirlingshire had agreed to play their home games at the Falkirk Stadium from the start of the 2018–19 season, signalling the end of a decade-long relationship with Ochilview for the club.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/sport/football/east-stirlingshire-fc/east-stirlingshire-are-back-in-town-after-decade-at-stenhousemuir-1-4718500 |title=East Stirlingshire are back in town after decade at Stenhousemuir |first=David |last=Oliver |work=Falkirk Herald |publisher=Johnston Publishing Ltd |date=4 April 2018 |accessdate=5 April 2018}}</ref>
The next club to ground share at Ochilview was the other Falkirk club [[East Stirlingshire F.C.|East Stirlingshire]], who played at the venue for a number of years commencing from the 2008–09 season, having moved from their ground at [[Firs Park]] the previous season. The agreement was initially intended to be for a period of five years, during which the club hoped to develop a new venue in Falkirk.<ref name="East_Stirlingshire_move">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/e/east_stirlingshire/7376220.stm Shire explain Firs Park Departure], [[BBC Sport]]. 30 April 2008. Retrieved 11 June 2011.</ref> In April 2018 it was announced that East Stirlingshire had agreed to play their home games at the Falkirk Stadium from the start of the 2018–19 season, signalling the end of a decade-long relationship with Ochilview for the club.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/sport/football/east-stirlingshire-fc/east-stirlingshire-are-back-in-town-after-decade-at-stenhousemuir-1-4718500 |title=East Stirlingshire are back in town after decade at Stenhousemuir |first=David |last=Oliver |work=Falkirk Herald |publisher=Johnston Publishing Ltd |date=4 April 2018 |access-date=5 April 2018}}</ref>


[[East of Scotland Football League|East of Scotland League]] side [[Syngenta F.C.|Syngenta]], originally based in Grangemouth, agreed a ground share at Ochilview in 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stenhousemuir and Syngenta form strategic partnership. |url=https://www.stenhousemuirfc.com/2021/05/12/stenhousemuir-and-syngenta-form-strategic-partnership/ |access-date=15 October 2021}}</ref> [[Scottish Championship]] side [[Queen's Park F.C.|Queen's Park]] would also briefly use the facilities in 2022 for the first few months of the [[2022–23 in Scottish football|2022–23 season]], while waiting for their new stadium of [[Lesser Hampden]] to complete its renovations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Galindo |first=Alan |date=2022-05-25 |title=Queen's Park reach agreement with SPFL club to use stadium for start of season |url=https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/sport/queens-park-reach-agreement-start-24056561 |access-date=2022-05-30 |website=GlasgowLive |language=en}}</ref>
{{clear}}
{{clear}}


==Structure and facilities==
==Structure and facilities==
[[File:Ochilview Park - geograph.org.uk - 141671.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Outside the main stand of Ochilview]]
⚫
Apart from the new main stand, only one side of the ground is usually in use for spectators, this being the terracing at the Tryst Road end (west). In season 2004–05, a new roof was installed here, constructed by club volunteers. The former grass banking at the east end of Ochilview was removed some years ago, and the area has since been flattened and replaced with [[artificial turf|artificial pitches]] for community use. Ochilview Park today has a total capacity of {{SPFL-stadiums|stenhousemuir}}.<ref name="capacity"/>

⚫
Apart from the new main stand, only one side of the ground is usually in use for spectators, this being the terracing at the Tryst Road end (west). In season 2004–05, a new roof was installed here, constructed by club volunteers. The former grass banking at the east end of Ochilview was removed some years ago, and the area has since been flattened and replaced with [[artificial turf|artificial pitches]] for community use. The hard standing at this end of the ground has occasionally been used to accommodate standing spectators at higher profile games in recent years. Ochilview Park today has a total capacity of {{SPFL-stadiums|stenhousemuir}}.<ref name="capacity"/>


Ochilview boasts a [[FIFA]] approved two star synthetic surface.<ref name="Synthetic_pitch">[http://www.greenfields.eu/sports-news/fifa-recommended-2-star/ Stenhousemuir Football Club 3rd FIFA recommended 2 STAR], GreenFields Sports Turf Systems. Retrieved 16 May 2012.</ref>
Ochilview boasts a [[FIFA]] approved two star synthetic surface.<ref name="Synthetic_pitch">[http://www.greenfields.eu/sports-news/fifa-recommended-2-star/ Stenhousemuir Football Club 3rd FIFA recommended 2 STAR], GreenFields Sports Turf Systems. Retrieved 16 May 2012.</ref>
[[File:Norway Stand, Ochilview Park - Geograph-2010952-by-kim-traynor.jpg|thumb|250px|left|The Norway Stand]]
[[File:Norway Stand seating, Ochilview Park - geograph.org.uk - 2010961.jpg|thumb|250px|left|The Norway Stand close-up]]


==Other uses==
==Other uses==
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==Transport==
==Transport==
The closest railway station to Ochilview Park is [[Larbert railway station]] which is within a 15-minute walk of the stadium. The station is located on the main [[Edinburgh to Dunblane Line]] and the [[Croy Line]] from [[Glasgow Queen Street railway station|Glasgow Queen Street]], which alternates between [[Alloa railway station|Alloa]] and [[Dunblane railway station|Dunblane]] via [[Stirling railway station, Scotland|Stirling]].
The closest railway station to Ochilview Park is [[Larbert railway station]] which is within a 15-minute walk of the stadium being approximately 1.0&nbsp;km (0.6 miles) distant. The station is located on the main [[Edinburgh to Dunblane Line]] and the [[Croy Line]] from [[Glasgow Queen Street railway station|Glasgow Queen Street]], which alternates between [[Alloa railway station|Alloa]] and [[Dunblane railway station|Dunblane]] via [[Stirling railway station, Scotland|Stirling]].


==See also==
==See also==
* [[History of Scottish football#Stadium moves and refurbishments|Scottish stadium moves]]
*[[Stadium relocations in Scottish football]]


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category inline|Ochilview Park}}
{{Commons category-inline|Ochilview Park}}


{{Stenhousemuir F.C.}}
{{Stenhousemuir F.C.}}
{{East Stirlingshire F.C.}}
{{East Stirlingshire F.C.}}
{{Falkirk F.C.}}
{{Falkirk F.C.}}{{Queen's Park F.C.}}{{Football venues in Scotland}}
{{Football venues in Scotland}}


[[Category:East Stirlingshire F.C.]]
[[Category:East Stirlingshire F.C.]]
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[[Category:Lowland Football League venues]]
[[Category:Lowland Football League venues]]
[[Category:Stenhousemuir]]
[[Category:Stenhousemuir]]
[[Category:Queen's Park F.C.]]

Latest revision as of 22:21, 13 December 2023

Ochilview Park
The Norway Stand
Ochilview Park is located in Falkirk
Ochilview Park
Ochilview Park
Location within Falkirk
LocationStenhousemuir, Scotland
Coordinates56°01′42″N 3°48′53″W / 56.02833°N 3.81472°W / 56.02833; -3.81472
OwnerStenhousemuir F.C.
Capacity3,746[1] (626 seated)
Field size101m x 66m[2]
SurfaceArtificial turf
Construction
Opened1890
Renovated1990s
Tenants
Stenhousemuir (1890–present)
Stenhousemuir Juniors (1909–10)
Stirling Albion (1992–93)
Falkirk (2003–04)
East Stirlingshire (2008–2018)
Syngenta (2021–23)
Queen's Park (2022–23)

Ochilview Park is a football stadium in Stenhousemuir in the Falkirk council area of Scotland. It is the home ground of Scottish League Two club Stenhousemuir. The stadium has a capacity of 3,746[1] with 626 seated.

Ochilview was opened in 1890 and has been the home of Stenhousemuir since then. It has also temporarily hosted home games of other nearby clubs including Stirling Albion, Falkirk and East Stirlingshire. The record attendance of 12,525 was set during a Scottish Cup quarter final match between Stenhousemuir and East Fife on 11 March 1950.

History[edit]

See also: History of Stenhousemuir F.C.

Stenhousemuir F.C. was founded in 1884 following the breakaway from a local team called Heather Rangers. The club played at two other grounds, Tryst Park and Goschen Park, before moving to Ochilview in 1890.[3] The name Ochilview derives from the nearby Ochil Hills which are visible from the stadium.[4] In 1928 a new main stand was constructed with bench seating for 310 spectators. It was built to replace the previous stand which was gutted by a fire on 2 April that year. Club folklore has it that during the build it was discovered late into the project that the architect had omitted plans for access to the seating area which had to be quickly rectified;[3] two external staircases were added later.

A match against Meadowbank Thistle in 1982

Ochilview Park recorded its largest official attendance on 11 March 1950, when 12,525 spectators attended the club's Scottish Cup quarter-final tie against East Fife. A year later, Ochilview wrote itself into Scottish football history when it was the venue of the first ever floodlit match in Scotland, during a friendly against Hibernian on 7 November 1951.[3][5]

In 1994, Stenhousemuir were considering relocation, having provisionally agreed to sell Ochilview to the Safeways supermarket chain for £2.5 million. The scheme, however, was frustrated by planning regulations, and instead it was decided to upgrade the existing stadium.

At the end of season 1994–95, the covered terracing on the south side of Ochilview was removed to make way for a new 626 seater main stand. The new stand, which opened in season 1996–97, was subsequently named as the Norway Stand due to a sponsorship deal with Stenhousemuir's Norwegian supporters' club. It is now the only seated accommodation available at the ground, as the old main stand opposite had to be demolished in April 1999 after being refused a safety certificate. The north side of the ground is now largely used for car-parking.[3]

Ground-sharing[edit]

Ochilview Park has played host to several ground-sharing agreements throughout its history from clubs near Stenhousemuir in towns such as Stirling and Falkirk. However, the first to do so was Stenhousemuir Juniors in the late 1900s for one season in 1909–10.

East Stirlingshire's opponents Dundee United warm up before a Scottish Cup fourth round match at Ochilview in 2009

The next club to share the ground was Stirling Albion who played their home games at Ochilview for the 1992–93 season whilst the club's previous home of Annfield Stadium was demolished. The club moved to their new home of Forthbank Stadium in 1993.

Other close rivals and neighbours to have shared the stadium include Falkirk in 2003–04, who did the same as Stirling Albion by sharing the ground for one season, whilst their home of Brockville Park was demolished and replaced by the Falkirk Stadium on the outskirts of the town. Marquee-type stands were erected on the north and east sides of the ground to temporarily raise the ground's capacity to 5,267 during Falkirk's period of tenancy.

The next club to ground share at Ochilview was the other Falkirk club East Stirlingshire, who played at the venue for a number of years commencing from the 2008–09 season, having moved from their ground at Firs Park the previous season. The agreement was initially intended to be for a period of five years, during which the club hoped to develop a new venue in Falkirk.[6] In April 2018 it was announced that East Stirlingshire had agreed to play their home games at the Falkirk Stadium from the start of the 2018–19 season, signalling the end of a decade-long relationship with Ochilview for the club.[7]

East of Scotland League side Syngenta, originally based in Grangemouth, agreed a ground share at Ochilview in 2021.[8] Scottish Championship side Queen's Park would also briefly use the facilities in 2022 for the first few months of the 2022–23 season, while waiting for their new stadium of Lesser Hampden to complete its renovations.[9]

Structure and facilities[edit]

Outside the main stand of Ochilview

Apart from the new main stand, only one side of the ground is usually in use for spectators, this being the terracing at the Tryst Road end (west). In season 2004–05, a new roof was installed here, constructed by club volunteers. The former grass banking at the east end of Ochilview was removed some years ago, and the area has since been flattened and replaced with artificial pitches for community use. The hard standing at this end of the ground has occasionally been used to accommodate standing spectators at higher profile games in recent years. Ochilview Park today has a total capacity of 3,746.[1]

Ochilview boasts a FIFA approved two star synthetic surface.[10]

The Norway Stand
The Norway Stand close-up

Other uses[edit]

In 1926–27, greyhound racing was introduced to raise revenue.

Transport[edit]

The closest railway station to Ochilview Park is Larbert railway station which is within a 15-minute walk of the stadium being approximately 1.0 km (0.6 miles) distant. The station is located on the main Edinburgh to Dunblane Line and the Croy Line from Glasgow Queen Street, which alternates between Alloa and Dunblane via Stirling.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c "Stenhousemuir Football Club". Scottish Professional Football League. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  2. ^ The SFL Clubs – Stenhousemuir, Scottish Football League. Retrieved 12 May 2012.
  3. ^ a b c d A Brief History of Stenhousemuir Football Club, Stenhousemuir F.C. Retrieved 16 May 2012.
  4. ^ Ochilview, Stenhousemuir F.C. Retrieved 16 May 2012.
  5. ^ Scottish Football Ground Guide – Ochilview Park Archived 20 August 2006 at the Wayback Machine, scottishgrounds.co.uk. 1 January 2012. Retrieved 16 May 2012.
  6. ^ Shire explain Firs Park Departure, BBC Sport. 30 April 2008. Retrieved 11 June 2011.
  7. ^ Oliver, David (4 April 2018). "East Stirlingshire are back in town after decade at Stenhousemuir". Falkirk Herald. Johnston Publishing Ltd. Retrieved 5 April 2018.
  8. ^ "Stenhousemuir and Syngenta form strategic partnership". Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  9. ^ Galindo, Alan (25 May 2022). "Queen's Park reach agreement with SPFL club to use stadium for start of season". GlasgowLive. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  10. ^ Stenhousemuir Football Club 3rd FIFA recommended 2 STAR, GreenFields Sports Turf Systems. Retrieved 16 May 2012.
  • Inglis, Simon (1997) Football Grounds of Britain, CollinsWillow, London ISBN 0-00-218426-5
  • Moulds, Peter; Richardson, James (1984). The Warriors: A Centenary History of Stenhousemuir Football Club, Stenhousemuir Football Club, Larbert. ISBN 0-9509322-0-5.

External links[edit]

Media related to Ochilview Park at Wikimedia Commons

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