Accrington Stanley’s new £2.5m hospitality and conference venue will be officially opened by former Minister for Sport Tracey Crouch MP and Chairman of the English Football League Rick Parry on Wednesday 30th March.
The state-of-the-art venue, built behind the HML Recycling Jack Barrett Main Stand, consists of Coley’s, the 1968 Lounge and The Snug, all of which is open to the public and can be hired out.
Coley’s, named after Stanley manager John Coleman who has taken the Reds from non-league into Sky Bet League One with four promotions, is the main bar and is open on all matchdays and Fridays-Sundays. It has wall mounted 85" televisions to watch all the latest sports and a selection of beers, wines and spirits while also serving a traditional pie, peas and gravy.
The 1968 Lounge is named after the year the club reformed following their shock resignation from the Football League in 1962. This is used on matchdays for hospitality but can also be hired out for separate events – whether it’s a wedding or a party at night, or a business meeting or conference in the morning.
The Snug or champagne bar is a smaller venue, again which can be hired out at any time, with all needs catered for.
Chairman Andy Holt said: "It’s been two years in the making and we are really proud of this venue. This is for the community of Accrington to use, it’s for the club to be able to support itself financially and it’s another step forward for Accrington Stanley.
"Everyone who has gone before has played their part in Accrington Stanley’s climb up the leagues and their survival and we want to make the club self-sufficient so we never have to go through another 1962.
"I don’t think there is a venue like this at any other football club."
EFL Chair, Rick Parry, said: "I would like to congratulate Andy Holt, the Board and everybody at Accrington Stanley on the opening of their brand new Hospitality and Conference Venue at the Wham Stadium.
"This facility will not only provide opportunities for additional income on match days, but it will also be available throughout the year for the community of Accrington.
"This significant investment at this level of the football pyramid is a prime example of clubs thinking creatively to enhance the match day experience whilst looking to create a sustainable future."
All are welcome to attend the opening, with doors open at 1pm.