FC Halifax Town were formed after the collapse of Halifax Town AFC and continue the town's football story at The Shay. The Shaymen have rebuilt through non-league football and become a competitive National League club, backed by a loyal West Yorkshire support.
The Shay is one of the stronger traditional grounds in the National League, with a scale and layout that still feels more Football League than lower non-league. It sits close to Halifax town centre and the railway station, making it one of the easier grounds in the division to reach on foot.
The ground is made up of four distinct sides. The East Stand is the main seated stand and contains the principal club facilities. The Skircoat Stand runs along the opposite side and is also seated, while the South Stand behind one goal is a home terrace. The North Stand behind the other goal is a terrace and is sometimes used for away supporters when required.
The Shay is a proper old-style ground rather than a modern bowl, but it has good sightlines and plenty of character. For neutrals, the seated stands give the best view, with the East Stand generally feeling like the main home side. The South Stand is the more vocal home end, while away arrangements can vary depending on the expected following and whether the club uses seating, terracing or both.
A West Yorkshire rivalry with lower-league roots, carrying county pride when Halifax and Bradford cross paths.
No upcoming rivalry fixture currently listed.
A Calderdale-Kirklees rivalry where Halifax meetings with Huddersfield are rare but naturally charged by geography.
No upcoming rivalry fixture currently listed.
Away supporters at The Shay are usually placed either in the Skircoat Stand seating, the North Stand terrace, or a combination of the two depending on the fixture and expected following. Some recent away guides have placed visiting fans in the Skircoat Stand and North Stand terrace, entering via the Hunger Hill turnstiles. Other fixtures have used Block A of the East Stand or the seated Skircoat Stand only, so the exact away section can change.
This is important for away supporters because Halifax do not always operate one fixed away end for every match. Larger followings may receive terrace space behind the goal as well as seating along the side, while smaller followings may be placed in a seated block only. Visiting fans should check their own club's ticket details before travelling.
When the North Stand terrace is used, it gives a traditional behind-the-goal away end view. The Skircoat Stand gives a better side-on seated view and is more suitable for supporters who prefer cover and a clearer angle. Access from Hunger Hill is commonly used for away supporters, but supporters should follow fixture-specific instructions as turnstiles and allocations can vary.
Use the A629 or A646 into Halifax, or the M62 then down into town, then aim for central Halifax and The Shay signs. the local roads are hilly and can be slow.
Use the M1/M62 corridor, then leave the M62 for Halifax and follow signs into town. park centrally if stadium-side streets are busy.
Use the M62 westbound, then leave via Elland or Ainley Top and drop into Halifax. the final approach can be steep and congested.
Use the M62 eastbound towards Halifax, then use the A629/A646 links into town. check M62 traffic before travelling.
Halifax station is the station for The Shay. It has rail links towards Leeds, Bradford, Manchester and the Calder Valley, so supporters from both east and west usually have workable connections.
The ground is close to the town centre, but Halifax is hilly, so allow a little extra time even for short-looking walks.
Leave Halifax station and head towards the town centre, then follow signs and roads towards Shaw Hill and The Shay. The ground is close, but the local streets rise and fall more than the map suggests.
The walk is around 10 to 15 minutes. Use main pavements and crossings, especially if arriving at night or in wet weather.
Manchester Airport is usually the strongest airport for Halifax. Use the airport railway station to reach Manchester Piccadilly or Victoria, then take Calder Valley services towards Halifax.
The ground is close to Halifax town centre, so once you reach the station the final leg is straightforward. For evening games, check the return over the Pennines before booking.
Leeds Bradford is geographically closer and can be useful if the flights work. Travel from the airport into Leeds, then take the train to Halifax.
The lack of a railway station at the airport adds a bus or taxi leg, but this is still a proper option for West Yorkshire. It may be the best choice for domestic routes.
First service 503 is useful for local journeys around Halifax and the Huddersfield side of the Calderdale network. The Shay is close to the town centre, so the bus is mainly helpful if you are staying outside the centre.
For away fans arriving by rail, walking is usually simpler, but local buses can help in poor weather or from hotels further out.
Routes such as 508 and 576 are useful Calderdale services to check if you are travelling into Halifax from nearby areas rather than directly by train. They serve the wider town and valley network.
Use them to get into Halifax town centre, then walk or take a short taxi to The Shay.
Crossley's Taxis are a local Halifax firm and are useful for short trips from the station, Piece Hall area or hotels to The Shay. The journey is short, but Halifax hills and poor weather can make a cab worthwhile.
After the match, heading back towards town before booking may make pick-up easier.
A1 Taxis Halifax cover local journeys around Calderdale and are useful if you are staying outside the town centre or arriving from nearby villages.
Pre-book for evening games if you need a reliable return to accommodation or the station.
Town-centre car parks around the Eureka! and Woolshops side of Halifax are practical for The Shay. They keep you close to pubs, food and the station, with the ground a manageable walk away.
Charges are normal town-centre tariffs. This is usually easier than trying to park on the hillside streets directly by The Shay.
Halifax station parking is a useful landmark option for The Shay, especially if you are meeting rail travellers. The ground is close enough to walk, although Halifax's slopes can make short distances feel longer.
Expect station parking charges and check payment rules before leaving the car. It is a good option for a clean post-match exit.
A highly regarded real-ale pub close to Halifax station and The Shay. It is one of the best pre-match choices in town.
A compact beer-focused pub in the town centre, useful before the short walk to The Shay.
A well-regarded Halifax restaurant in the town centre, good for a proper meal before or after the match.
A popular Italian restaurant in Halifax, useful for evening fixtures or an overnight away trip.
A central hotel close to pubs, food and the walk to The Shay.
The Shay is a good ground for public transport. Halifax railway station is only a short walk away, usually around five to ten minutes depending on the route and walking pace. The town centre is also nearby, so supporters have more pre-match options than at out-of-town grounds.
Drivers should be aware that the stadium car park is limited and may be pay-and-display or restricted depending on the fixture. There is street parking and town-centre parking in the wider area, but supporters should check signs carefully and avoid assuming spaces directly outside the ground will be available.
For neutrals, the seated side stands are the safest choice for view and comfort. Home supporters wanting atmosphere should look towards the South Stand area. Away supporters should check whether they are in the Skircoat Stand, North Stand or another block for that specific fixture, because the away allocation at Halifax is more flexible than at some grounds.
FC Halifax Town tickets are normally sold through the club's ticketing arrangements, with prices and availability published for each fixture. Away arrangements vary by match, and visiting supporters should check whether tickets are sold online, through their own club, or available at the turnstiles.
Some recent away fixtures have allowed cash-only turnstile payment for away supporters, while others have had published online or block-specific ticket arrangements. Because this can change, away fans should not assume matchday cash entry will always be available.
For home or neutral supporters, the East Stand or Skircoat Stand generally offers the best seated view. The South Stand is better for home atmosphere. Away supporters should only buy in the advertised away section, particularly for segregated matches, and should check whether they are being allocated seating, terracing or both.
The Shay operates normal football ground regulations, with stewarded entry, ticket checks and possible searches. Supporters should use the correct turnstiles and remain in the section shown on their ticket, especially when segregation is in place.
Flares, smoke devices, fireworks, alcohol brought into the ground, glass bottles, weapons and other dangerous items should not be taken into the stadium. Large flags, banners, drums or similar items should be checked with the club in advance.
Because away allocations can vary, supporters should pay attention to the match-specific entry details. Attempting to enter through the wrong turnstiles or move between home and away areas may result in refusal of entry or removal from the ground.
The Shay is an older stadium with a mixture of seated stands and terraced areas, so accessibility can vary depending on which section is being used. Supporters requiring wheelchair spaces, companion tickets, step-free access or specific assistance should contact FC Halifax Town before travelling.
The seated stands are generally more suitable than the terraced areas for supporters with mobility needs. Away supporters should be especially careful because the away allocation changes between fixtures, and not every away arrangement will be equally suitable for disabled fans.
The ground's proximity to the railway station is useful, but the walking route still involves normal roads and pavements. Supporters with mobility needs may prefer to arrange drop-off details in advance and check which entrance will be used for their ticket.
There does not appear to be a regular public stadium tour programme at The Shay for FC Halifax Town matchdays. The ground is a working football and rugby league venue, but routine bookable stadium tours are not clearly advertised.
Supporters interested in private access, group visits or community-related visits should contact the club or stadium directly. For most fans, The Shay should be treated as a matchday ground rather than a venue with regular stadium tours.
Halifax's standout attraction and a brilliant pre-match stop. It is central, impressive, and easy to combine with pubs before heading to The Shay.
Official club website. Use this for the latest club news, fixture information, tickets, supporter notices and matchday updates.