Hartlepool United are based at Victoria Park and carry a proud County Durham and Teesside football identity. Pools have spent much of their history in the Football League and remain one of the National League's best-supported clubs. Victoria Park is a traditional ground close to the town centre and marina.
Victoria Park, currently known as The Prestige Group Stadium, is one of the more traditional and characterful grounds in the National League. It sits close to Hartlepool town centre, the marina area and the railway station, so it feels properly part of the town rather than an out-of-town stadium.
The ground has four distinct sides. The Cyril Knowles Stand is the main seated stand running along one side of the pitch, while the Neale Cooper Stand behind one goal is usually the main home vocal area. Opposite the main stand is the older Town End / Mill House side, and the Hartlepool Cable Services Stand, also known as the Rink End, is the away end behind the other goal.
For neutrals, the side-on seated areas give the best overall view. The Neale Cooper Stand is usually where the home atmosphere is strongest, while the Rink End gives visiting supporters a clear behind-the-goal view. The ground has a proper old Football League feel, with a mix of older structures, tight approaches and a location that works well for supporters arriving by train.
A hard-edged North East rivalry between Darlington and Hartlepool, shaped by close travel, old league meetings and strong mutual dislike.
No upcoming rivalry fixture currently listed.
A North East rivalry that often gains weight when both clubs are fighting for National League relevance and regional standing.
GatesheadHartlepool UnitedGateshead International Stadium, Gateshead | National League
Hartlepool UnitedGatesheadVictoria Park, Hartlepool | National League
Away supporters at Hartlepool United are situated in the Hartlepool Cable Services Stand, better known as the Rink End. This is an unallocated, all-seated stand with a maximum capacity of around 760. There is no terraced away area available.
The away stand is on Clarence Road, with the turnstiles adjacent to the main office building, ticket office and club shop. For busy fixtures, stewards may allocate seating as fans arrive to manage the stand more efficiently, so away supporters should follow steward instructions rather than assuming they can sit anywhere.
The away end has its own catering outlet and bar facility, but these facilities are card only. Wheelchair entry for away supporters is via the West Stand through the car park on the Acland Homes Stand side, rather than the standard ambulant away entrance.
Use the A19 south, then leave via the A179 or A689 for Hartlepool. follow town-centre and marina signs to Victoria Park.
Use the A19 north, then leave via the A689 into Hartlepool. the final town section can slow at peak times.
Use local coastal routes from Seaton Carew or the marina, then head back towards Clarence Road and Victoria Park. coastal traffic can affect warm-weather matches.
Use the A689 from the west, connecting from the A1(M) or A19, then follow signs into Hartlepool town centre. town-centre parking and a walk can be calmer.
Hartlepool station is the best station for Victoria Park. It is served by regional services on the Durham Coast line and selected longer-distance services, with connections possible via Newcastle, Sunderland, Middlesbrough and York depending on your route.
The station is close to the ground, making Hartlepool one of the more straightforward rail away days.
Leave Hartlepool station and head towards the town-centre and marina side, then follow signs or crowds towards Clarence Road and Victoria Park.
The walk is usually around 10 minutes. It is straightforward, but use the main roads and crossings around the station and town-centre traffic.
Newcastle is usually the best airport for Hartlepool. Take the Metro into Newcastle Central, then use rail services down the Durham Coast line towards Hartlepool.
It is a sensible route with clear public transport, and Victoria Park is close to Hartlepool station once you arrive.
Teesside International is geographically closer to Hartlepool, but public transport can be more awkward. A taxi from the airport to Hartlepool is realistic for groups, or you can connect via Darlington/Middlesbrough depending on timing.
Use it if the flight works, but check the onward leg before booking.
Stagecoach service 1 is useful for local Hartlepool journeys and can help if you are travelling from Seaton Carew, the marina side or local accommodation rather than the railway station. Victoria Park is central enough that many supporters will walk.
Use the bus to get into the town-centre side, then finish on foot if needed.
Service 36 is useful for the Hartlepool to Middlesbrough/Stockton corridor and can help if you are coming from Teesside rather than arriving by train. It is a practical public transport option for supporters staying outside Hartlepool.
Check current Stagecoach North East times before travelling, especially for evening matches.
23 Taxis are a well-known Hartlepool taxi option for short trips from the station, marina hotels or Seaton Carew to Victoria Park.
The ground is close to the station, but a taxi is useful if you are staying away from the centre.
Boro Taxis operate across Teesside and Hartlepool, making them useful for longer local journeys from Middlesbrough, Stockton or Teesside Airport.
Pre-booking is sensible for airport transfers or late evening returns.
Victoria Park is close to the town centre, so central public car parks are the best option for many drivers. Park around the centre or marina side, then walk to the ground.
Expect normal council tariffs. This avoids searching for spaces directly around Clarence Road and the stadium streets.
Marina-side parking can work well if you want food, pubs or a more relaxed pre-match stop before walking to Victoria Park. It is close enough for a straightforward walk while giving more space than the immediate ground area.
Check pay-and-display rules and time limits, particularly in warmer months when marina parking is busier.
A large Wetherspoons in the town centre, useful as a predictable meeting point before walking to Victoria Park.
A small real-ale pub close to Hartlepool station, useful for rail arrivals who want a proper pint before the short walk to the ground.
A popular Italian restaurant on the marina, useful for a proper meal before or after the match.
A local fish-and-chip shop option, useful if you want quick food before heading to Victoria Park.
A practical hotel by the marina, within reach of Victoria Park and town-centre pubs.
Victoria Park is one of the more convenient National League grounds by train. Hartlepool railway station is within walking distance, and the route to the ground is straightforward through the town centre and Clarence Road area.
Drivers should allow time for town-centre traffic and should check parking arrangements before travelling. There is parking around the wider town and marina area, but supporters should read signs carefully and not assume every nearby space is suitable for football parking.
For neutrals, the side stands are the best choice for the view. Home supporters wanting the louder section should look towards the Neale Cooper Stand. Away supporters should head for the Clarence Road side and the Rink End turnstiles, and should remember that away-end food and drink facilities are card only.
Hartlepool United tickets are generally sold online, with away tickets going on sale in advance of the fixture. For high-demand matches, tickets may be sent to the visiting club to sell through their own channels, so away fans should always check both Hartlepool and their own club information.
Away supporters are allocated the Rink End, which is an unallocated all-seated stand. Tickets are issued electronically as standard, and paper tickets may carry an additional charge. The club also advises that concession ID may be requested at the turnstiles, so supporters buying concession tickets should carry suitable proof.
The ticket office is normally open from 10am to kick-off on Saturday matchdays and from noon for evening games. Turnstiles usually open 90 minutes before kick-off. For home or neutral supporters, the side stands offer the best match view, while the home end is better for atmosphere.
Victoria Park operates standard football ground regulations, with ticket checks, stewarding and possible searches at the turnstiles. Supporters should enter through the correct home or away entrance and remain in their allocated area when segregation is in operation.
Under-14s are not allowed entry to the stadium unless accompanied by an adult. Away supporters should also be aware that the away stand is all seated and there is no away terracing available.
Flares, smoke devices, fireworks, alcohol brought into the ground, glass bottles, weapons and other dangerous items are not permitted. Large flags, banners, drums or musical instruments should be checked with the club before travelling.
Hartlepool United provide accessible provision for away supporters in the Rink End, with space for seven wheelchair users plus carers within the stand. Away wheelchair entry is via the West Stand through the car park on the Acland Homes Stand side, rather than through the normal ambulant away entrance.
Ambulant and wheelchair disabled supporters pay the relevant age-category price and may be entitled to a free companion ticket if they receive medium or high-rate DLA or enhanced-rate PIP. Relevant paperwork should be produced when purchasing, and supporters with different circumstances are advised to contact the ticket office before travelling.
As with many older grounds, supporters with mobility needs should arrange details in advance, especially if travelling as an away supporter. The club can advise on the correct entrance, wheelchair route, companion ticket and any available parking or drop-off arrangements.
There does not appear to be a regular public stadium tour programme at Victoria Park. Hartlepool United provide detailed ticketing and away supporter information, but routine bookable tours are not clearly advertised.
Supporters interested in a group visit, community access or special arrangement should contact Hartlepool United directly. For most visitors, Victoria Park should be treated as a matchday ground rather than a venue with regular stadium tours.
A strong maritime attraction around the historic quay. It is a good pre-match stop if you arrive early.
Official club website. Use this for the latest club news, fixture information, tickets, supporter notices and matchday updates.