Darvel are to play their first two “home” fixtures at Portland Park this summer, as they await their new surface at Recreation Park being ready for the new season after extensive renovations.
That means that Darvel will be starting their campaign at Portland Park this coming Saturday against Bonnyton Thistle, kicking off at 2pm, while we are away at Kilwinning Rangers.
Troon welcome Benburb to Portland Park on Wednesday 21st July before an away trip to Auchinleck Talbot on Saturday 24th July, whilst Darvel welcome Rutherglen Glencairn to Portland Park on the same day.
Recreation Park revamp
For those that haven’t seen already, extensive work has been carried out “Doon the Brae” this year.
Firstly, floodlights were erected in March this year to push Darvel towards their SFA Licence. Now the playing surface has been completely ripped up & then re-seeded (see the video below), complete with brand new perimeter fencing and an SPFL-standard drainage system installed at the same time.
And this is on top of the work that has been carried out already on the now-famous home dressing rooms, and the hospitality suites that have been put in.
Quite a difference from just a few years ago!
With the surface now been seeded and grown, having it’s first cut a couple of weeks ago, it will finally be ready for games at the end of the month, and Darvel will first play on the new surface on Saturday 31st July against Rossvale.
Hope they enjoy their short stay at Portland Park in the meantime.
Tickets for games at Portland Park
- Adult £7
- Concessions £4
- Under 16s £4
- Under 12s FREE with Adult
- Darvel Lottery Members – Adult £5
- Darvel Lottery Members – Concession £2
Covid Restrictions
We are still operating under Covid restrictions just now, and Saturday’s game between Darvel & Bonnyton will still be restricted to a crowd of 250 supporters. Social distancing will still remain in place throughout the ground, and face coverings will be needed for turnstiles, toilets & will be advisable for terraces.
At the moment, it looks like the restriction on supporters will be raised from 250 to 1000 on Monday 19th July, so fingers crossed we can all return to relatively normal crowds again soon!