Raydale Park
Raydale Park has been the home of Gretna for over 60 years now. During the clubs innaugral season in 1946, fixtures were played at Station Park or ‘Mackay’s Field’ as it was popularly known. But in January 1947 it was announced that land had been purchased on the Raydale estate for the construction of a new ground.
The first match played on Raydale was on 13th September actually featured Gretna's reserve side who beat 14MU Carlisle by eight goals to two. The first-team's home debut a week later in the Second Division of the Carlisle and District League resulted in a 4-2 victory over Holme Head.
The ground still retains many of its non-league characteristics today, most notably the changing room pavilion, the west stand and the floodlights, all of which were installed in 1981 when the club joined the newly formed Northern League Second Division.
However, as Raydale does not meet SPL criteria home fixtures this season will be played at Fir Park, Motherwell.
Facts and Figures
Capacity: 2,200
Record Attendance: 3,000 ( v Dundee United - Scottish Cup Third Round - 17/01/05)
Stadium Directions
Address: Raydale Park, Dominion Road, Gretna, Dumfriesshire, DG16 5AP.
From the North: Take the M74 to junction 22 signposted Gretna and Gretna Green. From the A74 take the B7076 towards Gretna. Then turn onto the B721 which will take you through Gretna itself. After crossing Central Avenue and passing through the main set of traffic lights, take the 3rd left into Dominion Road. The ground and car park will be on your right hand side.
From the South: Take the M6 to Carlisle, which becomes the A74. After 8 miles, the road becomes the A74(M) - take the first junction (23) and turn left on to the B721 which will take you through Gretna.
From the East: Take the A69 from Newcastle to Carlisle. Join the M6 and follow instructions.
From the West: Follow the A75 (signposted Carlisle) from Dumfries. Branch left, then at traffic signals turn right onto the B7076. Follow the road then turn take the 3rd exit at the roundabout on to the B721 which will take you through Gretna.
Trains: The ground is around a 15 minute walk away from Gretna Green station, which has a regular service between Carlisle, Dumfries and Glasgow. Upon leaving the station follow signs for Gretna (not Gretna Green) and take the underpass into the town.
