Somerset Park

Ayr commissioned Somerset Park in 1888 to replace Beresford Park. Ayr needed an alternative venue for a friendly match against Aston Villa because Beresford Park was being used for the Ayr Cattle Show at the time.{{cite web | url = http://www.ayrunitedfc.co.uk/about_club_history_somerset_park.asp | title = History of Somerset Park | publisher = Ayr United FC | access-date = 9 December 2011 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110929190649/http://www.ayrunitedfc.co.uk/about_club_history_somerset_park.asp | archive-date = 29 September 2011 }} The Beresford Park clubhouse and grandstand were dismantled and reassembled at Somerset Park. Ayr entered the Scottish Football League in 1897, but failed to seriously challenge for promotion to the First Division.{{harv|Bob Crampsey|1990|p=292}} Ayr Parkhouse, who played at Beresford Park, subsequently joined the league, but were also stuck in the Second Division. The two clubs decided to merge in 1910 to form Ayr United and the new club adopted Somerset Park as its primary home, although Beresford Park was used during the First World War.

Ayr United bought Somerset Park for £2,500 in 1920.{{harvnb|Inglis|1996|p=429}} Four years later, the direction of the pitch was changed when the club built a new Main Stand. A roof was built in 1933 over the railway end terrace, which was split into male and female sections.

The ground's record attendance of 25,225 was set on 13 September 1969 in a match against Rangers. Floodlights were installed a year later. Somerset Park was relatively late in doing this because the ground is in the flight path of the nearby Prestwick Airport. The Somerset Road end terrace was covered in 1971. A new wing was added to the Main Stand in 1989, increasing the seating capacity to 1,450 in an overall capacity of 12,128.

During the 1990s and early 2000s, Ayr United were owned by Bill Barr, whose Barr Construction company built new stands for several clubs, including Kilmarnock, Hibernian, St Mirren, Stranraer and Airdrie.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/airdrieonians/1257878.stm|title=Fans out to brew up Barr bill|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|date=10 December 2011|access-date=10 December 2011}} Despite this work on other Scottish grounds, Somerset Park was not developed, which meant that Ayr United could not be promoted to the Scottish Premier League.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/1256090.stm|title=Ayr are not at the SPL races|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|date=2 April 2011|access-date=10 December 2011}} Barr had plans for an out-of-town stadium rejected by the Scottish Executive. He retired in 2004 and passed control of the club to Donald Cameron and his family.{{Cite news|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/fans-gain-veto-over-somerset-park-land-ayr-united-1.61071|title=Fans gain veto over Somerset Park land Ayr United |date=6 March 2005|access-date=10 December 2011|work=Sunday Herald|publisher=Herald & Times Group}}

Somerset Park was the first stadium in Britain to host the UEFA Women's Cup (now Champions League) in 2001. It staged the four-club group of Ayr United Ladies, the 2000–01 SWFL champions.{{cite news |title=Fleeting moments of fame |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12134479.fleeting-moments-of-fame/ |work=The Herald |date=10 November 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415015858/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12134479.fleeting-moments-of-fame/ |archive-date=15 April 2022}}{{cite web |title=Clubs, SWPL (2002–03) |website=SWF |url=http://www.ultrasoft.hostinguk.com/swfa/Clubs.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030516035011/http://www.ultrasoft.hostinguk.com/swfa/Clubs.htm |archive-date=16 May 2003 |url-status=dead}}

In November 2006, Ayr United publicised plans to sell Somerset Park to housing developer Barratt Homes and move to a new purpose built stadium in the Heathfield area of Ayr.{{Cite web|url=http://www.scottishgrounds.co.uk/ayr_united.htm|access-date=9 December 2011 |title=Ayr United |publisher=Scottish Football Ground Guide}}{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/ayr_united/6190994.stm |title=Ayr poised to sell Somerset Park |publisher=BBC News |date=28 November 2006 |access-date=9 December 2011}} The new ground was planned to consist of a single stand of 3,650 seats, with the potential to add another 3,000-seat stand and a 1,000-capacity terrace, giving a total potential capacity of 7,650.[https://archive.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/planning/documents/core/cd%2024%20(c)%20part%201%20%20ayr%20united%20report.pdf Report by Depute Chief Executive and Director of Development, Safey and Regulation {{!}} Regulatory Panel: 31st January 2008], South Ayrshire Council South Ayrshire Council gave outline planning permission in January 2008. Barratt Homes pulled out of the deal to purchase Somerset Park in August 2008, however, with the developer claiming that the planning rules were "unworkable".{{Cite news|url=http://www.ayrshirepost.net/ayrshire-sport/ayrshire-football/ayr-utd-fc/2008/08/29/developers-pull-plug-on-ayr-united-s-new-stadium-102545-21615644/ |title=Developers pull plug on Ayr United's new stadium |work=Ayrshire Post|date=29 August 2008|access-date=9 December 2011|first=Mike |last=Wilson}} The Great Recession, which depressed housing values, also affected the proposal's viability.

The Main Stand roof was damaged by Hurricane Irene in December 2011, forcing Ayr United to postpone a First Division match against Ross County.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16110709.stm|title=Storm damage hits Ayr United's game against Ross County|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|date=9 December 2011|access-date=9 December 2011}}

In 2018, it was confirmed that under current league requirements, Ayr United would be allowed to play matches at Somerset Park with minimal improvements to its facilities should they gain promotion to the SPFL Premiership, as the more stringent seating capacity regulations had been removed some years earlier. In the event, the club remained in the second tier. In September 2022, plans for a new north stand (covering, upgrading and enlarging the existing north terrace rather than demolishing it) were approved by the local authority.[https://www.ayradvertiser.com/news/20900752.ayr-united-somerset-park-new-stand-plans-approved/ Ayr United: Somerset Park new stand plans approved], Ayr Advertiser, 5 September 2022

Ayr railway station is approximately 20 minutes walk from Somerset Park. Newton-on-Ayr railway station is closer to the ground, but fewer trains stop there. The A77 road is the main route towards Ayr. To reach Somerset Park, take the A719 road (Whitletts Road) into town, passing Ayr Racecourse. There is a small car park next to Somerset Park and nearby street parking is also available.

File:Somerset Park-Main Stand.JPG

The current Main Stand built in 1920 and designed by Glaswegian architect, Archibald Leitch, famous for his work designing Hampden Park, Stamford Bridge, White Hart Lane, Goodison Park, Ibrox Stadium, Selhurst Park, Tynecastle, Highbury Stadium and Craven Cottage, at the cost of £8,000. The capacity of the main stand following its construction was 2,592. In 1989, an extension to the main stand was added to contain an extra 600 seats and contains a disabled section. The current seating capacity of Somerset Park is 1,597. In late 2012, the club were once again forced into further work upon the Main Stand, removing the remaining concrete asbestos tiles on the roof{{Cite news|url=http://www.ayrshirepost.net/ayrshire-sport/ayrshire-football/ayr-utd-fc/2012/09/14/ayr-united-face-soaring-bill-for-stadium-repairs-102545-31829025/|title=Ayr United Face Soaring Bill For Stadium Repairs |publisher=Ayrshire Post.net |date=14 September 2012 |access-date=16 February 2013}} and upgrading the kitchen facilities.

In 1971, Ayr United F.C. erected a roof to cover the Somerset Road End terrace at the cost £12,000. To celebrate the construction of the new roof, Ayr United invited English club Sunderland to play a friendly match - the result was a 1–1 draw. Following the storms of late 2011, the roof had to be totally rebuilt.

File:Allymacleodhospitalitysuite.JPG hospitality suite upon it in 2011.]]

The North Terrace is an open terrace, for both home and away supporters, with a segregation fence erected in 1980. There is currently a hospitality suite standing on the north terrace that opened in 1996 and is currently named the "Ally MacLeod Hospitality Suite sponsored by the Ayrshire Post{{Cite news|url=http://www.ayrshirepost.net/ayrshire-sport/ayrshire-football/ayr-utd-fc/2011/02/11/ayrshire-post-sponsors-ally-macleod-suite-at-somerset-park-102545-28137537/ |title=Ayrshire Post Sponsors Ally MacLeod Suite At Somerset Park |publisher=Ayrshire Post.net |date=11 February 2011 |access-date=19 May 2012}} ", which replaced the traditional score board in its place. Each box is named after a club great from either the 1960s, 1970's or 1980's, they are: Quinton 'Cutty' Young, Stan Quinn, Henry Templeton, Davie Stewart and John 'Spud' Murphy.{{Cite news|url=http://www.ayrshirepost.net/ayrshire-sport/ayrshire-football/ayr-utd-fc/2011/09/30/ayr-united-honour-their-heroes-in-the-ally-macleod-suite-102545-29501225/ |title=Ayr United Honour Their Heroes In The Ally MacLeod Suite |publisher=Ayrshire Post.net |date=30 September 2011 |access-date=19 May 2012}}

File:Railway End - Somerset Park, Ayr.JPG

The Railway End which now houses primarily away supporters but also home supporters from time to time, is a covered terrace opened in September 1933, following a £230 donation from the supporters club and £120 from the ladies supporters club. In 2012, the club totally re-roofed the Railway End, despite not being instructed to at the time.

Somerset Park first had floodlights installed in 1970, when supporters raised £12,201:14s:11d towards the £18,000 that was required. The first floodlight game at Somerset Park was a Second XI match against Partick Thistle although they were not officially opened until 18 November 1970, when Ayr United beat Newcastle United 2–0 in a ceremonial match for the occasion. In 2011, the original lights had to be replaced, which caused a Challenge Cup match against Raith Rovers to be switched to Greenock Morton's Cappielow Park, Ayr United won 3–0.{{Cite news|url=http://www.ayrunitedfc.co.uk/news.asp?int_news_id=2597&bln_archive=yes&int_month=8&int_year=2011 |title=Ayr United Vs. Raith Rovers Location Update |publisher=AyrUnitedFC.co.uk |date=3 August 2011 |access-date=19 May 2012}}

Despite gaining planning permission,{{Cite news|url=http://www.ayrunitedfc.co.uk/news.asp?int_news_id=1048&bln_archive=yes&int_month=1&int_year=2008 |title=AUFC achieve planning approval |publisher=AyrUnitedFC.co.uk |date=31 January 2008 |access-date=16 February 2013}} the club decided to abort the move to a new stadium in the Heathfield area of Ayr, so Ayr United remain at Somerset Park for the foreseeable future. In 2013, following the appointment of new director, Jim Kirkwood, whose company purchased the car park from the club in 2010,{{Cite news|url=http://www.ayrshirepost.net/ayrshire-sport/2013/02/15/ayr-united-s-new-director-jim-kirkwood-wants-to-stay-at-somerset-park-102545-32802107/ |title=Ayr United's New Director Jim Kirkwood Wants To Stay At Somerset Park |publisher=AyrshirePost.net |date=15 February 2013 |access-date=16 February 2013}} Kirkwood made proposals to the further development of Somerset Park, revealing that Somerset Park had seen little of the maintenance required in the last decade. Jim Kirkwood revealed that his plans are "not pie and sky, they are very deliverable".

Ayr United's impressive form at the outset of the 2018–19 Scottish Championship season led observers to examine the latest SPFL entry requirements due to the possibility of the club achieving promotion while still based at the unmodernised Somerset Park (all other promoted teams' stadia since the advent of the new league body in 2013 had met the previous SPL seating threshold of 6000, therefore little attention was paid to the matter). It was confirmed that the SPFL statutes only required grounds to have 'bronze standard' facilities (500 covered places), meaning Somerset would be accepted as a Premiership venue with minimal improvements.{{cite web |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ayr-uniteds-somerset-park-fit-13671640 |title=Is Ayr United's Somerset Park fit for the Premiership? The rules explained |author=Fraser Wilson|work=Daily Record|date=1 December 2018 |access-date=8 December 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/media/2881/scottish-fa-club-licensing-manual-2018.pdf |title=Club Licensing Manual 2018|publisher=Scottish Football Association|access-date=8 December 2018}}

{{football box

|date = 28 February 2012

|time = 19:00 (GMT+0)

|team1 = {{fbu-rt|17|SCO}}

|score = 1 − 1

|report = [http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/international_fixture_details.cfm?page=2858&matchID=116302 Report]

|team2 = {{fbu|17|SER}}

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|stadium = Somerset Park, Ayr

|attendance = 445

|referee = John Beaton (Scotland)

}}

{{football box

|date = 20 March 2012

|time = 19:30 (GMT+0)

|team1 = {{fbu-rt|17|SCO}}

|score = 1 − 0

|report = [https://www.uefa.com/under17/match/2009110--scotland-vs-lithuania/ Report]

|team2 = {{fbu|17|LIT}}

|goals1 = Findlay {{goal|65}}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Somerset Park, Ayr

|attendance =

|referee = Johnny Casanova (San Marino)

}}

{{football box

|date = 22 March 2012

|time = 19:30 (GMT+0)

|team1 = {{fbu-rt|17|DEN}}

|score = 3 − 1

|report = [https://www.uefa.com/under17/match/2009123--denmark-vs-lithuania/ Report]

|team2 = {{fbu|17|LIT}}

|goals1 = Mathiasen {{goal|5}}
Andersen {{goal|25}}
Nielsen {{goal|26}}

|goals2 = Petravičius {{goal|73}}

|stadium = Somerset Park, Ayr

|attendance =

|referee = Johnny Casanova (San Marino)

}}

{{football box

|date = 19 March 2013

|time = 14:00 (GMT+0)

|team1 = {{fbu-rt|17|SCO}}

|score = 3 − 2

|report = [http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/international_fixture_details.cfm?page=1921&matchID=125752 Report]

|team2 = {{fbu|17|SWE}}

|goals1 = Lindelöf {{goal|57|o.g.}}
Beck {{goal|63}}
McKay {{goal|85}}

|goals2 = Davey {{goal|40|o.g.}}
Söderström {{goal|47}}

|stadium = Somerset Park, Ayr

|attendance = 488

|referee =

}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

; Sources

• {{Cite book| first = Simon | last = Inglis | title = Football Grounds of Britain | year = 1996 | publisher = Collins Willow | isbn = 0-00-218426-5 }}
• {{cite book | author = Bob Crampsey | author-link = Bob Crampsey | title = The First 100 Years | year = 1990 | publisher = Scottish Football League | isbn = 0-9516433-0-4 }}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110929190649/http://www.ayrunitedfc.co.uk/about_club_history_somerset_park.asp History of Somerset Park]
• [http://www.ruleworks.co.uk/SuperAyr/somerset-park.asp Somerset Park Pictures]

{{Ayr United F.C.}}

{{Football venues in Scotland}}

{{Commons category|Somerset Park}}

Category:Ayr United F.C.

Category:Football venues in Scotland

Category:Sports venues in Ayr

Category:Scottish Football League venues

Category:Scottish Professional Football League venues

Category:Sports venues completed in 1888