HAPPY 32ND BIRTHDAY, SIXFIELDS!
Today marks 32 years since Northampton Town Football Club began a new chapter in its history with the opening of Sixfields Stadium on Saturday 15th October 1994.
After almost a century at the County Ground, the Cobblers moved into their new purpose-built home, welcoming Barnet for the first league fixture at Sixfields.
Since that historic afternoon, the stadium has witnessed countless memorable moments, from dramatic victories and famous cup ties to promotion celebrations and unforgettable occasions for generations of supporters.
The early years brought success under Ian Atkins, including the famous 1997 Wembley play-off triumph and another trip to the national stadium in 1998. Sixfields also witnessed Neil Grayson’s remarkable hat-trick against Hartlepool United in 1997 and the memorable 3-0 play-off semi-final victory over Bristol Rovers the following year.
There have been famous visitors too, including West Ham United in the League Cup in 1998 and Manchester United in the FA Cup in 2004, when a young Cristiano Ronaldo appeared at Sixfields.
Promotion campaigns under Colin Calderwood, Chris Wilder and Jon Brady have provided further unforgettable memories, particularly the 2015-16 League Two title-winning season, when captain Marc Richards lifted the trophy.
A New Chapter for the Cobblers
As Sixfields celebrates its 32nd birthday, Northampton Town is entering another new era following the arrival of majority shareholders Sports Alpha Capital.
The changes have seen Kelvin Thomas step down as chairman after more than a decade, although he remains involved with the club. João Xavier and Tim Chamberlain have taken over as co-chairmen, while former Brazil international Alexandre Pato has joined the board.
With new investment and fresh ambitions, supporters will be hoping that the next chapter brings even more memorable moments to Sixfields.
Thirty-two years on from that opening afternoon against Barnet, Sixfields has firmly established its own place in Northampton Town history.
Happy 32nd birthday, Sixfields! Here’s to the memories already made and the many more still to come.
What’s your favourite Sixfields memory?