Back in Town! Darlington to Host Newcastle and Sunderland

Darlington 1883 are preparing for the new season when the Quakers will be playing in a hugely competitive National League North after their third promotion in four seasons was achieved in April when they lifted the Northern Premier League Premier Division title.

Often described as a 'Phoenix Club', followers of Darlo, a supporter-owned club, see themselves as a continuation of Darlington FC and the official website states 'the club was formed in 1883 and has over 125 years of history'.

Recent history has been made away from the town of Darlington itself, at Heritage Park in Bishop Auckland after the much-loved Feethams made way for something slightly less likely to arouse affection among fans.

Known as the Reynolds Arena when it opened in 2003, the stadium, with its capacity of 25,000, was seen for many years as the ultimate football folly,  crowds rattling around inside as Darlington headed towards the foot of the Football League.

But, all credit to Darlington Mowden Park RFC who have strived to make the venue something that the town can be proud of, England’s Senior Women’s Rugby team having played there and the All Blacks having used it as a base for the 2015 World Cup.

And now, Newcastle and Sunderland will send teams to the Northern Echo Arena for friendlies against Darlington on Saturday 16 and Tuesday 19 July respectively as the football club make plans to return home permanently to a site at Blackwell Meadows.

Tickets for both games will be priced at £10 Adults and £6 Concessions (U16, Over 65, Armed Forces and Students). A combined ticket can be bought in advance for £15 Adults and £10 Concession.