Dover Athletic chairman Jim Parmenter: We are investing into developing and improving Crabble to meet the updated Football League criteria, and also to provide a better matchday experience for our supporters

DOVER ATHLETIC’S new £1,325,000 family stand will be officially opened ahead of the Vanarama National League clash with Guiseley on Saturday 19 November.

The celebration will feature as part of the Family and Diversity Day – and there will be so much on offer when the Crabble gates open at noon.

The modern design includes 500 seats and will provide the club with Football League standard dressing rooms, referee’s changing rooms and medical room, as well as a new location for the control room where the club’s matchday safety operations will be run out of.

There will also be extra toilet facilities and dedicated viewing areas for disabled supporters.

The impressive construction features Glulam, which was made in sections and brought over from Bosnia, before being assembled on site while the seating is from Scandanavia.

It was built with grants covering around £400,000 of the cost while the balance came from chairman Jim Parmenter and through sponsorship.

Mr Parmenter said: “We are investing into developing and improving Crabble to meet the updated Football League criteria, and also to provide a better matchday experience for our supporters – including those with disabilities.

“We hope that supporters enjoy the new facilities and what else we have got planned on the day.”

To add to the celebrations, there will be FREE hot dogs for kids (limits apply), FREE goodie bags and plenty of pre-match entertainment, including the Vista Twisters, Royal Gurkha Regiment Pipers and Whitfield School Choir.

The club has also given thousands of tickets to 52 schools in the Dover district, so allow students to attend the day and savour the Crabble experience.

The ticketing initiative will see one child and one adult per ticket admitted to the event and game for free.

The day also represents the launch of the club’s One Town, One Team, One Dover campaign.

Visit Dover Athletic’s website: www.doverathletic.com