Newcastle Greyhound Stadium has been offering up quality racing for more than 90 years. It hosts many of the of the north’s top races and some of the oldest competitions in the racing calendar. Formally known as Brough Park, the stadium changed its name when it became the only greyhound track in the city. Until recently, it was also the home of the Newcastle Diamonds Speedway Team but, unfortunately, the team closed down in 2022, ending a heritage that stretched back to the 1920s.
As well as being steeped in racing history of both the canine and motorized varieties, the track also has an interesting historic aspect through being situated next to the Fossway, an ancient Roman Road. In fact, the first Kennels were sited on the line of Hadrian’s Wall! Situated in a city famous for its nights out and hospitality, you will find a track that offers quality racing and a fun place to enjoy a few drinks with friends – and, hopefully, land some winners!
What’s On Offer at Newcastle?
Racedays here are on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons. The gates generally open at 6:00pm for evening meetings and 1:30pm for afternoons.
The busiest days are Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The biggest meetings at the track are the All England Cup, run over 480m and taking place in mid-October; the Northern Puppy Derby for greyhounds under two years old and now taking place in February after a recent switch from October; and the Northern Flat, which was switched to Newcastle in 2021 following the closure of Belle Vue Stadium.
There are also special events over Christmas and other major occasions, so be sure to check out those if planning a visit.
What Can You Expect?
Newcastle’s facilities and food options are at the cheap and cheerful end of racetrack offerings, but with quality racing and a local populous known for enjoying a beer you are sure to have a great time. Here’s what you’ll find:
- There are three large bars so plenty of space for groups and a restaurant seating 126 people.
- Trackside restaurant seating 126 people.
- Free parking for cars, mini buses and coaches in front of the stadium.
- Children are welcome in the restaurant but must have left the stadium by the last race.
- The stadium is accessible and has a lift at the entrance. People with access issues are advised to ask in advance or at the turnstiles if they need assistance.
What Will It Cost?
Admission will cost you just £6 on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and is free for other meetings. There are a few packages and drink offers available if you want to add to your experience.
Trackside Restaurant
Available on Tuesday evenings, the restaurant offers great views of the racing and food options ranging from a Breaded Chicken Escalope, Cumberland Sausage or Creamy Garlic Mushrooms.
The cost is £12 per person and £5 for under 12s. The price includes admission, race card and a two-course meal and represents excellent value.
Winning Deal
This package costs £16 per person is available through the year on Saturday afternoons and from April 1st 2022 to November 25th 2022 on Fridays. It includes:
- Admission
- Full race card
- Two free drinks
- Jumbo sausage and chips (vegetarian alternative also available)
Any visitors accustomed to paying well in excess of £5 a pint will appreciate the value of this deal and packages like this really illustrate the highly affordable night out offered by a trip to the dogs.
Sponsor a Race
If you are celebrating a special occasion, there is the opportunity to make the day more memorable by sponsoring a race. This will cost £60 per party and for this you will receive:
- The right to name the race, with the name printed in the race card
- Award the winning connections with the trophy
- Get a photo of the presentation to remember the occasion
- Receive a complimentary bottle of fizz
How to Get There
The stadium is located at Newcastle Greyhounds, Fossway, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 2XJ, so if you are driving simply use that post code in your sat nav. Coming from the city centre on public transport you can take the Yellow Metro Line to Chillingham Road and walk 12 minutes. Or the Number 1 Coaster stops four minutes away at Brough Park. The track also has a free phone to Newcastle Taxis in the Foyer, though they recommend that you pre-arrange your transport home.
How to Get in Touch
- Tel: – 0191 210 5300
- Email: – info@newcastle-greyhounds.co.uk
- Twitter: – @NewcastleDogs
- Booking Office Opening Times: – 09:00 -17:30 (times vary on race days)
What Else Do I Need to Know?
Newcastle Stadium was formally known as Brough Park. The name change took place in 2007 under the ownership of William Hill as the track had become the only one left in the city.
Historical Setting
The track’s history goes back to 1928 when it was constructed right next the Fossway, a Roman road, on land that was previously part of a football ground. The first kennels were sat directly on the route of Hadrian’s Wall. On 23 June, 1928, it became the second working track in Newcastle when Marvin landed the first race at odds of 3/1.
All England Cup
Newcastle’s most prestigious race, the All England Cup, was introduced in 1938 and with a large prize on offer, top greyhounds and their trainers came from far and wide. In 1946, the champions of the four national Derby’s all competed, with the English Champion, Monday’s News, coming out on top in the final.
In the middle of the 20th century the track saw something of a glory period led by the trainer, Norman Oliver, who won the Scottish Derby in 1967 and was Trainer of the Year in 1973. Leading greyhounds of the time were Shady Begonia, who won the Television Trophy, the Regency and got to the final of the English Derby, and Ramdeen Stuart, who won two classics.
Grass Changed for Sand
By the 1980s, change was afoot as the grass was removed and a sand track created. The kennels were redeveloped and the track changed hands on a number of occasions. More ownership changes have happened throughout the 21st Century with the track moving from William Hill to its current owners Arena Racing Company in 2017.
The Diamonds
Throughout much of this period the stadium was also used for speedway, with the track for the motorbikes sitting inside the greyhound one. The Newcastle team, in recent years known as the Diamonds, were one of the inaugural members of the English Dirt Track League and in the 1960s the team was led by the legendary Ivan Mauger. Unfortunately, in June 2022, under pressure from the impacts of Brexit, the pandemic and generally low crowd numbers, the club closed down.