a new ground for the aberdeen fc

Arrangements have now practically been completed for the opening, on Saturday first, of the new ground of the Aberdeen Football Club at Merkland Road East. For a number of years the club occupied the ground at Chanonry now acquired in connection with the botanic garden which is being laid out for the university. Having been obliged to seek new quarters, the club were fortunate in securing from the corporation a ten year lease of an extensive area at Merkland Road East, and this has been enclosed and laid out in the most approved fashion. A grandstand, capable of accommodating 1000 people, has been erected, and the natural terraces that run round the ground are so admirably adapted for the convenience of a crowd that 10,000 spectators will be able to see every part of the field of play. By carrying out a certain amount of banking, which the club propose to do ultimately, equally satisfactory accommodation will be provided for 35,000 spectators.

Pittodrie Park, as the new ground has been named, will be opened by a friendly match between Dumbarton and the Aberdeen. The magistrates and Town Council have been invited to be present, and Baillie Lyon has consented to formally declare Pittodrie Park open. Invitations have also been sent to all the leading supporters of football in the city, each ticket admitting a lady and gentleman, and the ladies who are to take charge of the stalls at the club's bazaar are expected to be present. The services of the band of the 1st V.B. Gordon Highlanders, under Bandmaster Killeen, have been secured for the opening ceremony.

Source : The Aberdeen Journal Tuesday August 29th,1899