Fans paying last visits to Bootham Crescent
York City have organised tours for supporters to attend the ground and share their memories.
York City supporters have been visiting Bootham Crescent today - possibly for the last time.
The club have organised a walkthrough at the old ground both on Sunday (28th November) and today, with over a thousand fans taking up the offer.
The free event has given access to a limited section of the ground where supporters can look around, take pictures, and relive their fondest memories.
Ian McAndrew is the Stadium Development Director, and has been chatting to fans today:
"We had a full day on Sunday which was extremely popular. It's just wonderful to stand and talk to people about their memories. Everyone is sad but appreciative that the world goes on.
"A chap was talking to me about playing here for Easingwold Town years ago; a couple came on Sunday who met on the David Longhurst Stand and later got married - they brought their child here!
"You realise when talking to people how much Bootham Crescent - in its own right - has offered in terms of the history and culture of the city of York. You really feel it when you talk to people - it's magic.
"A couple came over from the Wirral to visit! They had to come over and have a look before they lose the opportunity.
"I've got loads of memories, but what I love best of all were Tuesday evenings and the trees reflecting the floodlights. I also loved the big matches against the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool.
"I was also fortunate to join the club in that week in 2012 when we won twice at Wembley, and in between those two wins we got outline planning permission for the new stadium (LNER Community Stadium). It's one of those things you never forget.
"Bootham Crescent is going to be a memorial and legacy area, and it'll be unique. Historic England have got a project called 'A Sense of Space', and they're using us as an example of how it should be done.
"We're leaving part of the stand - which will be a public open space - and a memorial area around it will contain ashes that will be re-interned. It's a place you'll be able to come and still feel Bootham Crescent. Hugely important not just for us, but for Historic England who are looking at other clubs thinking of relocating. It can leave something behind to identify the history".
Chris has brought his baby son to the ground today for the first - and last - time. He told Greatest Hits Radio:
"It was the last time I was going to see Bootham Crescent, so I wanted to bring my 9 month old lad. I couldn't make it on Sunday so I was glad I could on this day. I can take my son to the new ground one day so that he's been to both!
"Bootham means a lot to me; I've been coming here for about 30 years with my dad. We used to sit in the Family Stand and then the David Longhurst Stand. You want to see it for the last time before it's knocked down, and I was fortunate enough to see a live game during the pandemic when there were limited tickets".
Another York fan, who didn't want to be named, told Greatest Hits Radio:
"I've come today to say my last goodbyes to Bootham Crescent. I've been a supporter since the age of 9 or 10, so a good 40 years!
"It's been a big part of my life, and I came with my dad from a young age. The club have done well opening it up for these two occasions. A lot of people have appreciated it.
"We were saying on the way here that we came away a lot after games feeling disappointed, but we always seem to remember the nice games - where we had good results! I've had a lot of happy memories here".