These archive pictures look back to the demolition of the East and South Stands, their reconstruction and official openings – including Blackpool’s most famous player, the late Jimmy Armfield who opened the stand which is named after him. The momentous occasion was reported in The Gazette with these words: “HIS name was sung from the terraces – now it is being chanted from his own stand. Seasiders’ great Jimmy Armfield was all smiles as he was given the honour of opening Blackpool FC’s new South Stand – the Armfield Stand. The 74-year-old former Seasiders’ and England captain unveiled a plaque at a special ceremony before Saturday’s highly charged Championship clash with Crystal Palace. Mr Armfield, who was visibly moved, said it was a special day for him and his family. “It’s quite emotional, ” he said. “It seems a long time since I started to play for Blackpool back in the 1950s.”
In case you missed them: Bloomfield Road Stadium: 11 nostalgic pictures which capture the construction of Blackpool Football Club's new stand 20 years ago
1. Bloomfield Road Stadium
The East Stand is flattened, work progresses on the new South Stand and the day when Blackpool legend, the late Jimmy Armfield, officially opened the South Stand in his name Photo: National World
2. Blackpool Football Club New South Stand Date: 07-09-2009
This was in September 2009 as the South Stand took shape Photo: Submit
3. Dawn of a new era...
The new temporary seating for the East Stand at Bloomfield Road being assembled as the old South Stand comes down Photo: Rob Lock
4. Dawn of a new era...
The new temporary seating for the East Stand at Bloomfield Road was being assembled in this picture from 2003 as the old South Stand comes down Photo: Rob Lock
5. Dawn of a new era...
This was in 2003 as demolition work on the remaining East stands at Bloomfield Road began Photo: Martin Bostock
6. Dawn of a new era...
Fans at the opening of the East Stand in 2010 Photo: Daniel Martino