ALTON Town’s new stadium in Anstey Park will be officially opened this Saturday before the Sydenhams League home match against AFC Stoneham.

This landmark day for the club will start at 10am with mini age-group games.

The ribbon will be cut at 11.45am by Jonathan Fair, representing Molson Coors who have financed the work at Anstey Park, and Alton’s deputy mayor, Matthew Bayliss, who is himself a footballer.

And a special guest will be George Burley, the former Ipswich, Southampton and Scotland manager, who will be on hand to give junior players some coaching advice.

An U14 girls’ game follows at 12 noon and the league match will kick off at 3pm on the brand new 3G artificial surface.

Alton Town chairman Jim McKell said on the club’s website: “Although originally the Courage ground and, more recently the Molson Coors ground, it has always remained ‘The Bass’ to both young and old at Alton Town.

“And as such it will be missed by the players and supporters of all the teams who ever played there over the decades. Memories of this fine old sports ground too for cricketers, tug of war teams, tennis players, the bowls club and the annual brewery workers sports day. As a venue for a party, it will be sadly missed too.

“I want to thank all our players, managers, committee people, helpers and supporters from over the years, including those came from far and wide to support our ‘Save Alton Town’ campaign. Well done, we won!

“The Bass has been our home and a homely home at that. One that has been a welcoming friend to all comers at all times. A home from home where it was easy to feel comfortable and secure. A home of many memories – the highs and lows of the game from being disappointing to thrilling and exhilarating, of friendships and extraordinary fun and laughter. We all have our own shared and private memories.”