A FOOTBALL club’s eightyear wait for a new home is three days away from ending as part of one of County Durham’s largest regeneration projects.

Bishop Auckland FC will get the keys to their new ground in Tindale this weekend, and will hold an inviteonly open day for loyal supporters on Sunday.

Fans can then watch the Two Blues take to the new pitch for the first time in a friendly against Middlesbrough Reserves on Tuesday, November 2, kick-off at 7pm.

The club has also celebrated the end of construction by naming the ground and launching a website.

Fans voted to call the football stadium Heritage Park because of its proximity to the original heritage railway line.

Commercial manager Kim Fryer said the name also played into Bishop Auckland’s rich footballing and industrial heritage. She said: “This area was all about mining and most of the footballers in the past worked down the pits.”

Ms Fryer moved to appease fans who believed none of the club’s memorabilia would be displayed at the new ground.

She said: “We have two artists working to create the Bishop Auckland story through the corridors and stand, which will include memorabilia, but it won’t be in the usual way of trophies in cabinets.

“Of course we want to remember this club’s proud heritage, but also look forward to a successful future.”

Ms Fryer said the website, bishopafc.com, would also allow fans to buy tickets and merchandise online.

The club has also had a special ale called Two Blues brewed for the stadium’s opening and Ms Fryer said an open day for all fans would be held soon.

The stadium is part of a leisure complex being built on the former Warner Electric’s site. The development also includes a Sainsburys supermarket.

Plans for a cinema have been put on hold because the recession is affecting interest from potential cinema operators.

Tickets for the Middlesborough Reserves game costing £5 for adults and £2.50 for children, went go on sale today and are available at bishop afc.com The first Northern League Division One game to be played at the ground will be on Tuesday, November 9, against South Shields.