MORE than 8,000 fans turned out for the opening of Blackpool Football Club's new £7 million stadium on February 23..

Spectators were able to watch the game from the Bloomfield Road ground's North and West stands for the first time after the club signed the deal for leasing the land from Blackpool Borough Council last week.

Among the spectators for the match against Huddersfield Town was former chairman Owen Oyston. His son Karl, now the club's chairman, received a standing ovation -- along with stadium director Peter Whitehead -- for finally making the stadium a reality.

Mr Whitehead, who signed the deal with Council leader Roy Fisher, (left) said the club could not have opened the stadium without co-operation from the Council. "It's been a joint effort and we couldn't have done it without them," he said.

The club secured a long leasehold on the site of the Stanley Matthews West Stand and the land behind the Mortenson Spion Kop as part of the development agreement with the council.

Coun Fisher said he was impressed with the effort the club had put in and the opening of the two new stands was a milestone in the regeneration of the club.

"The fans and the town have waited a long time for this day," he said. "The signing off of this deal and the opening of the stadium marks an important milestone in the history of the club and of Blackpool as a town and is a proud and exciting event for everyone.

"The club's promotion to Division Two last year was a major boost for the town and everyone is proud that the team has made it to the final of the LDV Vans Trophy at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium next month. Long may the 'Tangerine Army' continue turning out to give the club the support it deserves," he said.

But the new stadium did not bring the team any luck. Fans at Saturday's game saw the Seasiders lose 2-1 to Huddersfield.