3/1 To Win
Whilst circumstances currently mean there’s no live football to enjoy, dcfc.co.uk is delving into the archives to feature a photograph from Derby County’s illustrious history.
Every day for the foreseeable future, we’ll provide you an image each day for supporters to enjoy and reminisce.
Pride Park Opening (18th July 1997)
Derby County’s first-team players are pictured here meeting the Queen as she officially opens Pride Park Stadium in the summer of 1997. Thousands of spectators were in attendance for the historic moment as Derby moved from the Baseball Ground to Pride Park.
The Rams’ first competitive fixture at their new home came on 30th August 1997, after the initial first game against Wimbledon was abandoned due to a floodlight failure earlier in the month. Stefano Eranio fired Derby to a 1-0 victory from the penalty spot against Barnsley, making history in the process.
That victory was the first of a 12-game unbeaten run at their new home for Jim Smith’s side, with the Rams not tasting defeat on home turf in the league at Pride Park until 7th February 1998 in a 1-0 loss to Aston Villa.
Pride Park has also been a fortress for Derby County in the current 2019/20 campaign, recording just two defeats which is the least in the Sky Bet Championship alongside Cardiff City. The Rams have won ten and drawn seven of their 19 home league games under Phillip Cocu.
Look out for tomorrow’s Snapshot in Time across dcfc.co.uk – and remember you can suggest an image by getting in touch via the club’s social media channels.
