Snapshot In Time: Derby Prepare For The Official Opening Of Pride Park Stadium In 1997

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 for supporters to enjoy and reminisce.

Derby Prepare For The Official Opening Of Pride Park Stadium By Her Majesty The Queen

Pictured here are Derby County’s players and club officials getting set to meet her Majesty the Queen as she prepared to officially open 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 as the first goalscorer at the club’s new home.

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.

Derby went on to finish in 9th place in the Premiership table during the 1997/98 campaign.

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.