The Halloween Match with a Twist: Portsmouth FC’s Floodlight Fiasco of 1997 - New Fratton End Open

The Halloween Match with a Twist: Portsmouth FC’s Floodlight Fiasco of 1997
On Friday, October 31, 1997, Portsmouth FC hosted Swindon Town at Fratton Park for the unveiling of the new KJC Fratton End stand. The Division One match was highly anticipated, with Sky Sports set to broadcast it live. However, an unexpected issue threatened to derail the event: the newly installed floodlights were facing the wrong direction, leaving the Fratton End penalty area in a gloomy shadow.
Despite the lighting mishap, officials decided to proceed with the match to avoid disappointing fans and disrupting the live broadcast. The dimly lit penalty area presented a unique challenge, but the game went ahead.
The players had to adapt quickly to the uneven lighting, particularly those defending the Fratton End. The crowd, initially concerned, soon became engrossed in the on-field action, adding to the eerie ambiance of the Halloween night fixture.
Portsmouth’s lineup included Alan Knight, Robbie Pethick, Andy Thomson, Andy Awford, Adrian Whitbread, Russell Perrett, Paul Hall, Fitzroy Simpson, John Aloisi, Craig Foster, and Sammy Igoe, with Alan McLoughlin and John Durnin coming on as substitutes. Despite their efforts, Pompey was unable to find the back of the net.
In the end, Swindon Town emerged victorious with a 1-0 win. The attendance for the match was 8,707, who witnessed this unusual and memorable event. The night became legendary not just for the new stand’s debut, but also for the resilience shown by both teams and fans under unusual circumstances. The floodlight issue was quickly resolved after the match, ensuring future games would be properly illuminated. Halloween night of 1997 remains a unique chapter in Portsmouth FC’s history, remembered for its quirky twist and the club’s ability to adapt in the face of adversity.