The late Oxford United legend Joey Beauchamp will be remembered at Oxford Stadium next week when the Cowley venue’s new sports bar is opened in his honour.
Joey’s family and his closest friends will cut the ribbon on the ‘Joey Beauchamp Sports Bar’ on Thursday, June 23, following extensive works to the stadium’s ground floor after almost a decade of closure.
Oxford-born Joey sadly passed away aged 50 in February after taking his own life. The United legend made 428 appearances for the club and scored 80 goals during two stints between 1989-1994 and 1995-2002.
Joey also represented Swansea City on loan, West Ham United and Swindon Town. He was also a greyhound enthusiast and was regularly spotted at Oxford Stadium in its previous era enjoying a night at the dogs.
Kevin Boothby, Oxford Stadium Managing Director, said naming the venue’s sports bar in Joey’s honour felt like the right thing to do.
“I was aware of Joey’s passion for greyhound racing when we first signed the lease and was devastated to hear of his sad passing earlier this year,” said Kevin. “Our thoughts remain firmly with Joey’s family, friends and those who knew him.
“Our regeneration project has enabled us to start Oxford Stadium with a clean slate, and what better way to pay tribute to one of Oxford United’s greatest players than naming our sports bar in his honour.
“To welcome Joey’s family and close friends for an exclusive viewing of what the bar will look like was a real privilege, and we are excited to see the results of our team’s hard work when the ribbon is cut.
“The Joey Beauchamp Sports Bar will be an open and inclusive space which will complement the return of much-loved sports including greyhound racing and speedway and support our vision to transform Oxford Stadium into a true seven-day-a-week community hub.”
Once Oxford Stadium’s regeneration project is complete, the Joey Beauchamp Sports Bar will be open six days per week and home to an array of local sports memorabilia, TVs, pool tables and dart boards.
Immediate access to grandstand terracing is available and the bar will be open for all greyhound and speedway fixtures. The bar can also be hired for functions and private parties and several ‘evening with’ shows are being planned with a selection of sporting legends.
Paul Woodburn, one of Joey’s closest friends, said: “We’re really excited to see the Joey Beauchamp Sports Bar for the first time when cutting the ribbon on Oxford Stadium’s latest project.
“Joey was a greyhound enthusiast and loved nothing more than spending a night at Oxford Stadium in the company of his friends.
“I remember picking him up from Oxford United’s changing room many a time after the full-time whistle had blown on a Saturday and we’d be trackside before you knew it. We enjoyed lots of success on track, but he loved his dogs at home too.
“Joey was a great character and we all dearly miss him. I’m sure many racegoers will join us in raising a glass in his honour when the traps rise on opening night.”
