Craven Park was built in 1931, largely as a result of the efforts of supporters of Barrow RLFC, 500 of whom volunteered to construct the ground.

The total cost of the building project came to £7,500; which was a substantial sum in those days.

The stadium was named after Commander G. W. Craven, a local war hero, who had started the appeal fund with a donation of £500.

Craven Park was a venue for the 2000 Rugby League World Cup.

[3] Matches of either Barrow or Cumbria against touring international rugby league sides included:[4] Independent (unaffiliated to a governing body) greyhound racing took place around Craven Park from 1932–1933.