[1] Luton moved to the site in 1897 from their previous Dallow Lane ground, and Dunstable Road was officially opened on 3 April 1897 by the Duke of Bedford, who also donated £50 towards the £800 building costs.

The first Football League match at the ground was played on 11 September 1897, with Luton beating Gainsborough Trinity 4–0.

The highest league attendance was recorded later in the season, when 5,000 saw Luton beat Grimsby Town on 27 December 1897.

Luton finished second-bottom of the Second Division and chose not to stand for re-election, instead dropping into the Southern League for the following season.

The final Football League match at the ground saw Luton lose 2–1 to Small Heath on 21 April 1900 in front of 1,000 spectators.