Batley Cricket Club played at the foot of Howley Hill, more commonly known as "Owd Billy Wood’s Cloise".

The 1893–94 season saw the erection of a huge open grandstand purchased by Batley's football committee following its use at the Great Yorkshire Show held at nearby Dewsbury.

A company was formed to raise the sum, helped greatly by Alderman Joseph Auty, who agreed to donate money on the basis that "no intoxicating liquor was to be sold" at the ground.

The ground's record attendance of 23,989 was set for the visit of Leeds for a third round Challenge Cup match on 14 March 1925.

Local rivals Dewsbury played their home games at Mount Pleasant from 1991 until 1994, while their new stadium was being built.