The first Lichfield athletic sports were held on grounds behind Beacon House on June 19th 1880, by courtesy of Mr F Symonds, the owner of the field. There was an extensive program of twelve events, which included a 1½ miles bicycle handicap race for amateurs of Lichfield and District for a silver cup which was donated by the local licensed victuallers. Admission to the ground cost sixpence, the grandstand was an extra shilling and carriages were charged two shillings and sixpence.
The 1881 and 1882 athletic sports moved to the cricket ground, but in 1883, they moved back again to Beacon House. The sports were run under the auspices of Lichfield Football Club and Lichfield Cycling Club on 16th June 1883, there were two one mile bicycle handicap races, one for locals and the other open, in addition there was a half mile tricycle handicap race. Unusually, the races were run with ‘right hand inside' because of the shape of the track**. This was the last bicycle racing to be held at the ground.
Beacon House was sold to the War Department in 1914 and the land now forms part of Beacon Park. Beacon House was demolished by the City Council in 1964 and housing has been built in the area around Swinfen Broun Road.
** Most tracks ran races with 'left hand inside', which was to become the universally accepted direction, however at this time, several tracks in the South and Midlands raced with ‘right hand inside', for example Lillie Bridge.