With clubs favouring new and shiny stadiums, we take a look at the oldest remaining football grounds around the UK. Can you guess any before looking at the table?
| Team Name | Stadium Name | Year Opened | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheffield United | Bramall Lane | 1862 | 32,000 |
| Preston North End | Deepdale Stadium | 1875 | 23,000 |
| Everton | Goodison Park | 1892 | 39,500 |
| Newcastle United | St. James’ Park | 1892 | 52,000 |
| Hibernian Football Club | Easter Road Stadium | 1893 | 20,000 |
| Sheffield Wednesday | Hillsborough Stadium | 1899 | 34,000 |
| Glasgow Rangers | Ibrox Stadium | 1899 | 50,000 |
| Birmingham City | St. Andrew’s Stadium | 1906 | 29,000 |
| Plymouth Argyle | Home Park | 1901 | 17,000 |
| Manchester United | Old Trafford | 1910 | 74,000 |
Bramall Lane – Sheffield United
Initially, it was established as a cricket ground in 1855 by the Bramall Lane Cricket and Athletic Club. The ground was named after the Bramall family, who were instrumental in its development.
The first recorded football match at Bramall Lane took place on December 29, 1862, making it one of the oldest football grounds in the world. The two local football clubs, Hallam F.C. and Heeley F.C., played in this historic match. The game marked the beginning of a new era for Bramall Lane, which eventually evolved into a multi-purpose stadium.
In the subsequent years, Bramall Lane became increasingly associated with football. Sheffield United F.C. was founded in 1889 and adopted Bramall Lane as their home ground. The club has a significant place in English football history, being one of the oldest professional football clubs. The team enjoyed success in the early years, winning the First Division title in 1898 and becoming one of the founding members of the Football League in 1888.
The stadium underwent various developments over the years to accommodate the growing popularity of football. The record attendance at Bramall Lane was set in 1936 when 68,287 spectators witnessed a FA Cup tie between Sheffield United and Leeds United. However, following safety regulations and modernization efforts, the capacity has been reduced in subsequent years.
Deepdale Stadium – Preston North End
Established in 1875, Deepdale is the home of Preston North End F.C., one of the founding members of the Football League in 1888.
The origins of Deepdale can be traced back to the early years of football in England. The stadium was initially used for both cricket and football matches, reflecting the multi-purpose nature of many early sports venues. Preston North End’s first-ever match at Deepdale took place in 1878, solidifying the stadium’s status as a football ground.
Deepdale has been witness to numerous football milestones over the decades. Preston North End achieved significant success in the early years of organized football, winning the first-ever Football League title in the 1888-1889 season without losing a single match, a feat that earned them the nickname “The Invincibles.”
Goodison Park – Everton
Goodison Park is a historic football stadium located in Walton, Liverpool, England.
Goodison Park officially opened its doors on August 24, 1892, making it one of the oldest purpose-built football stadiums in the world. Everton FC had previously played their home matches at Anfield, but a dispute with the ground’s owner led to the club’s relocation to the current site on Goodison Road.
The inaugural match at Goodison Park took place on September 2, 1892, in a friendly encounter between Everton and Bolton Wanderers. One of the highlights in Goodison Park’s history occurred in the 1962-63 season when Everton became champions of England. The stadium witnessed the “School of Science” era, characterized by stylish and attractive football played by the likes of Alan Ball, Howard Kendall, and Colin Harvey.
Goodison Park has a distinctive character, with its traditional architecture and close proximity to the pitch, creating an intimate atmosphere. The stadium has undergone various renovations and improvements over time to meet modern standards while preserving its historical charm. The iconic “Gwladys Street End” and the “Bullens Road Stand” are integral parts of the stadium’s identity.
St. James’ Park – Newcastle United
The origins of St. James’ Park trace back to 1880 when Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, two local football clubs, merged to form Newcastle United. Initially, the club played their matches at a ground called St. James’ Park in the Heaton area. However, in 1892, they moved to their current location in the city center, officially naming it St. James’ Park.
The inaugural match at the new St. James’ Park took place on September 10, 1892, in a friendly between Newcastle United and Royal Arsenal. The club has won four English top-flight titles, the last of which came in the 1926-27 season.
Easter Road Stadium – Hibernian Football Club
The origins of Easter Road can be traced back to 1892 when Hibernian FC moved to the current site. The stadium’s name is derived from the Easter Road street on which it is situated. The inaugural match at Easter Road took place on September 4, 1893, in a friendly between Hibernian and Clyde.
One of the notable periods in Hibernian’s history occurred in the late 1940s when the team won three Scottish League titles in five years, establishing themselves as a dominant force in Scottish football. The Famous Five Stand, named in honor of Hibernian’s legendary forward line from the 1940s
Hillsborough Stadium – Sheffield Wednesday
The stadium’s history dates back to its opening in 1899. The name “Hillsborough” is derived from the Owlerton district of Sheffield, where the stadium is situated. Sheffield Wednesday, one of the oldest football clubs in England, moved to Hillsborough from their former ground, Olive Grove.
One of the most notable incidents in Hillsborough’s history occurred on April 15, 1989, during the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. The Hillsborough disaster resulted in the deaths of 96 Liverpool supporters due to overcrowding in the Leppings Lane End. The tragedy had a profound impact on English football, leading to changes in stadium safety regulations and a renewed emphasis on fan welfare.
The aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster saw extensive investigations and inquiries, including the Taylor Report, which recommended changes to stadium design and crowd management. The legacy of the disaster continues to resonate in discussions about fan safety and the importance of proper stadium management.
Ibrox Stadium – Ibrox Stadium
The stadium’s name, “Ibrox,” is derived from the nearby Ibrox district in Glasgow. Initially, the ground was opened as Ibrox Park, but over time, it has come to be known simply as Ibrox Stadium. The tragedy at Ibrox Stadium in 1902 stands out as a dark chapter in its history. During an international match between Scotland and England, a section of the wooden terracing collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 25 spectators and numerous injuries.
One of the most memorable periods in Rangers’ history occurred during the 1970s when the club enjoyed success under manager Willie Waddell, clinching several domestic trophies and reaching the final of the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
St. Andrew’s Stadium – Birmingham City
The stadium’s name is derived from the nearby St. Andrew’s Church, and over the years. The inaugural match at St. Andrew’s took place on December 26, 1906, between Birmingham City and Middlesbrough. Since then, the stadium has been the witness to the highs and lows of Birmingham City’s footballing journey.
One of the significant moments in the history of St. Andrew’s occurred in the 1950s when Birmingham City won the Football League Division One (now known as the Premier League) title in the 1955-1956 season. The achievement remains a source of pride for the club and its supporters.
Home Park – Plymouth Argyle
Home Park officially opened its doors on September 1, 1893, and the first recorded match at the stadium took place on that day between Plymouth Argyle and local rivals Devonport Albion. The iconic Mayflower Stand, named after the historic ship that carried the Pilgrims to the New World, is one of the key features of Home Park.
Old Trafford – Manchester United
Old Trafford is a historic football stadium located in Greater Manchester, England. It is the home ground of Manchester United Football Club and is one of the most iconic and recognizable stadiums in the world. With a rich history dating back to its opening in 1910, the stadium’s name, “Old Trafford,” is derived from the nearby Old Trafford Cricket Ground. Initially, the stadium was designed by renowned architect Archibald Leitch and had a capacity of around 80,000.
The first recorded match at Old Trafford took place on February 19, 1910, between Manchester United and Liverpool. The stadium has been the stage for memorable moments in Manchester United’s history, including the “Busby Babes” era in the 1950s, the success under Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson, and numerous domestic and international triumphs.
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