Football has been a much-loved British organised sport since 1863. The Football Association (FA) was founded in October of this year, forming the basis for modern football. The first official set of rules was published, becoming the first step in standardising the sport and the first competitive league was created in 1888. There were already football clubs, such as Sheffield F.C. (the world’s first official football club) and of course, these clubs and all subsequent teams formed, had their own football stadiums to train and play in. With some of these stadiums dating back to the Victorian era, when football rules were still being established, they have now become living museums of a game so many British people love to watch and play.
But what are the oldest football stadiums in the world?
Here are the ten oldest football stadiums and living museums of our beloved game:
1. Bramall Lane, Sheffield, England (1855)
Originally a cricket ground, Bramall Lane has been home to Sheffield United since 1889, with a capacity of 32,050. It is the only stadium to have hosted cricket, rugby internationals and English football, including FA cup semi-finals and international England matches.
2. Sandygate Road, Sheffield, England (1860)
Although Bramall Lane is older than Sandygate Road, this stadium has been officially recognised by Guinness World Records as oldest football ground. Home to Hallam F.C., which is the world’s second-oldest club, this stadium has a very small capacity, holding just 700 spectators. The most attractive element of this stadium from an historical point of view, is the original stone clubhouse which it has featured since 1860’s. Sandygate Road hosted the very first inter-club match between Hallam F.C. and Sheffield F.C.
3. Field Mill (One Call Stadium), Mansfield, England (1861)
Field Mill, otherwise known as One Call Stadium, has been home to Mansfield Town since 1919. As with Bramall Lane, it was originally built as a cricket ground, but was later converted into a football stadium. This small capacity stadium, holding 9,186 people, has survived two major fires throughout its history and it is still going strong. The grounds have been renovated in recent years, however, it still retains the Bishop Street Stand, an important historical element of the stadium.
4. Deepdale, Preston, England (1875)
A stadium made famous by the “Invincibles” team of 1888-89, the Deepdale stadium is home to Preston North End, a founding member of the Football League. Between 2001 and 2012, the stadium, featured the National Football Museum, which is now located in Manchester’s Urbis building. With a capacity of 23,404, some of the original features have now been replaced, for example, modern stands now sit where the original wooden stands were located, despite this, Deepdale is still an important part of the history of football.
5. Stamford Bridge, London, England (1877)
Originally built for London Athletic Club, the stadium was later repurposed for Chelsea F.C. after the club was formed in 1905. With massive terraces, this stadium initially had a massive capacity of 100,000, however, since it was rebuilt in the 1990’s (in the same location), capacity has been reduced to 40,834. Stamford Bridge stadium was made famous for hosting the FA cup finals, before Wembley was built.
6. Anfield, Liverpool, England (1884)
This recently expanded stadium was originally home to Everton, before Liverpool F.C. was established in 1892. With a seating capacity of 61,276, Anfield is now the fifth largest stadium in England. Well-known for its recognisable signs “This Is Anfield” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, Anfield is famous for the ‘Kop End’, named after the Battle of Spion Kop. Although the stadium has been maintained and expanded over the years, it remains on its original site.
7. Turf Moor, Burnley, England (1883)
Located in Burnley, the Turf Moor stadium is an historical monument for football lovers, featuring the original turnstiles dating back to the Victorian era, as well as the traditional four-stand layout. With a capacity of 21,944, this stadium lays within a distinctive setting, with the Pennine hills backdrop giving it a scenery like no other.
8. St James’ Park, Newcastle, England (1880)
Uniquely located, St James’ Park is based in the city-centre and on a steep hill, making it one of the few Premier League club stadiums that is within walking distance from a city-centre. Due to city restrictions, the stadium has an asymmetrical design and has been expanded upwards, rather than outwards, due to space constraints. Despite the restrictions and constrains, St James’ Park has a good capacity, seating up to 52,305 visitors.
9. Goodison Park, Liverpool, England (1892)
Goodison Park may not be the first football stadium, however, it was the first purpose-built football stadium in England, i.e. it was built solely for the purpose of playing football rather than being repurposed. One of the oldest and most recognisable grounds, Everton F.C. has called Goodison Park home for 125 years, although they are soon moving to Bramley-Moore Dock stadium. Not only was this the first stadium to have undersoil heating, but it also features St Luke’s Church, which has been built into the corner of stadium.
10. Portman Road, Ipswich, England (1884)
Famously known for its statues of Sir Bobby Robson and Sir Alf Ramsey outside, Portsmouth Road has been home to Ipswich Town since 1884. Originally, this stadium was shared with a cricket club until the 1960’s and it currently has a capacity of 30,311. Despite being renovated throughout the years, Portsmouth Road has retained four of its traditional stands.
If you’re a football lover and you want to embrace the history of football, these are the ten stadiums you need to consider visiting.
