English football stadium ‘abandoned’ for 14 years shortlisted as shock Euro 2028 host

An English stadium that has not hosted football for 14 years has been shortlisted for a surprise role at Euro 2028.

Darlington Arena could become a team base for one of the nations competing at next summer's European Championship.

Darlington Arena makes Euro 2028 shortlist

The stadium, which was built as the ambitious new home of Darlington FC, has been included in UEFA's official list of potential team base camps for Euro 2028.

Darlington moved into the ground in 2003 after leaving their historic Feethams home, with the huge stadium intended to help take the club to a new level.

It was built for a reported cost of around £18m and was designed to hold more than 25,000 supporters.

However, Darlington's financial problems meant the club left the stadium in 2012 and it was sold to rugby union club Darlington Mowden Park for £2m.

The stadium has primarily been used for rugby and concerts since, with the likes of Sir Elton John and Sir Tom Jones performing there.

However, the stadium could become involved with football again at Euro 2028, which is being co-hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.

LOST FOOTBALL LEAGUE GROUNDS (27)
Darlington Arena, Darlington
A bit of a White Elephant, the 23,000-seat stadium opened in 2003 and hosted League games until Darlo were relgated in 2010.
Around 500 grounds are featured in BEYOND THE CEMETERY END. https://t.co/1zc6MeieTj pic.twitter.com/EsTWF0lJjR

— Paul Groundtastic (@paul_gtastic) September 13, 2025

Darlington Arena is listed alongside the Blackwell Grange Hotel as a potential team base camp in the Newcastle host-city area.

UEFA has identified 36 possible team facilities across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The shortlisted facilities are designed to provide competing nations with accommodation and nearby training facilities during the tournament.

However, Darlington Arena will not host a competitive game, with the tournament's nine match venues confirmed as Wembley Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Etihad Stadium, Hill Dickinson Stadium, St James' Park, Villa Park, Hampden Park, Principality Stadium and Aviva Stadium.

Instead, a country could select Darlington as its training base, with UEFA allowing national associations to visit and assess the shortlisted facilities before making their choices, with final team base selections expected in January 2028.

FGG Says: An intriguing selection

Darlington Arena may not be set to host competitive football again yet, but its inclusion as a potential team base is a fascinating twist in the stadium's story.

After 14 years without the sport being played at the ground, it would be remarkable to see an international team make it their base.