In the modern era, it feels as though clubs and fans are becoming increasingly fascinated by football stadiums. These sites are no longer simply hosts for matches, but now more than ever before, are also multi-entertainment facilities featuring some of the best technologies in the world.
However, that hasn't always been the case.
Stadiums of the past were just stadiums – and they were loved dearly for their contribution to the sport, many of which still hold icon status to this very day.
Read on as we take a look at some famous old football grounds that are no longer with us, focusing on the United Kingdom. Also check out our guide to the oldest football stadiums to have ever hosted matches.
A look at old football grounds
Maine Road – Manchester City
Opened: 1923
ClosedL 2003
Capacity: 35,150
The former home of reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, Maine Road was first opened in 1923 and was in use for 80 years before it closed in 2003, later being demolished in 2004.
Younger football fanatics may struggle to believe this, but Man City have not always been the powerhouse today and endured many low points during their long history – Maine Road was there for the club through it all.
Over the years, the ground hosted England international matches, including World Cup qualifiers, and was the venue for multiple FA Cup semi-finals.
Nowadays, the site has been transformed into a housing development, featuring over 400 homes, a school, and an array of other facilities.
Boleyn Ground/Upton Park – West Ham United
Opened: 1904
Closed: 2016
Capacity: 35,016
Officially named the Boleyn Ground but more commonly referred to as Upton Park, West Ham United's former home has long held an iconic status within English football.
Partly, due to the significance of West Ham players during England's first and only World Cup triumph in 1966, but also as a result of the incredible matchday experience created at the stadium – the atmosphere was one of the best in England.
It was the Hammers' home for over 100 years and during that time, hosted multiple England internationals, iconic boxing matches involving David Haye and even featured in the film Final Score.
However, life wasn't always rosy for the ground, suffering an attack from bombs during World War Two, causing huge damage to one end of the pitch. As is often the case, the site has since been demolished and transformed into a housing development.
White Hart Lane
Opened: 1899
Closed: 2017
Capacity: 36,284
Far less glamourous than their current home, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, White Hart Lane was a traditional football ground featuring a four-stand design, rather than a bowl-like aesthetic.
Tottenham have held a longstanding position among the top clubs in Europe which led to an array of iconic matches being played at the venue. Namely, the North London Derby which grew into one of the most exciting fixtures in the Premier League calendar in the 2010s.
A whole host of incredible football have at some stage called the ground home, including Jimmy Greaves, Paul Gascoigne, Pat Jennings and more recently the likes of Gareth Bale and Harry Kane.
It also has pedigree at international level rivalled by few, after being selected as the home of the England national team while the new Wembley Stadium was being built.
Highbury Stadium – Arsenal
Opened: 1913
Closed: 2006
Capacity: 38,419
A ground whose history has been intertwined with White Hart Lane for obvious reasons given the fierce rivalry that exists between the two sides, Highbury was and still is one of the most iconic football stadiums of all time, particularly in English football.
It was the home of Arsenal between 1913 and 2006 and saw many successes during that time. Under Arsene Wenger, the Gunners would reach great heights whilst playing at the ground, including multiple Premier League titles.
Over the years, it hosted many famous battles involving Arsenal, namely matches against Manchester United in the late 1990s and early 2000s, as well as countless North London Derbies.
Upon closure, the stadium was partially demolished and redeveloped into a fantastic complex known as Highbury Square – a residential project which won multiple awards for the final product.
Old Wembley Stadium – England national stadium
Opened: 1923
Closed: 2000
Capacity: 82,000
Arguably the most iconic of all old football grounds in the United Kingdom, the old Wembley Stadium will forever hold a special place in the hearts of every England fan as it was the venue of the Three Lions' 1966 World Cup triumph.
As well as an array of international matches, the ground also hosted countless domestic cup fianls, including the FA Cup and has been the venue when so many supporters' dreams have come true.
While the stadium as closed in 2000, demolition of the site did not begin until 2002, being completed in 2003, to make way for the new Wembley Stadium as we know it today.
Old football grounds – special mentions
While the above list does contain some of the most iconic stadiums of the past in the United Kingdom, it is not exhaustive.
Some other honourable mentions include:
- The Dell – Southampton
- The Old Den – Millwall
- Roker Park – Sunderland