Wrexham make major Racecourse Ground move in boost to long-term stadium redevelopment plans

Wrexham AFC have taken another significant step in protecting the future of the Racecourse Ground by securing ownership of one of its most famous neighbouring landmarks.

The purchase of The Turf pub could also provide the club with greater scope to develop the matchday experience around the stadium in the years ahead.

Wrexham AFC buy famous The Turf pub

The ownership group of Wrexham has exchanged contracts to purchase The Turf from Admiral Taverns, bringing the historic pub and the Racecourse Ground under the same ownership.

The Turf has been closely connected to Wrexham since the club's foundation in 1864, with current landlord and lifelong supporter Wayne Jones continuing to run the pub on a day-to-day basis.

In an official statement, Wrexham say the acquisition will help preserve the pub's history while allowing further investment into the fan experience around matchdays.

That includes opportunities to enhance the existing fan zone and introduce other fan-related activities in the area next to The Turf on Mold Road.

The move is part of a wider strategy from Wrexham Holdings to secure key assets around the club. That has already included purchasing land for the new Kop Stand, buying The Rock as a home for the women's first team and investing in a new men's training pavilion at Colliers Park.

Jones said The Turf has remained a focal point for supporters on matchdays and non-matchdays, while its history stretches back even further, with records suggesting Wrexham AFC itself was founded in the pub.

FGG says: This could be a major boost for future Racecourse Ground redevelopment

This feels like another smart long-term piece of the Racecourse Ground puzzle.

Owning The Turf gives Wrexham much greater control over an iconic part of the stadium's surroundings while protecting something that is deeply connected to the club's history.

More importantly, it could give the club plenty of options for future fan zones, pre-match activities and wider matchday entertainment around the Racecourse.

As the Kop redevelopment continues, having key neighbouring land and facilities under the same ownership could become increasingly valuable.