SUMMARY
- Soccer is a really old game dating back to 2nd or 3rd century in China.
- Soccer Gained it's popularity in England in the 19th century.
Soccer is one of the oldest games in the world dating back to thousands of years ago. While soccer, in its current form, gained popularity in England in the 19th century, the history of the game is much older. Some reports suggest that the game originated in China in the 2nd or 3rd century when it was known as Tsu Chu (Cuju). There are also reports that state that the Aboriginals and the Ancient Greeks used to play with a ball.
However, soccer as a game gained relevance in England. Among the hundreds of developments that the game witnessed, one of the most major developments was the establishment of the FA (Football Association) in 1863 in London, England. However, let’s take a look at some of the oldest soccer stadiums in the world. Keeping in mind the history of the game, only the stadiums in England, or the Premier League, will be considered.
10. Vitality Stadium
At the tenth position in the list is AFC Bournemouth’s home stadium Vitality Stadium. Despite being one of the smallest stadiums in the Premier League, the Vitality Stadium is also one of the oldest. It was established way back in 1910. The stadium was built on a ground leased by the local businessman, J.E. Cooper-Dean. As a mark of respect for Cooper-Dean, the stadium was previously known as Dean Court.
AFC Bournemouth – Arsenal at Dean Court / Vitality Stadium. #groundhopping pic.twitter.com/yVWDqFBSie
— Ron Coppens (@Ron_Coppens) November 25, 2018
Currently, the Vitality Stadium has a capacity of 11,307 people. The stadium’s record attendance was 28,799 during AFC Bournemouth’s clash against Manchester United in 1957. The stadium underwent a heft renovation in 2001. However, in 2022, the stadium was partially damaged by a storm that led to Bournemouth’s EFL Championship game against Nottingham Forest being rescheduled.
9. Manchester United’s Old Trafford
Undoubtedly one of the most iconic stadiums in England and the world, Old Trafford is also one of the oldest stadiums in the world. Established in 1910, Old Trafford isn’t Manchester United’s first stadium. Having been established in 1878, Manchester United initially played in Clayton before moving to Old Trafford in 1910. However, United briefly briefly shared Maine Road with Manchester City during and after World War II.
Old Trafford hosted its first game of football on this day in 1910.
The Theatre of Dreams has witnessed endless icons and moments 🏟️🔴 pic.twitter.com/xPmSt2FM3V
— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 19, 2024
Old Trafford is the second-largest stadium in England and the twelfth-largest in Europe. It has a capacity of 74,310 and its record attendance was 76,962 when United played against Grimsby Town in 1939. It has been nicknamed the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ by the late English and United icon Sir Bobby Charlton. Besides soccer, Old Trafford has also hosted the Olympics, the Rugby League World Cup final, and the Super League Grand Final.
8. Villa Park
The next stadium on the list is Aston Villa’s iconic Villa Park stadium. Villa Park has been Aston Villa’s home since 1897. While Aston Villa initially played at Wellington Road, problems with the poor quality of infrastructure and high rent forced them to move to their current home stadium. The current capacity of the Villa Park stands at 42,640.
#OTD in 1972, the legendary @Pele played at Villa Park in a friendly with Santos in front of 54,437. #AVFC pic.twitter.com/CtZcxKhQ1D
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) February 21, 2017
However, in 1946, Villa Park seated a record 76,588 people during Aston Villa’s game against Derby County. It is the tenth-largest stadium in England and has hosted a record 55 FA Cup semifinals. There have been plans to extend the current capacity of Villa Park from 42,640 to 50,065. With the renovation plans being approved by the Birmingham City Council in 2022, the work is expected to be completed by UEFA Euro 2028.
7. Everton’s Goodison Park
The seventh-oldest stadium in the Premier League is the home of Everton FC, Goodison Park. Goodison Park has been the home of Everton since 1892. With a capacity of 39,572, Goodison Park wasn’t the club’s first stadium. Everton initially played at Stanley Park, a place where their city rivals Liverpool FC once considered building their stadium.
💙 BREAKING 💙
Everton has today released a creative concept that will mark the Club’s historic final season at Goodison Park
The brand will be used for all Club campaigns and events celebrating Goodison’s farewell campaign. #EFC pic.twitter.com/V8WXAfAtgp
— TheMightyBlues (@MightyBluesYT) February 14, 2024
Goodison Park boasts a record attendance of 78,299 during a clash against Liverpool FC. However, Everton is expected to terminate its more than 130 years of association with Goodison Park at the end of the 2024-25 season. While Everton initially planned to move to their new stadium in 2024, the club will be leaving Goodison Park for Bramley-Moore Docks after the 2024-25 season ends.
6. Molineux Stadium
The Wolverhampton Wanderers’ home ground, Molineux Stadium, comes next on the list. The Molineux Stadium has been the home of the Wolverhampton Wanderers since 1889. The ground has a capacity of hosting 31, 750 people. It had a record attendance of 61,305 supporters during the Wolves’ game against Liverpool FC in 1939.
130 years old and it’s in the game for the first time! Molineux looking 🔥 in #FIFA19 @EASPORTSFIFA @WolvesEsports
— Wolves (@Wolves) September 10, 2018
The Molineux Stadium consists of four stands named after some of the most prominent figures of the club. There is the Steve Bull Stand, the Sir Jack Hayward Stand, the Stan Cullis Stand, and the Billy Wright Stand that holds the dressing rooms, media booths, and the family section. The Molineux Stadium is one of the first-ever English stadiums to play host to regular European soccer.
5. Liverpool’s iconic home, the Anfield
Inarguably one of the most iconic stadiums in England and in soccer history, the Anfield’s aura remains unparalleled. Inaugurated in 1884, the Anfield can seat 60,725 people. It has a record attendance of 61,905 supporters for Liverpool‘s game against the Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1952. Although, interestingly, Liverpool FC isn’t the first soccer club to have Anfield as its home stadium.
The Anfield was initially used by Everton, Liverpool’s local Merseyside rivals. However, after a dispute, Everton moved to Goodison Park and Anfield became Liverpool’s home in1892. The Anfield’s four stands are the Spion Kop, the Main Stand, the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand, and the Anfield Road End. Two of its gates are named after their iconic managers, Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley, who also have their statues built outside the stadium.
4. Turf Moor
Turf Moor, home of Burnley FC, is the fourth-oldest stadium in England. The Turf Moor was opened in 1883 and can seat 21,944 people. While the Turf Moor Site was initially used to play cricket in 1843, it was in 1883 that a soccer stadium was created adjacent to the site. The Turf Moor is just one year older than the Burnley FC.
Burnley FC
HRH The Prince Of Wales Receiving His Clarets Shirt At Turf Moor pic.twitter.com/X2SisLZXjJ— Superb Footy Pics (@SuperbFootyPics) February 22, 2019
The highest attendance at Turf Moor was in 1924 when 54,775 people came to watch Burnley take on Huddersfield Town in the third round of their FA Cup clash. Interestingly, the Turf Moor is the first soccer stadium to have ever been visited by the Royal Family. In 1886, Prince Albert Victor attended a friendly match between Burnley and Bolton Wanderers.
3. St. James’ Park
Next on the list is Newcastle United’s St. James’ Park which was opened in 1880. Interestingly, Newcastle United wasn’t the first soccer club to play at St. James’ Park. It was the Newcastle Rangers that first used England’s third-oldest stadium. St. James’ Park can seat 52,350 people and is the eighth-largest soccer stadium in England.
The Rolling Stones perform live at St James Park in front of 38000 fans for it’s first major rock show ever, June 23 1982 #CharlieWatts #therollingstones #mickjagger #rock #rockandroll #keithrichards #stjamespark #newcastleunited pic.twitter.com/Ncbo3P6zKZ
— ROCK N’ ROLL STAR🎵 (@Rock_nRoll_Star) September 6, 2021
Despite several attempts to renovate and expand the stadium and even after talks of moving to a new ground, Newcastle United has continued to maintain its association with St. James’ Park. The record attendance at the stadium came in 1930 when 68,386 people came to watch Newcastle United’s clash against Chelsea. Besides soccer, St. James’ Park has been used for the Olympics, rugby World Cup, and rock concerts.
2. Stamford Bridge-Home of Chelsea FC
Chelsea FC’s home stadium, Stamford Bridge, is the second-oldest stadium in England having been inaugurated in 1855. It has a capacity of 40,343 people, however, it did seat a record 82,905 people when Chelsea took on Arsenal in 1935. Although, the Stamford Bridge was initially used for playing cricket with soccer being first played there in 1862.
The Stamford Bridge is the eleventh-largest stadium in England and has been used for cricket, rugby, speedway, greyhound racing, baseball, and football. The name ‘Stamford Bridge’ is believed to have been derived from “Samfordesbrigge“, which means “the bridge at the sandy ford.”
1. Bramall Lane
Established in 1855, Sheffield United’s home ground Bramall Lane is the oldest soccer stadium in England. Interestingly, Sheffield United is believed to be the oldest soccer club in the world. Sheffield United was also awarded with the FIFA Order of Merit in 2004, and it remains the only soccer club alongside Real Madrid to have been bestowed with such an honor.
The oldest football stadium in the world “Bramall Lane” will be in FIFA 20. 🏟😍 pic.twitter.com/CviSgb1hWp
— 433 (@433) July 31, 2019
Bramall Lane can seat 32,050 people. In 1936, the Bramall Lane seated a record 68,287 fans during Sheffield United’s fifth-round FA Cup tie against Leeds United. Besides soccer, Bramall Lane has hosted rugby league games, cricket matches, a boxing match, and several notable rock bands. Lastly, Bramall Lane is one of the only two grounds to host England’s international soccer and cricket games, as well as the FA Cup final.