SWFC - Hillsborough Stadium

Hillsborough is one of the most famous stadiums in the country, and is still one of the best. Forget your 'stadia-kit' design grounds which are popping up all over the country - Hillsborough is as t

Vital Stats

Capacity: 39,814

Opened: 1889

Record Gate: 72,841 (Vs Manchester City - 1984)

Memorable Events: Has hosted World Cup matches in 1966 and also European Championship matches in 1996. Also hosted two League Cup final replays.

Away Fans Allocation: Usually 3,700 (West Stand Upper Tier). Can be extended to 7,500 if required (West Stand Lower Tier and North-West corner).

Pitch Size: 115 x 75 yards

History

Hillsborough stadium is one of the most famous grounds in the country.

It's one of the few 'traditional' grounds that has survived the new 'stadia-kit' takeover which has already stamped it's authority on Derby, Middlesbrough, Leciester, and Swansea City to name but a few. It may still have poles supporting the roof in the Kop stand and the West Stand, but this just adds to the character of the ground (unless your sat bang behind one of the posts - when it can be quite frustrating!).

The North stand and the South stands are gigantic, and are the best seats in the house. The addition of the Grandstand (the second tier of the South stand) for the European Championships in 1996 has also added seating which probably cannot be bettered anywhere in the English league.

In the past Hillsborough has hosted World Cup matches in 1966 and also European Championship matches in 1996. It's also had the priviledge of hosting two League Cup final replays, the most recent between Middlesbrough and Leicester City in 1997. It may not be first choice for big international matches anymore, but the FA recently chose Hillsborough for an England Under-21 match which attracted a crowd of over 20,000.

The ground was originally called Owlerton Stadium until 1914, where it changed it's name to Hillsborough after the area of the city became a parliamentary constituency.