Oldest football stadiums in the world: Which UK ground takes top spot?
Stadiums are considered places of worship and spiritual homes by football fans all over the world, with people travelling from far and wide to watch their favourite teams and players play a beautiful game every week.
While today’s modern stadiums are flashy and brilliantly illuminated, with padded seats, retractable roofs, and breathtaking views from every stand, the oldest football stadiums undoubtedly retain a more distinct, perhaps nostalgic, charm. They create an atmosphere that newer versions simply cannot match.
Have you ever wondered what the world’s oldest football stadiums are? Don’t wonder any longer. This list of the world’s oldest grounds contains all of the necessary information.
Most people know that the United Kingdom has the majority of the world’s oldest football stadiums, but some of these locations may surprise you. How many have you gone to? Continue reading for more information.
The oldest football stadiums in the world
Football is one of the oldest sports, dating back thousands of years, and so are the stadiums that have kept the beautiful game alive.
We researched and have compiled a list of the world’s oldest football stadiums.
Home to Spanish football club Real Sporting de Gijon, the El Molinon Stadium is among the oldest football stadiums. It has a capacity of 29,029, making it the 20th-largest stadium in Spain and currently the oldest professional football stadium in Spain. The stadium’s name is ‘El Molinon,’ which translates into English as ‘Big Mill’. It is located on an old water mill site.
Notably, there are plans to upgrade El Molinon by adding 9,000 seats. As Spain’s oldest professional football venue, Sporting Gijon’s home ground is undoubtedly significant in Spain’s history. The upcoming upgrade for the 2030 FIFA World Cup will result in significant changes, particularly to the existing infrastructure that fans have become accustomed to over the years.
Hampden Park Stadium, Scotland (1903)
They moved out in 1883 and stayed in the second Hampden Park until 1903. The second Hampden Park was renamed Caitlin Park and was home to the now-defunct Third Lanark AC. They eventually settled into the third Hampden Park, where they continued to play until 2021. They plan to return to the venue for the 2023-2024 season.
Hampden Park has hosted several major tournaments, including the Scottish Cup Final, each year. It most recently served as the host stadium for the Euro 2020 tournament, which was delayed due to the pandemic. It will now undergo major renovations in preparation for Euro 2028, which the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland are expected to host.
Rumours suggest that the Scottish Football Association may consider building a new national stadium. Some believe that the fans are too far back in the stadium, which detracts from the atmosphere. At this point, nothing is confirmed.
Gran Parque Central Stadium in Uruguay (1900)
It also has historical significance for Uruguayans because, prior to the ground’s construction, this was the location where Uruguay national hero Jose Artigas was appointed the country’s leader in 1811.
Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Greece (1895)
Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium is one of the largest in Greece and has hosted a number of exciting competitions. On August 24, 2023, the venue hosted the UEFA Super Cup between Manchester City and Sevilla. UEFA gives it four stars, indicating that it has the capacity and infrastructure to host a Europa League final.
Portman Road, England (1884).
Portman Road now has a capacity of 29,673 seats, a significant increase from the original 22,600.
Anfield, England (1884).
Everton, Liverpool’s Merseyside rivals, were tenants at Anfield for the first seven years of its existence. The Blues relocated to Goodison Park, just a few hundred meters away, due to a rent dispute with the club’s president. Liverpool FC then moved in a year later.
Liverpool’s recent renovations have increased capacity to over 60,000, putting an end to rumours of a move away from Anfield after decades.
Turf Moor, England (1883).
Sport has been played on Turf Moor for centuries, with the nearby cricket ground predating the football stadium and an attempt at a horse-racing circuit made earlier in the nineteenth century.
Ewood Park, England, 1882
Blackburn Rovers was one of the founding members of the Football League and is one of only two clubs to win the FA Cup three times in a row (1882-1885). The other club was Wanderers FC (1875-1878).
New: A general view inside St. James’ Park. – Photo by Icon Sport
St. James’ Park in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, is among the world’s oldest stadiums. It was established in 1880, nearly a century and a half ago.
The 52,000-capacity stadium has seen significant changes over the years and is now one of England’s most iconic football grounds. Endowed with a rich history of the club’s progress and success over the years, St. James’ is not only one of the world’s oldest stadiums, but also a centre of excellence.
Newcastle began using St. James’ Park in 1892. Despite the venue’s current magnificence appeal, expansion attempts frequently resulted in conflicts, particularly with the local council and residents.
Conflicts resulting from the stadium’s expansion contributed to the lopsided but distinct appearance of some St. James’ Park stands. Overall, this has resulted in height disparities between the various stands at the venue.
Nonetheless, despite some news sources in England indicating that the Magpies intend to leave the iconic football ground, fans prefer to stay at St. James’ Park to preserve the venue’s memories.
A black and white wall at St. James’ Park will undoubtedly strengthen the Magpies’ identity, and with an upgrade planned to increase the stadium’s capacity to an estimated 65,000 seats, St. James’ Park will compete with the largest stadiums in English football.
Newcastle are planning a comprehensive upgrade to St. James’ Park, including the installation of a black and white wall in the Gallowgate Stand, similar to the Yellow Wall at Borussia Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park.
The stadium has been home to Newcastle United for over a century, so there is plenty to see inside. From club honours and dressing
A tour of St. James’ Park, where stadium guides tell stories of legendary players, is a must-do for anyone interested in learning more about football.
Deepdale, England (1878).
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