Elland Road

Elland Road
chillilogic.com · CC BY 2.0 · source
Name	Elland Road
Location	Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
Broke ground	1897
Opened	1897
Renovated	1920s, 1950s, 1970s, 1990s, 2000s
Expanded	1990s, 2000s
Owner	Leeds City Council
Operator	Leeds United F.C.
Surface	Grass
Capacity	37,890
Tenants	Leeds United F.C. (1919–present), Leeds City F.C. (1904–1919), Hunslet F.C. (rugby) (1983–1994)

Elland Road. It is a football stadium in Leeds, West Yorkshire, and the home of Leeds United F.C.. With a capacity of 37,890, it is the largest club ground in England outside the Premier League and has been a venue for FA Cup semi-finals and England international matches. The stadium has a rich history tied to the city's sporting identity, hosting events beyond football including rugby league and music concerts.

History

The ground was originally opened in 1897 by Leeds City F.C., who played there until their dissolution in 1919 amid a scandal over illegal payments. Leeds United F.C. was immediately formed to take over the tenancy, beginning a century-long association. Major redevelopments occurred under the management of Don Revie in the 1960s and 1970s, transforming it into a modern all-seater venue. Further significant expansions took place in the 1990s following the Taylor Report and the club's success in the UEFA Champions League, with the construction of the massive East Stand. Financial difficulties for the club in the 2000s led to a sale and leaseback arrangement with Leeds City Council.

Structure and facilities

The stadium comprises four distinct stands: the North Stand, the South Stand, the West Stand, and the large two-tiered East Stand. The West Stand, formerly known as the Lowfields Road stand, is the oldest section and houses the players' tunnels and executive boxes. The Billy Bremner statue and the Howard Wilkinson statue are located outside the East Stand, honoring club legends. Facilities include the Billy Bremner Suite for hospitality and the Leeds United museum and tour centre, which chronicles the history of the club and notable figures like Norman Hunter and Eddie Gray.

Notable events

Beyond league football, the stadium has hosted numerous significant matches, including FA Cup semi-finals in 1965, 1967, 1970, and 1987. It was a venue for the UEFA Euro 1996 tournament, staging the group match between the Netherlands and Switzerland. The ground also saw England's 2-0 victory over Italy in a 1995 friendly. In rugby, it was the home of Hunslet F.C. and hosted the 1992 Rugby League World Cup final. Major music concerts have featured acts such as Queen, U2, and the Happy Mondays.

Transport and access

The stadium is located approximately two miles south of Leeds city centre, near the M621 motorway and M1 motorway, providing strong road links. The primary railway station serving the ground is Leeds railway station, with frequent bus services operated by First West Yorkshire connecting the city centre to the stadium on matchdays. Elland Road is also close to Leeds Bradford Airport, facilitating travel for international fixtures and supporters. Limited parking is available locally, with many fans utilizing park-and-ride schemes from sites like Temple Green.

In popular culture

The stadium has featured prominently in several films and television series, most notably as a filming location for the 1992 football drama *The Damned United*, which depicted the life of manager Brian Clough. It has been referenced in music by local bands like the Kaiser Chiefs and appears in the BBC television series *Emmerdale*. The intense atmosphere, often called the "Elland Road roar," has been celebrated in numerous sports documentaries and publications focusing on English football culture.

Category:Football venues in England Category:Sports venues in Leeds Category:Leeds United F.C.