Old Trafford (football ground)

Old Trafford (football ground) is a football stadium in Trafford, Greater Manchester, England, and the home of Manchester United F.C.. With a capacity of 74,310, it is the largest club football stadium in the United Kingdom and the eleventh-largest in Europe. Known as "The Theatre of Dreams," the ground has been United's home since 1910, with the exception of an eight-year period following the Second World War when it was rebuilt after severe damage from the Manchester Blitz.

History

The stadium was commissioned in 1909 by then-Manchester United chairman John Henry Davies, with architect Archibald Leitch designing the original structure. It officially opened on 19 February 1910, with a match between Manchester United and Liverpool. The ground's development was significantly impacted by the Second World War, when it was used as a depot and heavily damaged during the Manchester Blitz in 1941. The club played its home matches at Maine Road, the home of rivals Manchester City F.C., until the stadium's reopening in 1949. Major redevelopment began in the 1990s following the Taylor Report, transforming it into an all-seater venue, with further expansions in the 2000s under the ownership of the Glazer family.

Structure and facilities

The stadium is a bowl design with four main stands: the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand (North), the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand (South), the East Stand, and the West Stand. The most distinctive feature is the cantilevered roof on the North Stand, one of the largest of its kind in Europe. Facilities include extensive corporate hospitality areas, the Manchester United Museum and Tour Centre, and multiple megastores. The pitch is a hybrid Desso GrassMaster system, and the stadium is equipped with undersoil heating. The Munich Tunnel, named in memory of the victims of the Munich air disaster, leads from the dressing rooms to the pitch.

Notable matches and events

Old Trafford has hosted numerous significant football matches, including the 2003 UEFA Champions League Final between A.C. Milan and Juventus, and semi-finals for the 1966 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 1996. It was also a venue for the football competitions at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Iconic club matches include the 1999 UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Juventus, and the 4-3 victory over Real Madrid in the 2003 quarter-final. The ground has also hosted Challenge Cup finals and international rugby league matches, as well as concerts by artists such as Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen.

Transport and access

The stadium is located approximately two miles southwest of Manchester city centre. It is served by the Old Trafford tram stop on the Manchester Metrolink network, with direct services from Manchester Victoria and Piccadilly stations. The nearest mainline railway station is Trafford Park railway station, though most fans use services to Manchester Oxford Road railway station. Numerous bus routes operated by Stagecoach Manchester and other companies serve the area. The stadium is close to the A5081 and the M60 motorway, with several large official and unofficial car parks in the surrounding industrial estate.

In popular culture

Old Trafford is frequently referenced in music, film, and literature, cementing its status as a cultural icon. It is mentioned in songs by bands like The Smiths and Joy Division, both of which have strong connections to Manchester. The stadium has been featured in several films, including the 2011 sports drama *United*, which dramatizes the Munich air disaster. It also appears in video games such as the FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer series. The nickname "The Theatre of Dreams" was famously coined by legendary United player Sir Bobby Charlton and is now used ubiquitously in media coverage of the club.

Category:Football venues in England Category:Sports venues in Greater Manchester Category:Manchester United F.C.