Football Ground Map
Football Ground Map
Some football stadia stand the test of time. We've lost a few classics over the years, but Bramall Lane - home to Sheffield United - seems to be holding firm. In fact, it's the oldest football ground on the planet. But what is it that's made the Blades' home persist over the years?
Bramall Lane isn't just one of the oldest grounds; it's one of the most fascinating. Whether you're an online betting fan, regular on sites like comeongames.com or a season ticket holder, everyone can appreciate its place in football history. Let's take a quick dive in and take a look around.
Yes - Bramall Lane has been with us a long time now. Longer, in fact, than any Blades fan alive today. Sheffield United's ground opened back in April 1855, though it wasn't originally for football at all.
It was, in fact, a cricket ground. It wouldn't be until Christmas 1862 when football fans would get their first tastes of action here. What's more, the first match didn't even involve Sheffield United - they wouldn't be a part of the local scene for another 36 years!
Therefore, it was something of a stomping ground for local teams. Hallam FC played the first-ever match here against Sheffield FC. Additionally, though Sheffield Wednesday fans may not be so quick to tell you, they played a few of their first games at the stadium before the most enduring local derby set in.
The ground takes its name from a local family who owned a pub in the area. However, the Bramalls gave their name to the street itself first.
Believe it or not, Bramall Lane was still predominantly a cricket ground up until the 1970s. Thanks to developments starting in the 60s, the ground started bringing more and more punters in. As a result of burgeoning crowd tallies for cup ties and the like, a change of pace was always going to be necessary.
A pivotal point came in the mid-70s when Bramall Lane made significant changes to help turn the stadium into a multi-sports facility. However, the ground still hasn't beaten its all-time record attendance figures. In February 1936, Sheffield United hosted Leeds United in a fifth-round face-off.
There's a reason for this, as the ground these days still holds 32,050 fans. Therefore - despite changes sweeping in to accommodate football matches and to make things more comfortable for fans - the capacity is less now than it was in the 1930s.
There's a reason why Bramall Lane still holds strong as one of the oldest and best-loved stadia in the north. It's a multi-faceted arena that's hosted more than just football and cricket over the years. Stars such as Rod Stewart and Bruce Springsteen have played concerts here. It's also been a hive for rugby action, as well as several international friendlies.
Therefore - Bramall Lane really is top flight. Proof that the age of a stadium doesn't have that much of a bearing on its status in the modern era!
All good things have to come to an end, and the same unfortunately has to be said for football stadiums too. This article looks at the grounds which are soon to host their last match, the stadiums whose days are numbered and where fans will be watching their football from next.
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