It’s hard to have an in-depth conversation about English football without discussing the stadiums and grounds the most famous games were played in. As the demand for soccer increases year-by-year, the need for larger stadiums with increased capacity for fans and amenities increases as well.
However, when old stadiums are closed either to build new ones or due to ownership’s financial troubles, many are erased from existence entirely in demolition.
Here we take a look at what has happened to nine iconic Premier League grounds that have been destroyed over the years:
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Highbury – Arsenal, 1913-2006
Once the site of multiple title-winning teams, the stadium formerly known as “The Home of Football” is now a home to some 711 properties.
Then:
Now:
The Dell – Southampton, 1898-2001
The first stadium in England to have permanent floodlighting installed, The Dell had a capacity of just 15,000 – the smallest in the top level. It’s now a housing estate.
Then:
Now:
Filbert Street – Leicester, 1891-2002
The Foxes won several FA Cup and League Cup titles during their stay at Filbert Street. The stadium was demolished in 2003 to make room for students at De Montfort University and University of Leicester, but parts of the demolished stadium are still a mess.
Then:
Now:
Roker Park – Sunderland, 1897-1997
The home of four World Cup matches in England for the 1966 tournament, along with several First Division and FA Cup-winning Sunderland teams, Roker Park was torn down and replaced with a housing estate in the late 1990s.
Then:
Now:
Victoria Ground – Stoke City, 1878-1997
A home to the Potters for over 100 years, Victoria Ground was torn down and left derelict in place of Brittania Stadium – built just a few minutes away.
Then:
Now:
The Den – Millwall, 1910-1993
With an impressive capacity of over 48,000, The Den earned notoriety as one of the most hostile stadiums in football with fans throwing everything from coins to fake hand grenades at opposing teams while it stood. It was replaced with houses and flats, but a plaque to mark the old gates stands.
Then:
Now:
Vetch Field – Swansea City, 1912-2005
The founding site of Swansea City, Vetch Field would host 12 Welsh Football League and 10 Welsh Cup winning teams. The stadium was abandoned and replaced by Liberty Stadium, and is still awaiting demolition.
Then:
Now:
Plough Lane – Wimbledon, 1912-1991
The historic home of Wimbledon FC, Plough Lane was torn down several years after the club left.
Then:
Now:
Goldstone Ground – Brighton, 1902-1997
The site where David Beckham made his debut as a sub for Manchester United, Brighton spent nearly 95 years at Goldstone Ground before ownership decided to sell it to avoid bankruptcy. The land now hosts retail shops and a Burger King.
Then:
Now:
