Key facts
| Address | White City Stadium, Wood Lane, London |
| Capacity | 150,000 seats |
| Build Date | 1908 |
| Demolished | 1984 |
| Record Attendance | 150,000 |
Description
White City Stadium used to be the stadium located in White City, the UK. It was constructed within 10 months in 1908 for the Olympics. Its costs reached 80 thousand pounds. The capacity of the White City Stadium used to be 150,000, including 68,000 seats. It was the very first Olympics stadium built in the UK and the world largest multi-purpose stadium at that time. The ground was used for different sports events, including swimming, boxing, speedway, athletics, show jumping, concerts, and more.
From 1927 to 1984, the stadium was used for greyhound racing. In 1932, a 440-yard running track was constructed at the stadium, which allowed using the stadium for the AAA Championship during the next thirty-eight years. The Greyhound Racing Association constructed a restaurant and new terracing. The highest attendance took place in 1939 when 92,000 people came to watch the final of Derby.
During 1932-1958, the stadium was used or major boxing events. One of them attracted 90,000 spectators in 1934. The last Greyhound race at White City Stadium took place in the spring of 1984. The stadium was demolished in 1985, and today the site is used as the headquarters of BBC Radio.
FAQ
White City Stadium was opened on April 27, 1908. It was primarily built to serve as the main stadium for the 1908 Summer Olympics in London. The stadium was constructed in just 10 months, which was an impressive feat for its time.
The stadium got its name from the area where it was built. The site was part of the Franco-British Exhibition grounds, which featured a collection of white pavilions and buildings. This led to the area being nicknamed “White City,” and subsequently, the stadium adopted this name.
White City Stadium had a capacity of around 68,000 spectators when it opened. It was designed to accommodate various sports and events, making it a versatile venue for its time.
After the 1908 Olympics, White City Stadium hosted numerous events. It was used for greyhound racing from 1927 until its closure. The stadium also hosted speedway racing, athletics meets, and even served as a temporary home for Queens Park Rangers football club from 1931 to 1933.
White City Stadium was demolished in 1985. The decision to demolish the stadium came after years of declining use and the need for space to expand the BBC’s nearby facilities. The site is now occupied by BBC White City.
White City Stadium played a significant role in British sports history. It was the first Olympic Stadium in the UK and set the standard for multi-purpose sporting venues. The stadium’s design influenced future Olympic venues and large-scale sports facilities. Its legacy lives on in the memories of the many sporting events it hosted over its 77-year history.
