History has many objects of art, architecture, sports, which played a significant role, but were forgotten after many years of service. Highbury Stadium is a clear example. Its history and significance are unique, and its present life is amazing. Let's get to know him better.
Highbury Stadium
The football stadium is located in the eponymous district of London. The area of his field was 100 by 67 meters, and the capacity of the fans was designed for 38.5 thousand people. The official opening took place on September 6, 1913. He became the home stadium of Arsenal Woolwich football club. And existed in this status until May 7, 2006.
The stadium underwent two major restructures: the first in 1932 (the Western and Eastern stands appeared) and in the 80s and 90s some old buildings were demolished.
History reference
Arsenal Woolwich FC was founded in 1886, but for 27 years the players did not have their own stadium where they could not only train, but also hold matches. Football players initially played in the wasteland near the arms factory. But numerous pits and cobbles got a lot of trouble. The next dislocation zone was the site owned by the pig farm, but even here the ground cover left much to be desired. After the first achievements of the football club, the players were invited to the Invicta stadium. This was a real breakthrough, as not only the stadium was equipped with stands, but also locker rooms.
Since 1893, Arsenal was shaken by monetary turmoil. And in the summer of 1913, the main owner of the club, Henry Norris, decided to move closer to central London, in the Highbury area, for the further foundation of his team there. It was agreed with the local college that for 21 years, the football team has been leasing land and will not conduct matches or training during religious holidays. This rental cost £ 20, 000 for Arsenal. But the opportunity to own Highbury Stadium was worth it. A year later, the team got rid of the word "Woolwich" in its name.
With the money of Mr. Norris, turnstiles and terraces were built. Initially, the capacity of the fans was only 9, 000 people. But subsequent buildings allowed the stadium to become larger and technically more equipped.
In the first match on September 6, 1913, the host defeated Leicester Foss 2-1. Thus began a new stage in the life of the club and its fans.
In 1925, the Highbury student stadium was purchased from the college under the club's full ownership for £ 64, 000. In connection with the latest changes, the management decided to rename the stadium, which happened 5 years later. The new name “Highbury” began to sound like “Arsenal Stadium”.
After the construction of the eastern stand in 1936, Arsenal housed an office, a dressing room for players and the main entrance, which was called the marble hall.
Post-war years of the stadium
During the Second World War in London, the Highbury Stadium began to be used as an emergency medical center. The consequences of the war left their mark on this sports facility: the bomb completely destroyed the roof of the northern part of the stadium.
And already in 1948, during the Olympic Games, the stadium took part as one of the venues for sports competitions. He began a gradual revival, and by 1951 spotlights appeared there, and another 5 years later the roof of the north wing was completely restored. In the southern part, a lawn was laid for a training club. Since 1991, work began to increase the capacity of the stadium.
