Selhurst Park stadium is a football stadium located in Selhurst, in the London Borough of Croydon, England. The stadium is home to one of the Premier League’s most beloved clubs, Crystal Palace. Selhurst Park has a rich history, having been designed by the renowned architect Archibald Leitch and opened in 1924. The stadium has undergone several renovations over the years, with the most recent one taking place in 2024.
Selhurst Park is known for its unique atmosphere and is considered one of the most iconic football stadiums in the country. The stadium has a capacity of 25,486 and is renowned for its passionate and vocal fans. Selhurst Park has also hosted several international football matches, as well as games for the 1948 Summer Olympics.
Key Takeaways
- Selhurst Park is a football stadium located in Selhurst, in the London Borough of Croydon, England, and is home to Crystal Palace.
- The stadium was designed by Archibald Leitch and opened in 1924. It has undergone several renovations over the years, with the most recent one taking place in 2024.
- Selhurst Park has a capacity of 25,486 and is renowned for its unique atmosphere and passionate fans.
History
Construction and Opening
Selhurst Park stadium is a football stadium located in Selhurst, London, and it is the home ground of Premier League side Crystal Palace. The stadium was designed by Archibald Leitch and opened in 1924. Crystal Palace had bought a piece of land from the Brighton Railway Company and hired Leitch to design the new stadium. The stadium officially opened on 30 August 1924 with a match between Crystal Palace and Sheffield Wednesday. It consisted of one main stand on the Holmesdale Road side and a few small open stands on the other three sides.
Renovations and Expansions
Over the years, Selhurst Park has undergone several renovations and expansions. In 1969, the Main Stand was replaced with a new structure, which was extended in 1979. In 1995, the Arthur Wait Stand was replaced, and the Holmesdale Stand was redeveloped in 1999. In 2018, the club announced plans for a major redevelopment of the Main Stand, which would increase the stadium’s capacity to over 34,000.
Historical Matches
Selhurst Park has hosted several historical matches over the years. It hosted international football, as well as games for the 1948 Summer Olympics. In 1966, it was one of the venues for the FIFA World Cup, hosting three group stage matches and a quarter-final. In 1996, it was one of the venues for the UEFA European Football Championship, hosting three group stage matches and a quarter-final. It has also hosted several FA Cup semi-finals, including the famous 1990 semi-final replay between Crystal Palace and Liverpool, which ended 4-3 to Palace after extra time.
Structure and Facilities
Stands and Seating Capacity
Selhurst Park stadium has a capacity of 26,074 seats, making it one of the smaller stadiums in the Premier League. The stadium consists of four stands: the Holmesdale Stand, the Arthur Wait Stand, the Main Stand, and the Whitehorse Lane Stand. The Holmesdale Stand is the largest stand, with a capacity of 8,147 seats, while the Arthur Wait Stand has a capacity of 5,400 seats. The Main Stand has a capacity of 6,200 seats, and the Whitehorse Lane Stand has a capacity of 6,327 seats.
Pitch and Playing Surface
The playing surface at Selhurst Park stadium is made of natural grass. The pitch is well-maintained and is considered to be one of the better playing surfaces in the Premier League. The stadium has a pitch size of 101m x 68m, which is within the recommended size range for Premier League stadiums.
Amenities and Services
Selhurst Park stadium offers a range of amenities and services for fans attending matches. The stadium has several food and drink outlets, selling a variety of snacks, hot and cold drinks, and alcoholic beverages. There are also several merchandise outlets, selling official Crystal Palace FC merchandise. The stadium has accessible facilities for disabled fans, including wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets. In addition, the stadium has free Wi-Fi available for fans.
Home Team
Crystal Palace FC
Selhurst Park stadium is the home ground of Crystal Palace FC, a professional football club based in South London. The club was founded in 1905 and has been playing at Selhurst Park since 1924. The stadium has a capacity of 25,486 and is known for its passionate and vocal supporters.
Crystal Palace FC has a rich history and has had many successful seasons. The club has won the FA Cup once in 1990 and has been a runner-up twice. The club has also been a runner-up in the League Cup once. In addition to these achievements, the club has also won the Full Members Cup and the Zenith Data Systems Cup.
The team’s colors are red and blue, and the club crest features an eagle, which is a symbol of the club’s nickname, “The Eagles.” The club has had many famous players over the years, including Ian Wright, Mark Bright, and Wilfried Zaha.
Crystal Palace FC is currently managed by Patrick Vieira, a former Arsenal and France midfielder. The team is known for its attacking style of play and has a reputation for producing exciting young players. The club has a strong youth academy and has produced many talented players over the years.
Crystal Palace FC has a loyal fan base and is known for its passionate supporters. The club has a strong community presence and is involved in many local initiatives. The club’s supporters are known for their vocal support of the team and their commitment to the club.
Location and Access
Selhurst Park stadium is located in the Selhurst area of London, England. It is the home of Crystal Palace Football Club. The stadium is easily accessible by public transport and car.
Transport Links
The stadium is easily accessible by train, with Selhurst and Thornton Heath stations being the closest. Both stations are a 5-10 minute walk away from the stadium. Selhurst station is served by trains from London Victoria and London Bridge stations. Thornton Heath station is served by trains from London Victoria, London Bridge, and East Croydon stations. Norwood Junction station is also within a 15-minute walk of the stadium and is served by trains from London Bridge, London Victoria, and East Croydon stations.
For those traveling by bus, there are several bus routes that serve the stadium, including the 468, 75, 157, and 196. The closest bus stops are Selhurst Park Stadium and Sainsbury’s.
Parking Facilities
Selhurst Park stadium has limited parking facilities for fans. There is no parking available for away supporters. It is recommended that fans use public transport or park in one of the nearby residential streets. However, fans are advised to check local parking restrictions before parking on residential streets.
There are a few private parking facilities near the stadium, such as Selhurst Station Car Park and Thornton Heath Station Car Park. These car parks are available for a fee and are within a 10-15 minute walk of the stadium.
Overall, Selhurst Park stadium is easily accessible by public transport and car. Fans are advised to plan their journey in advance to avoid any delays.
Events and Usage
Football Matches
Selhurst Park is the home stadium of Crystal Palace Football Club. It has been hosting football matches since 1924 and has a seating capacity of over 25,000. The stadium is known for its passionate and vocal fans who create an electric atmosphere during matches.
Crystal Palace plays in the English Premier League, one of the most popular football leagues in the world. The club has a loyal fan base and attracts visitors from all over the world. The stadium has hosted numerous high-profile matches, including international games and FA Cup semi-finals.
Concerts and Other Events
In addition to football matches, Selhurst Park hosts a variety of other events throughout the year. The stadium has been used for concerts, charity events, and even as a filming location for movies and TV shows.
The stadium has a range of spaces and packages available for event organizers. The Information Centre, located by Entrance 9, is open three hours before kick-off and provides bicycle storage for free on request. The stadium is situated at the heart of Selhurst and is just a 10-15 minute walk from Selhurst, Thornton Heath, and Norwood Junction stations.
Overall, Selhurst Park is a versatile and popular venue for a wide range of events. Its central location, excellent transport links, and world-renowned atmosphere make it a top choice for event organizers and visitors alike.
Economic Impact
Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park stadium redevelopment project is expected to bring a substantial economic impact to the local community. The project will generate jobs, increase tourism, and boost the local economy.
Local Economy and Jobs
The Selhurst Park redevelopment project is expected to create hundreds of jobs in the local area. The construction phase alone is expected to generate approximately 2,000 jobs. Once the stadium is complete, it will provide permanent employment opportunities in areas such as hospitality, security, and maintenance.
In addition to job creation, the project is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy. The increased capacity of the stadium will attract more visitors to the area, which will lead to increased spending on local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and retail stores.
Stadium Tours
Once the Selhurst Park redevelopment project is complete, the stadium will offer tours to the public. Stadium tours are a popular tourist attraction and can provide a significant boost to the local economy. Visitors will have the opportunity to see behind the scenes of the stadium, learn about the history of the club, and experience the atmosphere of the stadium on match days.
Stadium tours can also provide a source of revenue for the club. The revenue generated from stadium tours can be reinvested into the club, which can help to improve the playing squad and facilities.
In conclusion, the Selhurst Park redevelopment project is expected to have a positive economic impact on the local community. The project will create jobs, increase tourism, and provide a source of revenue for the club.
Community and Culture
Fan Engagement
Selhurst Park stadium is known for its passionate and dedicated fans who create an electric atmosphere during matches. The club has made significant efforts to engage with its supporters, offering a range of initiatives to enhance the match-day experience. These include pre-match entertainment, stadium tours, and exclusive access to player interviews and press conferences.
One of the most popular fan engagement programs is the Junior Eagles scheme, which is designed to encourage young fans to become lifelong supporters of the club. Members of the scheme receive a range of benefits, including discounted tickets, access to exclusive events, and the opportunity to meet their favorite players.
Community Programs
Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to making a positive impact in the local community. The club’s Selhurst Park stadium redevelopment project includes plans for new community facilities, which will provide year-round resources for local residents.
The club also runs a range of community programs, including the Palace for Life Foundation, which uses the power of sport to improve the lives of young people in south London. The foundation offers a range of initiatives, including football coaching, mentoring, and education programs.
In addition, the club works closely with local schools, providing coaching sessions and resources to help young people develop their skills and confidence. The club’s commitment to community engagement has helped to build strong relationships with local residents and cement its place as an integral part of the south London community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I purchase tickets for a match at Selhurst Park?
Tickets for matches at Selhurst Park can be purchased through the official Crystal Palace FC website or by calling the box office at 08712 000 071. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the box office located at the stadium.
What are the available options for touring Selhurst Park Stadium?
Selhurst Park Stadium offers guided tours that take visitors on a behind-the-scenes look at the stadium. Tours must be booked in advance through the Crystal Palace FC website or by calling the box office at 08712 000 071. The tour includes access to the dugout, the press room, and the changing rooms.
What are the latest developments in the Selhurst Park stadium redevelopment?
The most recent development in the Selhurst Park stadium redevelopment is the approval of the planning application for a new Main Stand. The new stand will increase the stadium’s capacity to over 34,000 and will include new hospitality and conference facilities.
What is the record attendance for a match at Selhurst Park?
The record attendance for a match at Selhurst Park was 51,482, set in 1979 during a match against Burnley.
Which public transport options are closest to Selhurst Park Stadium?
Selhurst Park Stadium is well connected by public transport. The closest train station is Selhurst Station, which is a 10-minute walk from the stadium. Norwood Junction Station is also nearby and provides access to London Overground and Southern Rail services. The stadium is also served by a number of bus routes.
How can I find a seating map of Selhurst Park Stadium?
A seating map of Selhurst Park Stadium can be found on the official Crystal Palace FC website. The seating map shows the layout of the stadium and the location of different seating sections.
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