Molineux Stadium
Capacity | 32 050 |
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Country | England |
City | Wolverhampton |
Clubs | Wolverhampton Wanderers FC |
Inauguration | 07.09.1889 (Wolverhampton Wanderers - Notts County, 2-0) |
Renovations | 1923, 1932, 1953, 1957, 1991-93, 2011-? |
Record attendance | 61 305 (Wolverhampton Wanderers - Liverpool, 11.02.1939) |
Address | Waterloo Road, Wolverhampton WV1 4QR |
Description: Molineux Stadium
Although not among the biggest in England today, Molineux Stadium has a rich history reaching… the 18th century. It was then, in 1744, that the Molineux family bought the plot of land on which they’ve built Molineux House, later changed into Molineux Hotel. In 1860 another owner came in and made the place a leisure centre, retaining traditional Molineux name, but making it Molineux Grounds. Finally in 1889 local brewery bought the land and leased it to Wolverhampton Wanderers for their permanent stadium. Yet again, Molineux family name prevailed, this time joined by ‘Stadium’.
First game was played already in September 1889 in front of some 4,000 people. In 1923 “Wolves” bought the ground and soon afterwards began to build a new main stand. In1932 another one came, marking a historical moment – for the very first time Molineux had four stands. These were in use for the next 50 years. In 1953 floodlight masts came, replaced by new ones in 1957. Being among the first venues in England with artificial lighting Molineux became host to many prestigious international games.
New eastern stand was built in 1979 for a massive sum of Ł10 mln, beyond what others were spending at that time. It could accommodate 9,500 fans and had 42 skyboxes. Ironically, this lead to a decline as “Wolves” were heavily in debt because of their investment, getting close to bankruptcy twice. Understandably all renovations were brought to a stop for several years, resulting in two stands being closed in the 80’s. The club was relegated down to 4th tier by that time so crowds were much smaller anyway.
The municipality came with a helping hand, buying Molineux in 1986. “Wolves” were bought by a new owner in 1990 and soon afterwards came the largest revamp so far. Starting in October 1991, one stand after another all four were replaced by December 1993. They remained nearly unchanged for two decades. In 2011 the Stan Cullis Stand was torn down to be replaced by a new structure, this time with 2 tiers of seating. Similar moves are to happen to two other parts of the ground and possibly to the main one as well. This is dependant from demand, though, as capacity would rise to 50,000 seats with this move.
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25.07.2014 © Heather 25.07.2014 © Heather 25.07.2014 © Heather 20.12.2014 © Messi98500 25.07.2014 © Corporate Wolves 10.08.2013 © Trevor Pipe 10.08.2013 © Trevor Pipe 10.08.2013 © Trevor Pipe 11.08.2012 © Messi98500 11.08.2012 © Messi98500 25.05.2010 © Beacon Radio (cc: by-nc) 18.04.2009 © Tom Green (cc: by-nc-nd) 19.04.2008 © Stephan Hoogerwaard 19.04.2008 © Stephan Hoogerwaard 19.04.2008 © Stephan Hoogerwaard 19.04.2008 © Stephan Hoogerwaard 19.04.2008 © Stephan Hoogerwaard
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Related news
2020
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COVID-19 crisis: English supporters to return in October?
The government is preparing to reopen sports stadiums across the UK. While first trial events will take place in just 2 weeks, all stadiums could be open again only from October onwards.
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England: Safe standing in Premier League and Championship from 2021?
Though physically safe standing is already in Premier League, legally it's still prohibited. But that might change as the government is expected to act quickly, possibly introducing legal standing in 2021.
2019
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Wolverhampton: Safe standing and grand plans
Wolves have revealed they will become the first in Premier League to convert an entire stand into safe standing. Even more, the football club showed first glimpse of how huge Molineux could become.
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Wolverhampton: Wolves make history. Kind of
No club in Premier League has a safe standing section, right? Not anymore, at least not exactly. There is a caveat but still: earlier today Wolverhampton Wanderers have confirmed installation of the first safe standing options at Molineux.
2018
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Safe standing: Government to rethink all-seating
By all means the debate was predictable, but that's fine, we'll take it. The most important thing is: British authorities will review the all-seater rule, which officially opens the case for legal standing in top leagues of England and Wales.
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England: Supporters force parliament to debate safe standing!
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England: Wolverhampton reopen possibility of stadium expansion
After collapse in 2012-2014, now Wolves are again ready for glory as they're eyeing promotion to Premier League. Club chairman wants to get to 50,000 seats as soon as possible, but settling in top flight comes first.
2015
2014
2012
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Wolverhampton: Molineux more fan-friendly
Wolves made their stadium more colourful and gave the colours a meaning. Now instead of dull passageways fans walk by large graphics that illustrate what the club means to people.
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England: Ticket prices breaking new records
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England: Wolves open new stand
Though not with the kind of performance they were hoping for. Poor result on the pitch was a bit of a spoil for the shiny stand in black and yellow that replaced former Stan Cullis Stand.
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England: Visiting 116 stadiums on a bike, scoot or on feet
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