Selhurst Park
Capacity | 25 486 |
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Country | England |
City | London |
Clubs | Crystal Palace FC |
Inauguration | 30/08/1924 |
Construction | 1922-1923 |
Renovations | 1969, 1983, 1994, 1995, 2013, 2014 |
Record attendance | 51,801 (Crystal Palace 2-0 Burnley FC, 1979) |
Design | Archibald Leitch (1923) |
Structural Engineer | Humphreys of Kensington (1923) |
Address | Selhurst Park, South Norwood, London, SE25 6PU |
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Selhurst Park – stadium description
Selhurst Park is a true 'must-see' of English football fans, especially those cherishing the old days. Unique in its form and praised for old school ambiance, it survived the era of 'identikit stadia', even though the age has proven problematic over the years.
When admiring it from bird's view, you clearly see the independent stands originating in different times, representing different approach to design and crowd organisation. Altogether – a true British stadium, created over time rather than in one go. It dates back to 1924, when the main stand was built on land bought from local rail company.
Soon the main stand was aided by terracing on other sides and the stadium bares the accolade of having been initially designed by Archibald Leitch, perhaps British football's most important non-football legend. In 1969 the single-tiered Arthut Wait Stand was added, leading to the crowd of 51,482 people during FC Burnley game, to this date official standing record of the venue.
The remaining two stands of today were built in the post-Taylor era, in 1995. Most importantly, the double-tiered Holmesdale Stand, which is home to local ultras. Equipped with a very distinctive, arched roof, it dominates the stadium. Opposite of it is the Whitehorse Land Stand, with just over 2,000 seats and two levels of corporate seating.
Starting in 1953, the stadium has been equipped with floodlights, too. Historical masts of old can still be admired within the main stand, even if with new lights these days. Most recent wave of changes followed in 2013-14, when the club won promotion to Premier League and speerheaded repairs across Selhurst Park, including seating replacement in some areas.
The changes came at a price, which would have been mitigated by a regular naming rights deal, were it not for the resitence of supporters. Eventually a deal was negotiated that formally transferred the rights, but with no actual change. This model was used by Neteller, then JD Sports.
With ongoing discussion over its future, Crystal Palace FC introduced the concept of a brand new main stand in 2017. It would see the stadium grow to 34,000 seats and show strong connection to the actual Crystal Palace – iconic pavilion after which the club is named. Should that operation succeed, further interventions would depend on available resources and growing demand.
How Selhurst Park compares to other Premier League stadiums?
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Related news
2024
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England: Green light for Crystal Palace stadium redevelopment!
Croydon Council has approved a project that has been in the works since 2018. As part of the redevelopment, the main stand at Selhurst Park, which was built 100 years ago, will be demolished.
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England: Attendance at Premier League stadiums in the 2023/24 season
Another season, another league title for Manchester City. The award for highest attendance also went to the city of Manchester as well, but to the Red Devils, despite the team's worst season in Premier League history. As many as six clubs surpassed one million spectators this season, with five stadiums filling up at an average of more than 99%. Amazing.
2023
2022
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England: Stadium rises will affect Premier League clubs
The value of almost all 20 stadiums owned by teams playing in the Premier League has recently increased. As a result, clubs will face multi-million pound tax increases involving their infrastructure.
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London: Selhurst Park renovation given the green light!
Another venue in the UK capital is about to join the ranks of the city's state-of-the-art stadiums. Croydon councillors have approved plans to rebuild the Main Stand at Selhurst Park and finally nothing blocks the way of the project.
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England: When will Selhurst Park be redeveloped?
In November 2021, Crystal Palace announced that the expansion of the new main stand had been postponed by a year. After 10 months it seems that things are moving in the right direction. Club chairman Steve Parish believes the South London club remains "absolutely committed" to the project.
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England: Meet the 2022/23 Premier League stadiums!
Much to the delight of fans, the new English Premier League season will kick off on Friday, August 5. On this occasion, we would like to introduce you to the stadiums where the footballers of the world's best league will soon be playing. Get your English tea in hand and let's get started!
2021
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London: Crystal Palace postpones expansion for a year
The new main stand is the goal of the South London club. These plans were made three years ago, but it seems that their implementation will not start until the end of next year.
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England: Safe standing trials in Premier League and Championship
There has been talk for some time about introducing safe standing in the two highest leagues in the country. In 2019, the government assured about the imminent change of the regulations, but these were not introduced until 2 years later.
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New stadium: Wimbledon at home after 30 years
Their last home game in Merton was played in April, 1991. This week fans of Wimbledon were finally able to once more enjoy the atmosphere of Plough Lane, even if with social distancing.
2020
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London: Crystal Palace expansion in 2022?
It seems the last hurdle has been cleared and Crystal Palace will soon be able to sign the deal to expand Selhurst Park. But it also seems work won't happen before 2022, according to the timeline provided in Section 106.
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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: 341 games in five “regional hubs”?
In case not all stadiums are available to host games of Championship, League One and League Two, the EFL is considering using stadium clusters to hold the 341 remaining league games of 2019/20.
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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.
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!
It took only several days of momentum to reach immense support of 100,000 British citizens and thus force the British government to officially debate safe standing in Premier League and Championship.
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London: Crystal Palace close to green light
Croydon planists have given their approval and recommend planning permission for the Selhurst Park expansion scheme. Now it's up to the council to agree in next week's vote.
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England: How much are PL naming rights worth?
To secure a naming rights deal in Premier League you only need £300,000 per year. But to buy the most expensive name it's 87 times that amount! Here's the latest valuation by Duff & Phelps.
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London: Planners not entirely pleased with Crystal Palace design
While generally supportive of the planned Selhurst Park expansion, newly-released report by the Croydon Planning Committee voices concerns over design, traffic and housing, among other issues. Crystal Palace and KSS Group can take them into account.
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London: Crystal Palace to relocate families before expansion
If Selhurst Park is to grow by over 8,000 seats, the Croydon football club needs to find replacement housing for 4 families and reach agreement with one more. It's just the beginning of the planning process.