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?