The old Bolton Wanderers stadium, also known as Burnden Park, was a historic football ground located in Bolton, Greater Manchester, England. The stadium was the home of Bolton Wanderers Football Club from 1895 to 1997, before the team moved to their current stadium, the Reebok Stadium, now known as the University of Bolton Stadium. Burnden Park was a significant venue in English football history, hosting numerous high-profile matches, including international friendlies and FA Cup semi-finals.
Burnden Park was initially built in 1895, with an original capacity of approximately 12,000 spectators. Over the years, the stadium underwent several renovations and expansions, increasing its capacity to around 45,000 by the mid-20th century. The stadium's design and architecture were characteristic of traditional English football grounds, with four separate stands, each with its unique features and seating arrangements. The stadium's atmosphere was renowned for being electric, with the home fans creating a formidable and intimidating environment for opposing teams.
Historic Moments at Burnden Park
Burnden Park witnessed many historic moments in English football history. One of the most notable events was the 1923 FA Cup semi-final between Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United, which attracted a record crowd of 72,000 spectators. The stadium also hosted several international friendlies, including a match between England and Wales in 1924. In addition to football, Burnden Park was also used for other sports, such as rugby league and athletics, further solidifying its status as a versatile and iconic sports venue.
The stadium's history was not without its challenges, however. In 1946, a crowd disaster occurred during a match between Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City, resulting in the deaths of 33 people and injuring over 400. The incident led to significant changes in stadium safety regulations and crowd management practices in English football. Despite this tragic event, Burnden Park continued to be a beloved and revered stadium, with a loyal fan base and a rich history of exciting matches and memorable moments.
Stadium Design and Facilities
Burnden Park's design and facilities were typical of traditional English football stadiums. The stadium featured four separate stands: the Burnden Stand, the Manchester Road Stand, the Embankment, and the Kop. Each stand had its unique characteristics, with the Burnden Stand being the largest and most prominent. The stadium's pitch was known for being one of the best in the country, with a reputation for being well-maintained and conducive to exciting, attacking football.
The stadium's facilities were also notable for their time. Burnden Park featured a state-of-the-art floodlighting system, which was installed in the 1950s, allowing for evening matches to be played. The stadium also had a large, manually operated scoreboard, which was a distinctive feature of the ground. The facilities were not without their limitations, however, with the stadium's aging infrastructure and limited seating capacity becoming increasingly problematic as the years went by.
| Stadium Capacity | Year |
|---|---|
| 12,000 | 1895 |
| 25,000 | 1910 |
| 40,000 | 1925 |
| 45,000 | 1950 |
Decline and Demolition
By the 1990s, Burnden Park was showing signs of significant wear and tear. The stadium's aging infrastructure, limited seating capacity, and outdated facilities made it increasingly difficult for Bolton Wanderers to maintain a competitive edge in English football. In 1992, the club announced plans to build a new stadium, which would eventually become the Reebok Stadium. The new stadium was designed to be a state-of-the-art facility, with a seating capacity of over 28,000 and a range of modern amenities.
Burnden Park hosted its final match in 1997, with Bolton Wanderers defeating Charlton Athletic 4-1 in a Division One fixture. The stadium was subsequently demolished, with the site being redeveloped for residential and commercial use. While the loss of Burnden Park was a sad event for many fans, the move to the new stadium marked an exciting new chapter in the history of Bolton Wanderers, with the club going on to achieve significant success in the following years.
Legacy of Burnden Park
The legacy of Burnden Park continues to be felt in English football. The stadium's rich history and iconic status have made it a beloved and revered venue, with many fans and players remembering it fondly. The stadium's impact on the sport extends beyond Bolton Wanderers, with its design and facilities influencing the development of other stadiums in the country. The stadium's history also serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and crowd management in football, with the 1946 disaster leading to significant changes in stadium safety regulations.
In recent years, there have been efforts to commemorate the history of Burnden Park, with a memorial plaque being unveiled at the site of the old stadium. The plaque serves as a reminder of the stadium's significance and its place in English football history. The legacy of Burnden Park continues to be celebrated by fans and players alike, with the stadium remaining an important part of the sport's heritage and tradition.
What was the original capacity of Burnden Park?
+The original capacity of Burnden Park was approximately 12,000 spectators.
What was the most significant event in Burnden Park’s history?
+The most significant event in Burnden Park’s history was the 1923 FA Cup semi-final between Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United, which attracted a record crowd of 72,000 spectators.
Why was Burnden Park demolished?
+Burnden Park was demolished due to its aging infrastructure, limited seating capacity, and outdated facilities, which made it increasingly difficult for Bolton Wanderers to maintain a competitive edge in English football.
