The Oldest Working Football Stadium: Sandygate Road’s Rich History and Unique Charm

Sports have been played here since 1804, although cricket and football did not come until half a century later. Although cricket is still played here on the extended pitch, Sandygate Road is believed to be the oldest working football stadium, as confirmed by the Guinness Book of World Records.

The first official match was played here on Boxing Day (December 26) 1860. The match was a derby between home club Hallam FC and the oldest football club in existence, Sheffield FC. This is also why many consider this friendly rivalry to be the oldest derby.

Due to the fact that the matches were played according to the “Sheffield rules” in the early years, it is called the Rules Derby. In order not to forget this memorable moment, a friendly match is played between the two clubs every year.

However, it is a little sad that Hallam, as the owner of the oldest stadium in the world, plays in the top ten, and Sandygate Road, as the oldest sanctuary, has a capacity of only 700 spectators. In addition, Hallam FC was the first ever football club to win a football trophy. In 1867, he won the cup for the winner of the Youdan Cup, which was the predecessor of the now famous FA Cup. It is an even greater pity that such a historical unit does not have a higher position on today’s football map.

However, its rich history adds to the charm of this non-league stadium. The magic is even greater when you realize that the playing field at Sandygate is not level. The south side is located lower, which means that each team plays 45 minutes “uphill”.

Sandygate Road’s current appearance is the result of renovations and extensions in the 1990s. In 1992, floodlights were added, in 1999 a covered tribune for 250 people was opened. Behind it, a new playing area was created and the old dressing rooms were converted into a clubhouse.

2023-08-07 16:05:00
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