The stadiums that disappeared from the Premier League: why were they demolished?

The Premier League, a cradle of emotions and rivalries, has witnessed the evolution of numerous stadiums that were once sacred temples of english football. Over the years, many of these venues have disappeared, giving way to new infrastructure or remaining only in the collective memory of fans. Below, we explore some of the most emblematic stadiums that have disappeared from the Premier League.

Highbury: The iconic home of Arsenal

Inaugurated in 1913, Highbury was Arsenal's home for over nine decades. With a capacity of 38,419 spectators, this stadium bore witness to countless feats and titles for the London club. In 2006, Arsenal moved to the Emirates Stadium, and Highbury was transformed into a residential complex known as Highbury Square, preserving part of its historic façade.

Maine Road: The old fortress of Manchester City

Maine Road, located in Manchester, served as Manchester City's home from 1923 to 2003. With a capacity exceeding 35,000 spectators, this stadium hosted memorable moments in the club's history. After its demolition, Manchester City relocated to the Etihad Stadium, leaving behind decades of history at Maine Road.

White Hart Lane: The historic stadium of Tottenham Hotspur

White Hart Lane was Tottenham Hotspur's home from 1899 to 2017. With a capacity of 36,284 spectators, this stadium was the stage for great matches and achievements for the club. In 2017, it was demolished to make way for the modern Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, inaugurated in 2019, which now hosts over 62,000 fans.

Upton Park (Boleyn Ground): The home of West Ham United

Inaugurated in 1904, Upton Park, also known as Boleyn Ground, was West Ham United's stadium for over a century. With a capacity of 35,345 spectators, this venue witnessed the passion of the Hammers. In 2016, the club moved to the London Stadium, and Upton Park was demolished to make way for residential projects.

Roker Park: The old home of Sunderland

Roker Park was Sunderland's stadium from 1898 to 1997. With a capacity of 22,500 spectators, this venue hosted numerous matches and highlights in the club's history. After its closure, Sunderland moved to the Stadium of Light, and the Roker Park site was redeveloped for residential use.

Ayresome Park: The cradle of Middlesbrough

Ayresome Park was Middlesbrough's home from 1903 to 1995. With a capacity of 26,667 spectators, this stadium witnessed the club's ups and downs over nearly a century. In 1995, Middlesbrough moved to the Riverside Stadium, and Ayresome Park was demolished to make way for housing.

The Dell: The stadium of Southampton

The Dell was Southampton's stadium from 1898 to 2001. With a capacity of 15,200 spectators, this venue was known for its intimate and close atmosphere. In 2001, Southampton moved to St Mary's Stadium, and The Dell was demolished to construct housing.

Filbert Street: The former home of Leicester City

Filbert Street was Leicester City's home from 1891 to 2002. With a capacity of 22,000 spectators, this stadium hosted numerous matches and key moments in the club's history. In 2002, Leicester City moved to the King Power Stadium, and Filbert Street was demolished to make way for residential developments.

Highfield Road: The stadium of Coventry City

Highfield Road was Coventry City's home from 1899 to 2005. With a capacity of 23,489 spectators, this stadium was a pioneer, becoming the first all-seater stadium in england in 1981. In 2005, Coventry City moved to the Ricoh Arena, and Highfield Road was demolished to build housing.

Burnden Park: The home of Bolton Wanderers

Burnden Park was the stadium of Bolton Wanderers from 1895 to 1997. With a capacity of 22,616 spectators, this venue witnessed numerous events in the club's history. In 1997, Bolton moved to the University of Bolton Stadium, and Burnden Park was demolished to make way for a supermarket and other commercial facilities.

Key facts about the disappeared stadiums of the Premier League

• White Hart Lane: Demolished in 2017 to make way for the modern Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, inaugurated in 2019.
• Upton Park: Known as Boleyn Ground, it was demolished in 2016 when West Ham United moved to the London Stadium.
• Roker Park: Closed in 1997 after Sunderland moved to the Stadium of Light, replaced by a residential project.
• Ayresome Park: Demolished in 1995 when Middlesbrough moved to the Riverside Stadium.
• The Dell: Southampton left this stadium in 2001 to move to St Mary's Stadium; the site was redeveloped into housing.
• Filbert Street: Demolished in 2002 after Leicester City relocated to the King Power Stadium.
• Highfield Road: Coventry City left this stadium in 2005, replaced by the Ricoh Arena; the site was used for housing.
• Burnden Park: Bolton Wanderers vacated this stadium in 1997, replaced by commercial facilities.