Remembering old rugby league grounds that are no longer here

We’ve taken a trip down memory lane to remember some of rugby league’s famous grounds that are no longer here.

Prepare to get lost in nostalgia…

The Willows, Salford

The Willows was home to Salford and it had a final capacity of 11,363 – with 2,500 of those being seats. It was opened in 1901 and was demolished in 2012, with the Salford club then moving to the AJ Bell Stadium.

Hilton Park, Leigh

Hilton Park is a place many Leigh supporters hold close to their hearts. The stadium, which held approximately 10,000, opened its doors in 1947 and was closed in 2009. The Centurions now play at the Leigh Sports Village, which is just down the road from their old Hilton Park home.

The Boulevard, Hull

The Boulevard was the home ground of Hull FC and it had a capacity of 10,500 people. It was used for many international test matches after being opened in 1895 and was demolished in 2010. The Black and Whites now play at the KCOM Stadium.

Watersheddings, Oldham

Watersheddings is one of the legendary British rugby league grounds and it was Oldham’s home. It opened in 1889 and closed its doors in 1997. A lot of fans will be able to recall a cold trip to Watersheddings! The Oldham club now play at Bower Fold.

Knowsley Road, St Helens

St Helens’ Knowlsey Road saw plenty of success over the years. The 17,500-capacity stadium first opened in 1890 and was demolished in 2011. The Saints now play at the Totally Wicked Stadium, a first class 18,000-capacity facility across the town.

Wilderspool, Warrington

Wilderspool was a 9,200 capacity venue in the heart of Warrington having opened in 1881 before being demolished in 2014 – and it was used for many international matches over the years. The Wolves now play at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Central Park, Wigan

A legendary venue of rugby league, Central Park was home to Wigan between 1902-1999. It was an 18,000-capacity stadium that hosted World Club Challenge and World Cup matches as well as Wigan’s league and cup games. The Warriors now play at the DW Stadium across the town.

Unfortunately, we don’t have any pictures of Huddersfield’s Fartown or Halifax’s Thrum Hall in our archives but we definitely aren’t forgetting to mention them!

Rugby League Nostalgia is here! Get involved with Love Rugby League’s new group on Facebook to share all your rugby league nostalgia and celebrate the rich heritage of our sport.