- Spotland Stadium
Infobox Stadium
stadium_name = Spotland Stadium
fullname = Spotland Stadium
location =Spotland Rochdale England
nickname =
built = 1920
opened = 1920
seating_capacity = 10,249
tenants =Rochdale A.F.C. ,Rochdale Hornets
Spotland Stadium (known locally as just Spotland) is a sports venue located in the
Spotland area ofRochdale ,Greater Manchester . It is currently home toRochdale A.F.C. and Rochdale Hornets R.L.F.C.. It has a capacity of 10,249.tands
The ground has 4 stands: The Horners Stand (or Main Stand), The Thwaites Beer Stand (the Sandy Lane End), The W.M.G. Stand (Pearl Street end) and the Westrose Leisure Stand (the Willbutts Lane Stand). All are fully-seated, apart from the Sandy Lane End, which is a small terrace behind one of the goals.
History
Spotland was built in 1920, exclusively for Rochdale A.F.C. At first, it only had one stand - the Main Stand, and at one time it housed the smallest seated area in the
Football League .In 1988, due to Rochdale Hornets selling of the Athletic Grounds, the rugby club moved in and a three-way ownership plan was introduced; the ground is now jointly owned by Rochdale A.F.C, Rochdale Hornets and Rochdale Council.
From 1992 until 2000, the ground was redeveloped due to the
Taylor Report , and became what it is today. In summer 2006, a new drainage system was installed, after a winter of postponements and abandoned matches.Other uses
Apart from local football and rugby league, Spotland has in the past been used to host minor nations rugby league matches, such as
BARLA (British Amateur Rugby League Association) matches, and also theNational League Cup finals of 2003 and 2004.References
* [http://rochdale.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=967&p=2&stid=224442 Rivals.net: Spotland Guide]
* [http://www.rochdaleafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/spotland_stadium/0,,10441,00.html Your Guide to Spotland] Rochdale A.F.C.
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