Spotland Stadium (known locally as just Spotland) is a sports venue located in the Spotland area of Rochdale, Greater Manchester. It is currently home to Rochdale A.F.C. and Rochdale Hornets R.L.F.C.. It has a capacity of 10,249.
Stands
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 the National League Cup finals of 2003 and 2004.
References
Coordinates: 53°37′15.04″N 2°10′48.12″W / 53.6208444, -2.1800333
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