Mitcham Stadium Explained

Mitcham Stadium
Location:Mitcham, London
Coordinates:51.4094°N -0.1553°W
Opened:1935
Closed:1955

Mitcham Stadium was a multi use sports stadium in Mitcham, London. Uses included rugby league, athletics and greyhound racing.[1] The stadium is not to be confused with the former Sandy Lane ground owned by Tooting and Mitcham FC, which was sited nearby.[2]

Stadium

The stadium was simply called the Mitcham Stadium and was in use for twenty years, from 1935 until 1955. It had covered grandstands along both straights and one of the straights was slightly extended.[3] The stadium had a large total capacity of 60,000 (mostly standing) and was owned by Sydney Parkes, a greyhound track owner.[4] Following its closure, the stadium was replaced by housing in 1955 and the site is now occupied by Ormerod Gardens and Fowler Road.[3] [5] The West Grandstand was purchased in 1955 by Leyton Orient F.C. and the whole structure dismantled and reconstructed at their Brisbane Road ground, where it remains today.

Rugby League

It was home to the Streatham and Mitcham R.L.F.C. from 1935 to 1937.[6]

Greyhound Racing

Some greyhound racing took place during 1936 and 1937. The track was a short lived independent (unaffiliated to a governing body).[7] The racing ended after the owner Sydney Parker was refused a racing licence.[8]

Other uses

The grass infield was also used for Hurling and Gaelic football matches.[3]

Fulham F.C. were in advanced negotiations to relocate to the stadium in 1938, but the outbreak of World War II meant this never materialised.[9]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: OS Plan 1953. Old Maps.
  2. Web site: OS County Series, Surrey 1935. Old Maps.
  3. Web site: Mitcham Stadium. UK Running Track Directory.
  4. News: Fire in a post box. 1936. West London Observer.
  5. Web site: Sports grounds on either side of Sandy Lane, Mitcham, 1937. Britain from Above.
  6. Web site: London Mitcham Stadium. Greyhound Derby.com.
  7. Book: Barnes, Julia. Daily Mirror Greyhound Fact File. 418. 1988. Ringpress Books. 0-948955-15-5.
  8. Web site: Rugby League: Broncos' rocky route to stardom. https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220515/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby-league-broncos-rocky-route-to-stardom-1090171.html . 15 May 2022 . subscription . live. Independent.
  9. News: Fulham's Future, April. 1938. Leeds Mercury.