A stadium once again

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Redevelopment has turned Hampden Park into one of the most advanced football grounds in the world

The oldest international football ground in the world, Hampden Park has been transformed into a venue perfectly equipped to meet the demands of international sport in the 21st Century thanks to the Millennium Commission.

The largest and most technically advanced stadium in the world when it was built in 1903, by the 1970s the facilities belied its status as the home of Scottish football, with everything from the stands to the changing rooms to the media facilities desperately in need of refurbishment or rebuilding.

The National Stadium Committee formed in 1990 raised the £12 million needed to upgrade the North and East Stands, improve car parking provision and develop hospitality lounges – work which was completed in 1994.

The Millennium Commission then part-funded the redevelopment of the West Stand and rebuilding of the South Stand, which ensured the ground met the FIFA and UEFA five-star standards, making it a preferred venue for hosting major tournaments and events. It’s also one of six UK football venues for the 2012 Olympics.

“Hampden Park has hosted six European finals, games in the 1999 Rugby World Cup and will play a part in London 2010”

In addition to the redevelopment of the football facilities, the Millennium Commission project also created the Scottish Football Museum onsite, where visitors can investigate the nation’s football heritage in displays including the oldest football ticket in the world, and the 100th cap of football legend Kenny Dalglish.

did you know?

• The new Hampden Park opened on 14 May 1999
• The ground has a capacity of 52,103 with plans to expand to 70,000
• The famous Hampden Roar evolved as a way for fans to intimidate opponents