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Coordinates: 54°37′10″N 5°56′50″W / 54.61944°N 5.94722°W / 54.61944; -5.94722
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why call a place for getting together solitude? :think:
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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}

{{Infobox venue
{{Infobox venue
| stadium_name = Solitude
| stadium_name = Solitude
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| caption = Entrance, west side
| caption = Entrance, west side
| location = Cliftonville Street<br>[[Belfast]], Northern Ireland
| location = Cliftonville Street<br>[[Belfast]], Northern Ireland
| coordinates = {{coord|54|37|10.26|N|5|56|50.18|W|region:GB_type:landmark|display=inline, title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|54|37|10|N|5|56|50|W|region:GB_type:landmark|display=inline, title}}
| broke_ground =
| broke_ground =
| built =
| built =
| opened = 20 August 1890<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cliftonvillefc.net/history-of-solitude/|title=Cliftonville Football Club " History of Solitude|website=cliftonvillefc.net}}</ref>
| opened = 20 August 1890<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cliftonvillefc.net/history-of-solitude/|title=Cliftonville Football Club " History of Solitude|website=cliftonvillefc.net}}</ref>
| closed =
| closed =
| demolished =
| demolished =
| owner = [[Cliftonville FC]]
| owner = [[Cliftonville FC]]
| operator = [[Cliftonville FC]]
| operator = Cliftonville FC
| builder =
| builder =
| surface = Domo VarioSlide S Pro 50/15 pitch <ref>{{cite web|url= https://cliftonvillefc.net/2021/08/06/finishing-touches-2/|title= Finishing touches</ref>
| surface = [[Artificial Turf|Artificial]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cliftonvillefc.net/2021/08/06/finishing-touches-2/|title= Finishing touches |website=cliftonvillefc.net |date=2021-08-06}}</ref>
| construction_cost =
| construction_cost =
| architect =
| architect =
Line 27: Line 26:
| former_names =
| former_names =
| tenants = [[Cliftonville FC]] (1890- )<br>[[Newington F.C.|Newington]] (2018- )
| tenants = [[Cliftonville FC]] (1890- )<br>[[Newington F.C.|Newington]] (2018- )
| capacity = 8,000 (3,000 seated)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.footballgroundguide.com/leagues/northern-ireland-premier-league-clubs/cliftonville-fc-solitude.html#acliftonville-solitude-ground-feedback|title=Cliftonville FC - Solitude - Football Ground Guide|first=Duncan|last=Adams|website=www.footballgroundguide.com}}</ref>
| capacity = 8,000 (3,000 seated)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.footballgroundguide.com/leagues/northern-ireland-premier-league-clubs/cliftonville-fc-solitude.html#acliftonville-solitude-ground-feedback|title=Cliftonville FC - Solitude - Football Ground Guide|first=Duncan|last=Adams|website=www.footballgroundguide.com|date=April 2017 }}</ref>
| record_attendance =
| record_attendance =
| dimensions =
| dimensions =
}}
}}
⚫
'''Solitude''' is a [[Association football|football]] [[stadium]] in [[Belfast]], Northern Ireland. It is the oldest football stadium in [[Ireland]], and the home ground of Ireland's oldest football club, [[Cliftonville F.C.|Cliftonville]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/irish-league/cliftonville-closing-in-on-another-first-29121624.html|title=Cliftonville closing in on another first|newspaper=Belfasttelegraph.co.uk |via=www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk}}</ref> The stadium holds 6,224, but is currently restricted to 2,530 under safety legislation.<ref name="capacity">{{cite web|url=http://www.sportni.net/NR/rdonlyres/5854FC89-D9B6-4B17-9C60-34D977CEBEB0/0/AnnualReview200809.pdf|title=Sport NI Annual review 2008/09|page=18|publisher=sportni.net|access-date=14 May 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928175439/http://www.sportni.net/NR/rdonlyres/5854FC89-D9B6-4B17-9C60-34D977CEBEB0/0/AnnualReview200809.pdf|archive-date=28 September 2013}}</ref>

⚫
'''Solitude''' is a [[Association football|football]] [[stadium]] in [[Belfast]], Northern Ireland. It is the oldest football stadium in [[Ireland]], and the home ground of Ireland's oldest football club, [[Cliftonville F.C.|Cliftonville]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/irish-league/cliftonville-closing-in-on-another-first-29121624.html|title=Cliftonville closing in on another first|via=www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk}}</ref> The stadium holds 6,224, but is currently restricted to 2,530 under safety legislation.<ref name="capacity">{{cite web|url=http://www.sportni.net/NR/rdonlyres/5854FC89-D9B6-4B17-9C60-34D977CEBEB0/0/AnnualReview200809.pdf|title=Sport NI Annual review 2008/09|page=18|publisher=sportni.net|access-date=14 May 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928175439/http://www.sportni.net/NR/rdonlyres/5854FC89-D9B6-4B17-9C60-34D977CEBEB0/0/AnnualReview200809.pdf|archive-date=28 September 2013}}</ref>


The stadium was built in 1890<ref>{{cite web |author=Gunther Lades |url=http://www.fussballtempel.net/uefa/NIR.html |title=www.fussballtempel.net |publisher=fussballtempel.net |access-date=21 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090829080032/http://www.fussballtempel.net/uefa/NIR.html |archive-date=29 August 2009}}</ref> and has undergone several renovations. In 2002, a new stand was built at one end of the ground to house visiting supporters, and in 2008, a new stand was completed behind the goal at the east end of the ground. A synthetic 3G pitch was installed to replace the previous grass surface in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cliftonvillefc.net/archivenews_oct10.html|title=News: October 2010}}</ref>
The stadium was built in 1890<ref>{{cite web |author=Gunther Lades |url=http://www.fussballtempel.net/uefa/NIR.html |title=www.fussballtempel.net |publisher=fussballtempel.net |access-date=21 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090829080032/http://www.fussballtempel.net/uefa/NIR.html |archive-date=29 August 2009}}</ref> and has undergone several renovations. In 2002, a new stand was built at one end of the ground to house visiting supporters, and in 2008, a new stand was completed behind the goal at the east end of the ground. A synthetic 3G pitch was installed to replace the previous grass surface in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cliftonvillefc.net/archivenews_oct10.html|title=News: October 2010}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
Solitude was opened in 1890 after Cliftonville moved across the road from [[Oldpark Avenue]]. The ground holds the distinction of having the first ever penalty in International [[football (soccer)|Football]] taken there.<ref>{{Cite web|title=New stadium: The old-timer called Solitude – StadiumDB.com|url=http://stadiumdb.com/news/2016/08/new_stadium_the_oldtimer_called_solitude|access-date=2022-01-04|website=stadiumdb.com}}</ref>Previously consisting of two pitches (the second of which was sold off and now contains housing), Solitude is the oldest football ground in [[Ireland]].
Solitude was opened in 1890 after Cliftonville moved across the road from [[Oldpark Avenue]]. The ground holds the distinction of having the first ever penalty in International [[football (soccer)|Football]] taken there.<ref>{{Cite web|title=New stadium: The old-timer called Solitude – StadiumDB.com|url=http://stadiumdb.com/news/2016/08/new_stadium_the_oldtimer_called_solitude|access-date=2022-01-04|website=stadiumdb.com}}</ref> Previously consisting of two pitches (the second of which was sold off and now contains housing), Solitude is the oldest football ground in [[Ireland]].


Solitude has hosted a number of cup finals and international games. During the 1890s and early 1900s Solitude was the home ground of [[Ireland national football team (1882-1950)|Ireland]], replacing the [[Ulster Cricket Ground]] at [[Ballynafeigh]]. During the 1890s, the ground hosted 11 home internationals. On 3 March 1894, after thirteen attempts Ireland, playing at Solitude, finally avoided defeat to [[England national football team|England]]. Against an England team that included [[Fred Spiksley]] and [[Jack Reynolds (footballer born 1869)|Jack Reynolds]], Ireland gained a 2–2 draw. Goals from [[Olphert Stanfield]] and [[William Kennedy Gibson|W.K. Gibson]] inspired Ireland to come back from 2–0 down to gain a 2–2 draw. The ground continued to host Ireland internationals into the early 1900s, but was gradually replaced as Ireland's home ground by [[Windsor Park]] and [[Dalymount Park]].
Solitude has hosted a number of cup finals and international games. During the 1890s and early 1900s Solitude was the home ground of [[Ireland national football team (1882-1950)|Ireland]], replacing the [[Ulster Cricket Ground]] at [[Ballynafeigh]]. During the 1890s, the ground hosted 11 home internationals. On 3 March 1894, after thirteen attempts Ireland, playing at Solitude, finally avoided defeat to [[England national football team|England]]. Against an England team that included [[Fred Spiksley]] and [[Jack Reynolds (footballer born 1869)|Jack Reynolds]], Ireland gained a 2–2 draw. Goals from [[Olphert Stanfield]] and [[William Kennedy Gibson|W.K. Gibson]] inspired Ireland to come back from 2–0 down to gain a 2–2 draw. The ground continued to host Ireland internationals into the early 1900s, but was gradually replaced as Ireland's home ground by [[Windsor Park]] and [[Dalymount Park]].


⚫
== Stands<ref>{{cite book|last=Flynn|first=Barry|title=Political Football|year=2009|publisher=History Press, Dublin}}</ref> ==







== Stands ==
⚫
The ground contains the following stands:<ref>{{cite book|last=Flynn|first=Barry|title=Political Football|year=2009|publisher=History Press, Dublin}}</ref>
=== Main stand ===
=== Main stand ===
[[File:20190112_Solitude_Main.jpg|thumb|right|240px|The Main Stand, January 2019]]
[[File:20190112_Solitude_Main.jpg|thumb|300x300px|The Main Stand, January 2019]]


The main stand at Solitude, situated on the western side of the ground, houses much of the Cliftonville support on any given home matchday. It is now a very old stand, having been constructed during the 1950s. It has two tiers. The lower tier is terracing and seating, and the upper tier has a mixture of seating and benches. Its total capacity is over 2,500 people.
The main stand at Solitude, situated on the western side of the ground, is for Cliftonville supporters only. It is now a very old structure, having been constructed during the 1950s.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://cliftonvillefc.net/2023/03/28/on-the-stand/ | title=Cliftonville Football Club » on the stand }}</ref> It has two tiers. The lower tier is terracing and seating, and the upper tier has a mixture of seating and benches. Its capacity is over 2,500 people.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}


The original stand was destroyed in January 1949 when a fire broke out after a Linfield v Glentoran Irish Cup tie. The match was staged at Solitude as Windsor Park had been closed for a month in the aftermath of the infamous 1948 Linfield v Belfast Celtic Boxing Day tie at which serious crowd trouble erupted.
The original stand was destroyed in January 1949 when a fire broke out after a Linfield v Glentoran Irish Cup tie. The match was staged at Solitude as Windsor Park had been closed for a month in the aftermath of the infamous 1948 Linfield v Belfast Celtic Boxing Day tie at which serious crowd trouble erupted.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}}


Also contained within the main stand at Solitude is Cliftonville Social Club, [[Cliftonville F.C.|Cliftonville's]] licensed premises.
Also contained within the main stand at Solitude is Cliftonville Social Club, [[Cliftonville F.C.|Cliftonville's]] licensed premises.
When built, the new main stand will hold an estimated 1,100 supporters and bring Solitude's seated capacity up to around 3,500.


Cliftonville are hoping to secure funding to replace the Main Stand with a modern fit for purpose structure.
⚫
=== Cage End stand ===


⚫
=== The McAlery stand ===
[[File:Xuem051202193353.jpg|thumb|left|175px|The Cage Stand]]
⚫
The old Cage Stand was demolished and a new stand seating 1,600 was opened on 27 October 2008. Now known as the McAlery Stand in honour of our founder, it houses new facilities under this stand include dressing rooms.


⚫
The Cage was demolished and a new stand seating 1,600 was opened on 27 October 2008. New facilities under this stand include dressing rooms.


[[File:New-floodlights-cliftonville-280909.png|thumb|right|150px|Floodlights]]


=== Away End ===
=== Away End ===


[[File:Xmai051202193448.jpg|thumb|right|175px|TheAway End]]
[[File:Xmai051202193448.jpg|thumb|300x300px|TheAway End|border]]


Often referred to as "The Bowling Green End" (due to the bowling green behind it), the away end on the north side of the ground underwent a major facelift in 2001, when the covered terracing used to house away fans was replaced by an 880 all-seated stand.
Often referred to as "The Bowling Green End" (due to the bowling green behind it), the away end on the north side of the ground underwent a major facelift in 2001, when the covered terracing used to house away fans was replaced by an 880 all-seated stand.



⚫
=== Whitehouse ===

⚫
The Whitehouse, not unlike "the Cottage" at [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]]'s ground [[Craven Cottage]], currently contains the changing facilities and the board room for the club. However the building of the new stand in place of the Cage is expected to relieve the Whitehouse of these duties. Some have suggested that this historic part of Irish [[football (soccer)|football]] will be preserved in the form of a museum.
As part of the new main stand the Whitehouse will be demolished to make for a club shop, museum, bar and function room as well as serving as an entrance to new main stand and the underground car park that will ease traffic chaos in the small streets behind the main stand on match day.


===Waterworks Stand===
===Waterworks Stand===
The Waterworks Stand was temporarily erected first for a UEFA Champions League game against Scottish Champions Celtic. Once the Main Stand is rebuilt future plans could see Sport NI, NIFL and IFA give funds to Cliftonville to make a stand on that side that will look a bit like Windsor Park's North Stand to house the Cliftonville and Away fans at big games to help rebrand the Irish League under NIFL. While the Red's attendances have doubled since 2008/09 from 700 to 1400 they would need to further increase considerably for the Waterworks stand to be viable as after the completion of the Main Stand capacity will be 3500.
The Waterworks Stand was temporarily erected first for a UEFA Champions League game against Scottish Champions Celtic. As of 2023 it has remained a grass bank and is used for television gantry purposes.

⚫
=== Whitehouse ===
⚫
The Whitehouse, not unlike "the Cottage" at [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]]'s ground [[Craven Cottage]], used to contain the changing facilities and the board room for the club. However due to funding issues no works have been done to upgrade the facilities.


'''<big>Floodlights</big>'''
Installed as part of a floodlight improvement project funded by the Irish Football Association through the UEFA HatTrick II Assistance Programme, Solitude’s new 800 lux constructions stand at 35 metres in height and were used for the first time in Cliftonville’s 4-0 defeat of Linfield on September 21, 2009.



== See also ==
== See also ==

Latest revision as of 21:02, 9 September 2024

Solitude
Entrance, west side
Solitude is located in Greater Belfast
Solitude
Solitude
Location within Greater Belfast
LocationCliftonville Street
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Coordinates54°37′10″N 5°56′50″W / 54.61944°N 5.94722°W / 54.61944; -5.94722
OwnerCliftonville FC
OperatorCliftonville FC
Capacity8,000 (3,000 seated)[1]
SurfaceArtificial[2]
Opened20 August 1890[3]
Tenants
Cliftonville FC (1890- )
Newington (2018- )

Solitude is a football stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is the oldest football stadium in Ireland, and the home ground of Ireland's oldest football club, Cliftonville.[4] The stadium holds 6,224, but is currently restricted to 2,530 under safety legislation.[5]

The stadium was built in 1890[6] and has undergone several renovations. In 2002, a new stand was built at one end of the ground to house visiting supporters, and in 2008, a new stand was completed behind the goal at the east end of the ground. A synthetic 3G pitch was installed to replace the previous grass surface in 2010.[7]

History

[edit]

Solitude was opened in 1890 after Cliftonville moved across the road from Oldpark Avenue. The ground holds the distinction of having the first ever penalty in International Football taken there.[8] Previously consisting of two pitches (the second of which was sold off and now contains housing), Solitude is the oldest football ground in Ireland.

Solitude has hosted a number of cup finals and international games. During the 1890s and early 1900s Solitude was the home ground of Ireland, replacing the Ulster Cricket Ground at Ballynafeigh. During the 1890s, the ground hosted 11 home internationals. On 3 March 1894, after thirteen attempts Ireland, playing at Solitude, finally avoided defeat to England. Against an England team that included Fred Spiksley and Jack Reynolds, Ireland gained a 2–2 draw. Goals from Olphert Stanfield and W.K. Gibson inspired Ireland to come back from 2–0 down to gain a 2–2 draw. The ground continued to host Ireland internationals into the early 1900s, but was gradually replaced as Ireland's home ground by Windsor Park and Dalymount Park.




Stands

[edit]

The ground contains the following stands:[9]

Main stand

[edit]
The Main Stand, January 2019

The main stand at Solitude, situated on the western side of the ground, is for Cliftonville supporters only. It is now a very old structure, having been constructed during the 1950s.[10] It has two tiers. The lower tier is terracing and seating, and the upper tier has a mixture of seating and benches. Its capacity is over 2,500 people.[citation needed]

The original stand was destroyed in January 1949 when a fire broke out after a Linfield v Glentoran Irish Cup tie. The match was staged at Solitude as Windsor Park had been closed for a month in the aftermath of the infamous 1948 Linfield v Belfast Celtic Boxing Day tie at which serious crowd trouble erupted.[citation needed]

Also contained within the main stand at Solitude is Cliftonville Social Club, Cliftonville's licensed premises.

Cliftonville are hoping to secure funding to replace the Main Stand with a modern fit for purpose structure.

The McAlery stand

[edit]

The old Cage Stand was demolished and a new stand seating 1,600 was opened on 27 October 2008. Now known as the McAlery Stand in honour of our founder, it houses new facilities under this stand include dressing rooms.


Away End

[edit]
TheAway End

Often referred to as "The Bowling Green End" (due to the bowling green behind it), the away end on the north side of the ground underwent a major facelift in 2001, when the covered terracing used to house away fans was replaced by an 880 all-seated stand.



Waterworks Stand

[edit]

The Waterworks Stand was temporarily erected first for a UEFA Champions League game against Scottish Champions Celtic. As of 2023 it has remained a grass bank and is used for television gantry purposes.

Whitehouse

[edit]

The Whitehouse, not unlike "the Cottage" at Fulham's ground Craven Cottage, used to contain the changing facilities and the board room for the club. However due to funding issues no works have been done to upgrade the facilities.


Floodlights Installed as part of a floodlight improvement project funded by the Irish Football Association through the UEFA HatTrick II Assistance Programme, Solitude’s new 800 lux constructions stand at 35 metres in height and were used for the first time in Cliftonville’s 4-0 defeat of Linfield on September 21, 2009.


See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Adams, Duncan (April 2017). "Cliftonville FC - Solitude - Football Ground Guide". www.footballgroundguide.com.
  2. ^ "Finishing touches". cliftonvillefc.net. 6 August 2021.
  3. ^ "Cliftonville Football Club " History of Solitude". cliftonvillefc.net.
  4. ^ "Cliftonville closing in on another first". Belfasttelegraph.co.uk – via www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk.
  5. ^ "Sport NI Annual review 2008/09" (PDF). sportni.net. p. 18. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 September 2013. Retrieved 14 May 2013.
  6. ^ Gunther Lades. "www.fussballtempel.net". fussballtempel.net. Archived from the original on 29 August 2009. Retrieved 21 August 2009.
  7. ^ "News: October 2010".
  8. ^ "New stadium: The old-timer called Solitude – StadiumDB.com". stadiumdb.com. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
  9. ^ Flynn, Barry (2009). Political Football. History Press, Dublin.
  10. ^ "Cliftonville Football Club » on the stand".
[edit]
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