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Coordinates: 51°30′49″N 0°13′39″W / 51.5136°N 0.2274°W / 51.5136; -0.2274
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{{Short description|Stadium in London, England, 1908 to 1985}}
{{About|the stadium in London|other venues named White City Stadium|White City (disambiguation){{!}}White City}}
{{About|the stadium in London|other venues named White City Stadium|White City (disambiguation){{!}}White City}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2014}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2014}}
⚫
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Infobox venue
{{Infobox venue
| name = White City Stadium
| name = White City Stadium
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| location = [[White City, London]], [[England]]
| location = [[White City, London]], [[England]]
| coordinates = {{coord|51.5136|N|0.2274|W|type:landmark_region:GB-HMF_source:enwiki-osgb36(TQ231809)|display=it}}<!-- Note: WGS84 lat/long, converted from OSGB36 grid ref -->
| coordinates = {{coord|51.5136|N|0.2274|W|type:landmark_region:GB-HMF_source:enwiki-osgb36(TQ231809)|display=it}}<!-- Note: WGS84 lat/long, converted from OSGB36 grid ref -->
| broke ground = 1907
| broke ground = {{Start date and age|1907}}
| opened = 27 April 1908
| opened = {{Start date and age|df=y|1908|4|27}}
| closed = {{start date and age|1984}}
| closed = {{start date and age|1984}}
| demolished = 1985
| demolished = {{Start date and age|1985}}
| capacity = 93,000<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2004/05_may/11/mv_history.pdf History of the White City Site] BBC</ref>
| capacity = 93,000<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2004/05_may/11/mv_history.pdf History of the White City Site] BBC</ref>
| surface = Grass
| surface = Grass
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}}
}}


The '''White City Stadium''' was a [[stadium]] located in [[White City, London|White City]], [[London]], England. Built for the [[1908 Summer Olympics]], it hosted the finish of the first modern marathon and other sports like swimming, speedway, boxing, show jumping, athletics, stock car racing, concerts and a match at the [[1966 FIFA World Cup|1966 World Cup]].
'''White City Stadium''' in [[London]], England, was built for the [[1908 Summer Olympics]]. It hosted the finish of the first modern marathon and swimming, speedway, boxing, show jumping, athletics, stock car racing, concerts and a match at the [[1966 FIFA World Cup|1966 World Cup]].


From 1927 it was a venue for greyhound racing, hosting the [[English Greyhound Derby]] until its closure in 1984. The stadium was demolished in 1985 and the site is now occupied by [[BBC White City]].
From 1927, it was a venue for greyhound racing, hosting the [[English Greyhound Derby]] until its closure in 1984. The stadium was demolished in 1985 and the site is now occupied by [[White City Place]].


==History==
==History==
[[File:Franco-British Exhibition, 1908 (3057429205).jpg|thumb|left|The [[Franco-British Exhibition (1908)|1908 Franco-British Exhibition]] site seen from the air. The White City Stadium is to the right of the view]]
[[File:Franco-British Exhibition, 1908 (3057429205).jpg|thumb|left|The [[Franco-British Exhibition (1908)|1908 Franco-British Exhibition]] site seen from the air. The White City Stadium is to the right of the view]]
Designed by the engineer [[John Webster|J. J. Webster]] and completed in 10 months by [[George Wimpey]],<ref>White, p. 5</ref> on part of the site of the [[Franco-British Exhibition (1908)|Franco-British Exhibition]], this stadium with a seating capacity of 68,000 was opened by [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|King Edward VII]] on 27 April 1908 after the first stanchion had been placed in position by Lady Desborough on 2 August 1907. The cost of construction was [[Pound sterling|£]]60,000.<ref name=Zarnowski>{{cite journal|authorlink1=Frank Zarnowski | last = Zarnowski | first = C. Frank |date=Summer 1992 | title = A Look at Olympic Costs | journal = Citius, Altius, Fortius | volume = 1 | issue = 1 | pages = 16–32 | url = http://www.la84foundation.org/SportsLibrary/JOH/JOHv1n1/JOHv1n1f.pdf | accessdate =24 March 2007}}</ref> Upon completion, the stadium had a running track {{convert|24|ft|m|abbr=on|adj=mid|wide}} and three laps to the mile (536 m); outside there was a {{convert|35|ft|m|adj=mid|-wide}}, {{convert|660|yd|m|adj=on}} cycle track. The infield included a swimming and diving pool.
Designed by the engineer [[John Webster|J. J. Webster]] and completed in 10 months by [[George Wimpey]],<ref>White, p. 5</ref> on part of the site of the [[Franco-British Exhibition (1908)|Franco-British Exhibition]], this stadium with a seating capacity of 68,000 was opened by [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|King Edward VII]] on 27 April 1908 after the first stanchion had been placed in position by [[Ettie Grenfell, Baroness Desborough]] on 2 August 1907. The cost of construction was [[Pound sterling|£]]60,000.<ref name=Zarnowski>{{cite journal | author-link1 = Frank Zarnowski | last = Zarnowski | first = C. Frank | date = Summer 1992 | title = A Look at Olympic Costs | journal = Citius, Altius, Fortius | volume = 1 | issue = 1 | pages = 16–32 | url = http://www.la84foundation.org/SportsLibrary/JOH/JOHv1n1/JOHv1n1f.pdf | access-date = 24 March 2007 | archive-date = 16 January 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130116184454/http://www.la84foundation.org/SportsLibrary/JOH/JOHv1n1/JOHv1n1f.pdf | url-status = dead }}</ref> Upon completion, the stadium had a running track {{convert|24|ft|m|abbr=on|adj=mid|wide}} and three laps to the mile (536 m); outside there was a {{convert|35|ft|m|adj=mid|-wide}}, {{convert|660|yd|m|adj=on}} cycle track. The infield included a swimming and diving pool.


Many events of the [[1908 Olympics]] were at the stadium itself whereas nowadays there are many arenas. [[Rugby union at the 1908 Summer Olympics|The Olympic rugby union final]] between [[Australia]] and [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|Great Britain]] was held in the stadium on 26 October 1908<ref>The First Hundred Years - The story of rugby in Cornwall by Tom Salmon 1983 (published by the Cornwall RFU)</ref><ref>[http://www.la84foundation.org/6oic/OfficialReports/1908/1908.pdf 1908 Summer Olympics official report. pp. 32-5, 40.]</ref> and events such as archery and gymnastics took place at White City, while some others took place at [[Queens Club]]. Swimming was held at White City, in a 100 metres long pool dug in the infield.
Many events of the [[1908 Olympics]] were at the stadium itself whereas nowadays there are many arenas. [[Rugby union at the 1908 Summer Olympics|The Olympic rugby union final]] between [[Australia]] and [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|Great Britain]] was held in the stadium on 26 October 1908<ref>The First Hundred Years - The story of rugby in Cornwall by Tom Salmon 1983 (published by the Cornwall RFU)</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://digital.la84.org/digital/collection/p17103coll8/id/9081/rec/6|title=Official Report 1908 page 1|website=digital.la84.org}}</ref> and events such as archery and gymnastics took place at White City, while some others took place at [[Queens Club]]. Swimming was held at White City, in a 100 metres long pool dug in the infield.


[[File:White City Stadium 1908.jpg|thumb|350px|The White City Stadium during the 1908 Summer Olympics]]
[[File:White City Stadium 1908.jpg|thumb|350px|The White City Stadium during the 1908 Summer Olympics]]
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The original running track continued in use until 1914. There were attempts to sell the stadium in 1922, but several athletes in the team for the [[1924 Summer Olympics]] used it for training.
The original running track continued in use until 1914. There were attempts to sell the stadium in 1922, but several athletes in the team for the [[1924 Summer Olympics]] used it for training.


In 1926 the GRA ([[Greyhound Racing Association]]) took over the stadium and in 1927, the track was grassed over for [[greyhound racing]] and [[motorcycle speedway|speedway]]. They built new covered terracing and a restaurant. From 1927 until its closure it hosted weekly greyhound meetings and was considered the top greyhound track in Britain. It hosted the sport's premier event, the [[English Greyhound Derby]], until 1984. Just before and after the Second World War attendances were huge, a record 92,000 spectators attended the 1939 Derby final.
In 1926, the GRA ([[Greyhound Racing Association]]) took over the stadium and in 1927, the track was grassed over for [[greyhound racing]] and [[motorcycle speedway|speedway]]. They built new covered terracing and a restaurant. From 1927 until its closure, it hosted weekly greyhound meetings and was considered the top greyhound track in Britain. It hosted the sport's premier event, the [[English Greyhound Derby]], until 1984. Just before and after the Second World War attendances were huge, a record 92,000 spectators attended the 1939 Derby final.


In 1931, a 440yd running track was installed for the [[Amateur Athletic Association]] Championships, held there from 1932 to 1970. Besides the AAA championships, major athletics events, including international matches, were held at the stadium. In 1954 in a match against Russia [[Christopher Chataway]] broke the world 5000m record running against [[Vladimir Kuts]]. The one mile world record was broken there by [[Derek Ibbotson]] in 1957. In 1934 the [[1934 British Empire Games|second British Empire Games]] and the [[1934 Women's World Games|fourth Women's World Games]] were held at the venue.
In 1931, a 440yd running track was installed for the [[Amateur Athletic Association]] Championships, held there from 1932 to 1970. Besides the AAA championships, major athletics events, including international matches, were held at the stadium. In 1954, in a match against Russia [[Christopher Chataway]] broke the world 5000m record running against [[Vladimir Kuts]]. The one mile world record was broken there by [[Derek Ibbotson]] in 1957. In 1934, the [[1934 British Empire Games|second British Empire Games]] and the [[1934 Women's World Games|fourth Women's World Games]] were held at the venue.


Also in 1931, [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.]] began the first of two spells playing at the stadium, until 1933 (the second spell was from 1962–63). QPR eventually decided against a permanent move to White City and stayed at [[Loftus Road]].
Also in 1931, [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.]] began the first of two spells playing at the stadium, until 1933 (the second spell was from 1962 to 1963). QPR eventually decided against a permanent move to White City and stayed at [[Loftus Road]].
[[File:Canada-United States football game at White City Stadium, London, 1944.jpg|thumb|left|Team captains shake hands after a [[Canada national American football team|Canada]]-[[United States national American football team|United States]] [[American football]] game at White City Stadium, 14 February 1944]]
[[File:Canada-United States football game at White City Stadium, London, 1944.jpg|thumb|left|Team captains shake hands after a [[Canada national American football team|Canada]]-[[United States national American football team|United States]] [[American football]] game at White City Stadium, 14 February 1944]]
Between 1932 and 1958 the stadium hosted major British boxing events, with attendances peaking as high as 90,000 for the second meeting between [[Len Harvey]] and [[Jack Petersen (boxer)|Jack Petersen]] in 1934. The first major fight at the stadium was Len Harvey’s unsuccessful challenge for the NBA Middleweight Championship versus [[Marcel Thil]] of France. Future heavyweight champion [[Primo Carnera]] suffered his only defeat on British soil here when he lost to Canadian [[Larry Gains]] in May 1932. Other important fighters to appear at White City include [[Jock McAvoy]], [[Don Cockell]], [[Nino Valdez]], [[Henry Cooper]] and [[Terry Downes]].
Between 1932 and 1958, the stadium hosted major British boxing events, with attendances peaking as high as 90,000 for the second meeting between [[Len Harvey]] and [[Jack Petersen (boxer)|Jack Petersen]] in 1934. The first major fight at the stadium was Len Harvey's unsuccessful challenge for the NBA Middleweight Championship versus [[Marcel Thil]] of France. Future heavyweight champion [[Primo Carnera]] suffered his only defeat on British soil here when he lost to Canadian [[Larry Gains]] in May 1932. Other important fighters to appear at White City include [[Jock McAvoy]], [[Don Cockell]], [[Nino Valdez]], [[Henry Cooper]] and [[Terry Downes]].


In 1933, Wigan Highfield, a [[rugby league]] side, nearly became bankrupt. White City Company, owners of the stadium, decided to move the club to [[White City, London|White City]]. Previously, only [[rugby union]] had been popular in southern England, professional [[rugby league]] being the preserve of northern towns and cities. [[Liverpool Stanley#Wigan Highfield - 1880-1895 and 1902-1933|Wigan Highfield]] became [[Liverpool Stanley#London Highfield - 1933|London Highfield]] with their debts paid. Their first try was scored by George "Porky" Davies, who went on to play for [[Liverpool Stanley#Liverpool Stanley - 1934-1951 and the second Liverpool City - 1951-1968|Liverpool Stanley]] and then [[St Helens R.F.C.|St. Helens]] from 1938 to 1947. The White City Company lost money on the venture and decided not to continue with rugby league. London Highfield was the precursor to [[London Broncos]], the current leading rugby league club in London.
In 1933, Wigan Highfield, a [[rugby league]] side, nearly became bankrupt. White City Company, owners of the stadium, decided to move the club to [[White City, London|White City]]. Previously, only [[rugby union]] had been popular in southern England, professional [[rugby league]] being the preserve of northern towns and cities. [[Liverpool Stanley#Wigan Highfield - 1880-1895 and 1902-1933|Wigan Highfield]] became [[Liverpool Stanley#London Highfield - 1933|London Highfield]] with their debts paid. Their first try was scored by George "Porky" Davies, who went on to play for [[Liverpool Stanley#Liverpool Stanley - 1934-1951 and the second Liverpool City - 1951-1968|Liverpool Stanley]] and then [[St Helens R.F.C.|St. Helens]] from 1938 to 1947. The White City Company lost money on the venture and decided not to continue with rugby league. London Highfield was the precursor to [[London Broncos]], the current leading rugby league club in London.


In 1966, [[Wembley Stadium (1924)|Wembley's]] owner's refusal to cancel regular greyhound racing meant the match between [[Uruguay national football team|Uruguay]] and [[France national football team|France]] in the [[1966 FIFA World Cup]] was played at White City. The game attracted 45,662 fans.
In 1966, [[Wembley Stadium (1924)|Wembley's]] owner's refusal to cancel regular greyhound racing meant the match between [[Uruguay national football team|Uruguay]] and [[France national football team|France]] in the [[1966 FIFA World Cup]] was played at White City. The game attracted 45,662 fans.


The stadium was demolished in 1985 and the site is now occupied by [[BBC White City]].
The stadium was demolished in 1985 and the site is now occupied by [[White City Place]] (formerly BBC White City).


==Greyhound Racing==
==Greyhound racing==
{{main|White City Greyhounds}}
{{main|White City Greyhounds}}


White City Stadium was principally used for [[greyhound racing]] for the majority of its existence. The first greyhound meeting took place on 20 June 1927.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.stainforthonline.co.uk/2001/meadow_court_racing_history.htm | title = A Concise History Greyhound Racing | accessdate = 2012-08-07 | publisher = Stainforth OnLine}}</ref>
White City Stadium was principally used for [[greyhound racing]] for the majority of its existence. The first greyhound meeting took place on 20 June 1927.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.stainforthonline.co.uk/2001/meadow_court_racing_history.htm | title = A Concise History Greyhound Racing | access-date = 2012-08-07 | publisher = Stainforth OnLine | archive-date = 4 March 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304032250/http://www.stainforthonline.co.uk/2001/meadow_court_racing_history.htm | url-status = dead }}</ref>
The stadium became the Mecca of greyhound racing with tens of thousands of spectators attending meetings on a regular basis, particularly in the 1940s, and 1950s. A crowd of 92,000 attended the [[1939 English Greyhound Derby]] final.<ref>{{cite book|last=Dack|first=Barrie|title=Greyhound Derby, the first 60 years|year=1990|publisher=Ringpress Books|isbn=0-948955-36-8}}</ref>
The stadium became the Mecca of greyhound racing with tens of thousands of spectators attending meetings on a regular basis, particularly in the 1940s, and 1950s. A crowd of 92,000 attended the [[1939 English Greyhound Derby]] final.<ref>{{cite book|last=Dack|first=Barrie|title=Greyhound Derby, the first 60 years|year=1990|publisher=Ringpress Books|isbn=0-948955-36-8}}</ref>


===Competitions===
===Competitions===
The track was renowned for holding some of the sports top events in addition to the [[English Greyhound Derby]]. They included the [[The Grand National - Greyhounds|Grand National]], the [[The Oaks - Greyhounds|Oaks]], the Wood Lane Stakes, the Longcross Cup and the Cambridgeshire.<ref>{{cite book|last=Genders|first=Roy|title=The National Greyhound Racing Club Book of Greyhound Racing|year=1990|publisher=pelhambooks|isbn=0-7207-1804-X}}</ref> The final Greyhound Derby was held on 23 June 1984.
The track was renowned for holding some of the sport's top events in addition to the [[English Greyhound Derby]]. They included the [[Grand National (greyhounds)|Grand National]], the [[Oaks (greyhounds)|Oaks]], the Wood Lane Stakes, the Longcross Cup and [[The Cambridgeshire]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Genders|first=Roy|title=The National Greyhound Racing Club Book of Greyhound Racing|year=1990|publisher=pelhambooks|isbn=0-7207-1804-X}}</ref> The final Greyhound Derby was held on 23 June 1984.


==Speedway==
==Speedway==
The [[motorcycle speedway|speedway track]] at White City was {{convert|380|m|yd|abbr=off}} in length.
The [[motorcycle speedway|speedway track]] at White City was {{convert|380|m|yd|abbr=off}} in length.


The White City stadium first held open speedway meetings in 1928 before the start of the Southern League, in 1929. A team from the stadium known as White City (London) entered the 1929 Southern League where they finished in 7th place out of 11 teams (after Birmingham (Hall Green) resigned for the league after racing 7 league matches). The White City team were due to race in the 1930 Southern League, but they withdrew from the league before it started. The stadium then ran once again using an Open Licence and held occasional one-off meetings between (1953–58, 1961) until a new league team was formed, from the Oxford 'Rebels' in 1976.
The White City stadium first held open speedway meetings in 1928 before the start of the Southern League, in 1929. A team from the stadium known as White City (London) entered the 1929 Southern League where they finished in 7th place out of 11 teams (after Birmingham (Hall Green) resigned for the league after racing 7 league matches). The White City team were due to race in the 1930 Southern League, but they withdrew from the league before it started. The stadium then ran once again using an Open Licence and held occasional one-off meetings between (1953–1958, 1961) until a new league team was formed, from the Oxford 'Rebels' in 1976.


From 1976 until 1978, the stadium was home to [[White City Rebels]] speedway team.<ref>Bamford, R & Jarvis J.(2001). ''Homes of British Speedway''. {{ISBN|0-7524-2210-3}}</ref> The team closed after only three seasons due to poor crowds levels, despite finishing the 1977 season as champions of the [[Speedway British League|British League]]. The Rebels' most notable rider was [[England national speedway team|England]] International [[Gordon Kennett]]. Other notable riders were [[Steve Weatherley]], [[Trevor Geer]], [[Poland]]'s [[Marek Cieślak]] and multiple [[Finland|Finnish]] champion [[Kai Niemi]] and [[Colin Watson (speedway rider)|Colin Watson]] (pre war).<ref>Jacobs, N. ''Speedway in London'', {{ISBN|0-7524-2221-9}}</ref>
From 1976 until 1978, the stadium was home to [[White City Rebels]] speedway team.<ref>Bamford, R. & Jarvis, J. (2001). ''Homes of British Speedway''. {{ISBN|0-7524-2210-3}}</ref> The team closed after only three seasons due to poor crowds levels, despite finishing the 1977 season as champions of the [[Speedway British League|British League]]. The Rebels' most notable rider was [[England national speedway team|England]] International [[Gordon Kennett]]. Other notable riders were [[Steve Weatherley]], [[Trevor Geer]], [[Poland]]'s [[Marek Cieślak]] and multiple [[Finland|Finnish]] champion [[Kai Niemi]] and [[Colin Watson (speedway rider)|Colin Watson]] (pre war).<ref>Jacobs, N. ''Speedway in London'', {{ISBN|0-7524-2221-9}}</ref>


From 1979-83 the stadium once again raced using an Open Licence hosting a number of high-profile [[Speedway World Championship]] qualifying rounds, including the Overseas and [[Intercontinental Final|Intercontinental]] Finals during the 1970s, and 1980s. It also hosted the Final of the [[Speedway World Team Cup]] in [[1976 Speedway World Team Cup|1976]], [[1979 Speedway World Team Cup|1979]] and [[1982 Speedway World Team Cup|1982]].
From 1979 to 1983 the stadium once again raced using an Open Licence hosting a number of high-profile [[Speedway World Championship]] qualifying rounds, including the Overseas and [[Intercontinental Final|Intercontinental]] Finals during the 1970s, and 1980s. It also hosted the Final of the [[Speedway World Team Cup]] in [[1976 Speedway World Team Cup|1976]], [[1979 Speedway World Team Cup|1979]] and [[1982 Speedway World Team Cup|1982]].


Following the end of speedway at the [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley Stadium]] after the [[1981 Individual Speedway World Championship|1981 World Final]], White City became the home of international speedway in Great Britain until it was closed in 1984. Following this international speedway moved out of London and north to [[Odsal Stadium]] in [[Bradford]].
Following the end of speedway at the [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley Stadium]] after the [[1981 Individual Speedway World Championship|1981 World Final]], White City became the home of international speedway in Great Britain until it was closed in 1984. Following this international speedway moved out of London and north to [[Odsal Stadium]] in [[Bradford]].
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====World Team Cup====
====World Team Cup====
* [[1976 Speedway World Team Cup|1976]] - {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Australia national speedway team|Australia]] ([[John Boulger]] / [[Phil Crump]] / [[Billy Sanders]] / [[Phil Herne]] / [[Garry Middleton]]) - 42pts
* [[1976 Speedway World Team Cup|1976]] – {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Australia national speedway team|Australia]] ([[John Boulger]] / [[Phil Crump]] / [[Billy Sanders]] / [[Phil Herne]] / [[Garry Middleton]]) – 42 pts
* [[1979 Speedway World Team Cup|1979]] - {{flagicon|NZL}} [[New Zealand national speedway team|New Zealand]] ([[Ivan Mauger]] / [[Larry Ross]] / [[Mitch Shirra]] / [[Bruce Cribb]] / [[Roger Abel (speedway rider)|Roger Abel]]) - 35pts
* [[1979 Speedway World Team Cup|1979]] – {{flagicon|NZL}} [[New Zealand national speedway team|New Zealand]] ([[Ivan Mauger]] / [[Larry Ross (speedway rider)|Larry Ross]] / [[Mitch Shirra]] / [[Bruce Cribb]] / [[Roger Abel (speedway rider)|Roger Abel]]) – 35 pts
* [[1982 Speedway World Team Cup|1982]] - {{flagicon|USA}} [[United States national speedway team|United States]] ([[Bruce Penhall]] / [[Bobby Schwartz]] / [[Kelly Moran (speedway rider)|Kelly Moran]] / [[Shawn Moran]] / [[Scott Autrey]]) - 34pts
* [[1982 Speedway World Team Cup|1982]] – {{flagicon|USA}} [[United States national speedway team|United States]] ([[Bruce Penhall]] / [[Bobby Schwartz]] / [[Kelly Moran (speedway rider)|Kelly Moran]] / [[Shawn Moran]] / [[Scott Autrey]]) – 34 pts


==Appearances in the media==
==Appearances in the media==


The White City Stadium features in the climax to the 1950 film ''[[The Blue Lamp]]''. It also appears in an episode, named "Man From the Dead", of 1960s television spy series ''[[Man in a Suitcase]]'' and was used in the 1973 film ''[[Steptoe and Son Ride Again]]''. Some sections of the video for [[The Human League]] single "[[Life On Your Own]]" were shot in the stadium in 1984, just a few months before its demolition.
The White City Stadium features in the climax to the 1950 film ''[[The Blue Lamp]]''. It also appears in an episode of 1960s television spy series ''[[Man in a Suitcase]]'' ("Man From the Dead"), and was used in the 1973 film ''[[Steptoe and Son Ride Again]]''. Some sections of the video for [[The Human League]] single "[[Life On Your Own]]" were shot in the stadium in 1984, just a few months before its demolition.


The stadium is shown in the 1956 comedy centred on greyhound racing ''[[Jumping for Joy]]''. It was also shown in the 1960 episode of 77 Sunset Strip, "The Double Death of Benny Markham".
⚫
The stadium was the location of a famous public outburst by [[Ray Davies]] of [[The Kinks]] during a July 1973 performance.<ref name="Hinman 174">Hinman, Doug (2004). p.&nbsp;174</ref> Davies swore onstage,<ref name="Days">Hollingsworth, Roy (21 July 1973). "Thank you for the days, Ray". ''[[Melody Maker]]''.</ref> and at the show's conclusion, as pretaped music played on the sound system, declared his retirement from the group.<ref name="Hinman 174"/><ref name="Days"/> He subsequently collapsed after a drug overdose and was rushed to hospital.<ref name="Hinman 174"/><ref name="Independent">George, Chris (27 August 1994). "The Kitchen Sink Kink". ''[[The Independent]]''.</ref> He would eventually recover and return to recording with The Kinks.<ref>Portions of the preceding paragraph copied from the Wikipedia article [[The Kinks]], section "Theatrical Incarnation: 1973–1976"</ref>


⚫
The stadium was the location of a public outburst by [[Ray Davies]] of [[The Kinks]] during a July 1973 performance.<ref name="Hinman 174">Hinman, Doug (2004). p.&nbsp;174</ref> Davies swore onstage,<ref name="Days">Hollingsworth, Roy (21 July 1973). "Thank you for the days, Ray". ''[[Melody Maker]]''.</ref> and at the show's conclusion, as pretaped music played on the sound system, declared his retirement from the group.<ref name="Hinman 174"/><ref name="Days"/> He subsequently collapsed after a drug overdose and was rushed to hospital.<ref name="Hinman 174"/><ref name="Independent">George, Chris (27 August 1994). "The Kitchen Sink Kink". ''[[The Independent]]''.</ref> He would eventually recover and return to recording with The Kinks.<ref>Portions of the preceding paragraph copied from the Wikipedia article [[The Kinks]], section "Theatrical Incarnation: 1973–1976"</ref>
⚫
At a [[David Cassidy]] show on 26 May 1974, 800 people were injured in a crush at the front of the stage.<ref>{{cite news | title = 14 girls hurt in crush at Cassidy concert | date = 27 May 1974 | work = The Times }}</ref> Thirty were taken to hospital, and one, 14-year-old Bernadette Whelan, died on 30 May from injuries.

⚫
At a [[David Cassidy]] show on 26 May 1974, 800 people were injured in a crush at the front of the stage.<ref>{{cite news | title = 14 girls hurt in crush at Cassidy concert | date = 27 May 1974 | work = The Times }}</ref> Thirty were taken to hospital, and one, 14-year-old Bernadette Whelan, died on 30 May from injuries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.goldminemag.com/columns/death-teenybopper|title=The death of a teenybopper|first=Dave|last=Thompson|website=Goldmine Magazine: Record Collector & Music Memorabilia|date=31 May 2016 }}</ref>


[[The Pogues]] made a song about the stadium and its demolition, called "White City". It can be found on their 1989 album ''[[Peace and Love (The Pogues album)|Peace and Love]]''.
[[The Pogues]] made a song about the stadium and its demolition, called "White City". It can be found on their 1989 album ''[[Peace and Love (The Pogues album)|Peace and Love]]''.
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==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|33em}}
{{Reflist}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
* {{cite book|first=Valerie|last= White|title=Wimpey: The first hundred years|publisher=George Wimpey|date=1980}}
* {{cite book|first=Valerie|last= White|title=Wimpey: The first hundred years|publisher=George Wimpey|year=1980}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Commons category|White City Stadium}}
{{Commons category|White City Stadium}}
* [http://www.la21.org.uk/whitecity/stadium.html White City Stadium and BBC radio]
* [http://www.la21.org.uk/whitecity/stadium.html White City Stadium and BBC radio] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040803210923/http://www.la21.org.uk/whitecity/stadium.html |date=3 August 2004 }}
* [http://www.whitecitydevelopment.com/history.asp White City Development - History]
* [http://www.whitecitydevelopment.com/history.asp White City Development - History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418001934/http://www.whitecitydevelopment.com/history.asp |date=18 April 2009 }}
* [http://betting.betfair.com/greyhound-racing/lost-tracks/remembering-white-city-the-gov-061207.html Remembering White City - 'the governor' of lost tracks] Article on Betfair.com
* [http://betting.betfair.com/greyhound-racing/lost-tracks/remembering-white-city-the-gov-061207.html Remembering White City - 'the governor' of lost tracks] Article on Betfair.com
*{{oscoor gbx|TQ231809}}
*{{oscoor gbx|TQ231809}}
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{{1966 FIFA World Cup stadiums}}
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Latest revision as of 03:42, 27 November 2024

This article is about the stadium in London. For other venues named White City Stadium, see White City.

White City Stadium
The stadium during the 1908 Summer Olympics
Map
LocationWhite City, London, England
Coordinates51°30′49″N 0°13′39″W / 51.5136°N 0.2274°W / 51.5136; -0.2274
Capacity93,000[1]
SurfaceGrass
Construction
Broke ground1907; 117 years ago (1907)
Opened27 April 1908; 116 years ago (1908-04-27)
Closed1984; 40 years ago (1984)
Demolished1985; 39 years ago (1985)
Tenants

White City Stadium in London, England, was built for the 1908 Summer Olympics. It hosted the finish of the first modern marathon and swimming, speedway, boxing, show jumping, athletics, stock car racing, concerts and a match at the 1966 World Cup.

From 1927, it was a venue for greyhound racing, hosting the English Greyhound Derby until its closure in 1984. The stadium was demolished in 1985 and the site is now occupied by White City Place.

History

[edit]
The 1908 Franco-British Exhibition site seen from the air. The White City Stadium is to the right of the view

Designed by the engineer J. J. Webster and completed in 10 months by George Wimpey,[2] on part of the site of the Franco-British Exhibition, this stadium with a seating capacity of 68,000 was opened by King Edward VII on 27 April 1908 after the first stanchion had been placed in position by Ettie Grenfell, Baroness Desborough on 2 August 1907. The cost of construction was £60,000.[3] Upon completion, the stadium had a running track 24 ft wide (7.3 m) and three laps to the mile (536 m); outside there was a 35-foot-wide (11 m), 660-yard (600 m) cycle track. The infield included a swimming and diving pool.

Many events of the 1908 Olympics were at the stadium itself whereas nowadays there are many arenas. The Olympic rugby union final between Australia and Great Britain was held in the stadium on 26 October 1908[4][5] and events such as archery and gymnastics took place at White City, while some others took place at Queens Club. Swimming was held at White City, in a 100 metres long pool dug in the infield.

The White City Stadium during the 1908 Summer Olympics

The position of the finish line for the marathon in the 1908 Summer Olympics is commemorated by a marker in the plaza that now stands there. The distance of the modern marathon was fixed at these Games and calculated from the start of the race at Windsor Castle to a point in front of the royal box. The medal table for the 1908 Summer Olympics is also listed on a nearby wall.[6]

The original running track continued in use until 1914. There were attempts to sell the stadium in 1922, but several athletes in the team for the 1924 Summer Olympics used it for training.

In 1926, the GRA (Greyhound Racing Association) took over the stadium and in 1927, the track was grassed over for greyhound racing and speedway. They built new covered terracing and a restaurant. From 1927 until its closure, it hosted weekly greyhound meetings and was considered the top greyhound track in Britain. It hosted the sport's premier event, the English Greyhound Derby, until 1984. Just before and after the Second World War attendances were huge, a record 92,000 spectators attended the 1939 Derby final.

In 1931, a 440yd running track was installed for the Amateur Athletic Association Championships, held there from 1932 to 1970. Besides the AAA championships, major athletics events, including international matches, were held at the stadium. In 1954, in a match against Russia Christopher Chataway broke the world 5000m record running against Vladimir Kuts. The one mile world record was broken there by Derek Ibbotson in 1957. In 1934, the second British Empire Games and the fourth Women's World Games were held at the venue.

Also in 1931, Queens Park Rangers F.C. began the first of two spells playing at the stadium, until 1933 (the second spell was from 1962 to 1963). QPR eventually decided against a permanent move to White City and stayed at Loftus Road.

Team captains shake hands after a Canada-United States American football game at White City Stadium, 14 February 1944

Between 1932 and 1958, the stadium hosted major British boxing events, with attendances peaking as high as 90,000 for the second meeting between Len Harvey and Jack Petersen in 1934. The first major fight at the stadium was Len Harvey's unsuccessful challenge for the NBA Middleweight Championship versus Marcel Thil of France. Future heavyweight champion Primo Carnera suffered his only defeat on British soil here when he lost to Canadian Larry Gains in May 1932. Other important fighters to appear at White City include Jock McAvoy, Don Cockell, Nino Valdez, Henry Cooper and Terry Downes.

In 1933, Wigan Highfield, a rugby league side, nearly became bankrupt. White City Company, owners of the stadium, decided to move the club to White City. Previously, only rugby union had been popular in southern England, professional rugby league being the preserve of northern towns and cities. Wigan Highfield became London Highfield with their debts paid. Their first try was scored by George "Porky" Davies, who went on to play for Liverpool Stanley and then St. Helens from 1938 to 1947. The White City Company lost money on the venture and decided not to continue with rugby league. London Highfield was the precursor to London Broncos, the current leading rugby league club in London.

In 1966, Wembley's owner's refusal to cancel regular greyhound racing meant the match between Uruguay and France in the 1966 FIFA World Cup was played at White City. The game attracted 45,662 fans.

The stadium was demolished in 1985 and the site is now occupied by White City Place (formerly BBC White City).

Greyhound racing

[edit]
Main article: White City Greyhounds

White City Stadium was principally used for greyhound racing for the majority of its existence. The first greyhound meeting took place on 20 June 1927.[7] The stadium became the Mecca of greyhound racing with tens of thousands of spectators attending meetings on a regular basis, particularly in the 1940s, and 1950s. A crowd of 92,000 attended the 1939 English Greyhound Derby final.[8]

Competitions

[edit]

The track was renowned for holding some of the sport's top events in addition to the English Greyhound Derby. They included the Grand National, the Oaks, the Wood Lane Stakes, the Longcross Cup and The Cambridgeshire.[9] The final Greyhound Derby was held on 23 June 1984.

Speedway

[edit]

The speedway track at White City was 380 metres (420 yards) in length.

The White City stadium first held open speedway meetings in 1928 before the start of the Southern League, in 1929. A team from the stadium known as White City (London) entered the 1929 Southern League where they finished in 7th place out of 11 teams (after Birmingham (Hall Green) resigned for the league after racing 7 league matches). The White City team were due to race in the 1930 Southern League, but they withdrew from the league before it started. The stadium then ran once again using an Open Licence and held occasional one-off meetings between (1953–1958, 1961) until a new league team was formed, from the Oxford 'Rebels' in 1976.

From 1976 until 1978, the stadium was home to White City Rebels speedway team.[10] The team closed after only three seasons due to poor crowds levels, despite finishing the 1977 season as champions of the British League. The Rebels' most notable rider was England International Gordon Kennett. Other notable riders were Steve Weatherley, Trevor Geer, Poland's Marek Cieślak and multiple Finnish champion Kai Niemi and Colin Watson (pre war).[11]

From 1979 to 1983 the stadium once again raced using an Open Licence hosting a number of high-profile Speedway World Championship qualifying rounds, including the Overseas and Intercontinental Finals during the 1970s, and 1980s. It also hosted the Final of the Speedway World Team Cup in 1976, 1979 and 1982.

Following the end of speedway at the Wembley Stadium after the 1981 World Final, White City became the home of international speedway in Great Britain until it was closed in 1984. Following this international speedway moved out of London and north to Odsal Stadium in Bradford.

Speedway World Finals

[edit]

World Team Cup

[edit]

Appearances in the media

[edit]

The White City Stadium features in the climax to the 1950 film The Blue Lamp. It also appears in an episode of 1960s television spy series Man in a Suitcase ("Man From the Dead"), and was used in the 1973 film Steptoe and Son Ride Again. Some sections of the video for The Human League single "Life On Your Own" were shot in the stadium in 1984, just a few months before its demolition.

The stadium is shown in the 1956 comedy centred on greyhound racing Jumping for Joy. It was also shown in the 1960 episode of 77 Sunset Strip, "The Double Death of Benny Markham".

The stadium was the location of a public outburst by Ray Davies of The Kinks during a July 1973 performance.[12] Davies swore onstage,[13] and at the show's conclusion, as pretaped music played on the sound system, declared his retirement from the group.[12][13] He subsequently collapsed after a drug overdose and was rushed to hospital.[12][14] He would eventually recover and return to recording with The Kinks.[15]

At a David Cassidy show on 26 May 1974, 800 people were injured in a crush at the front of the stage.[16] Thirty were taken to hospital, and one, 14-year-old Bernadette Whelan, died on 30 May from injuries.[17]

The Pogues made a song about the stadium and its demolition, called "White City". It can be found on their 1989 album Peace and Love.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ History of the White City Site BBC
  2. ^ White, p. 5
  3. ^ Zarnowski, C. Frank (Summer 1992). "A Look at Olympic Costs" (PDF). Citius, Altius, Fortius. 1 (1): 16–32. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 January 2013. Retrieved 24 March 2007.
  4. ^ The First Hundred Years - The story of rugby in Cornwall by Tom Salmon 1983 (published by the Cornwall RFU)
  5. ^ "Official Report 1908 page 1". digital.la84.org.
  6. ^ The photographing of the plaques is not allowed without prior permission.
  7. ^ "A Concise History Greyhound Racing". Stainforth OnLine. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
  8. ^ Dack, Barrie (1990). Greyhound Derby, the first 60 years. Ringpress Books. ISBN 0-948955-36-8.
  9. ^ Genders, Roy (1990). The National Greyhound Racing Club Book of Greyhound Racing. pelhambooks. ISBN 0-7207-1804-X.
  10. ^ Bamford, R. & Jarvis, J. (2001). Homes of British Speedway. ISBN 0-7524-2210-3
  11. ^ Jacobs, N. Speedway in London, ISBN 0-7524-2221-9
  12. ^ a b c Hinman, Doug (2004). p. 174
  13. ^ a b Hollingsworth, Roy (21 July 1973). "Thank you for the days, Ray". Melody Maker.
  14. ^ George, Chris (27 August 1994). "The Kitchen Sink Kink". The Independent.
  15. ^ Portions of the preceding paragraph copied from the Wikipedia article The Kinks, section "Theatrical Incarnation: 1973–1976"
  16. ^ "14 girls hurt in crush at Cassidy concert". The Times. 27 May 1974.
  17. ^ Thompson, Dave (31 May 2016). "The death of a teenybopper". Goldmine Magazine: Record Collector & Music Memorabilia.

Sources

[edit]
  • White, Valerie (1980). Wimpey: The first hundred years. George Wimpey.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to White City Stadium.
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