Archival Record · Rugby
Knowsley Road
DEMOLISHED

Knowsley Road

1890-2010

St Helens, Merseyside, England

Historical Overview

St. Helens moved to Knowsley Road in 1890, defeating Manchester Rangers in their first match. Lord Derby opened the new pavilion on 26 December 1920. The ground's record crowd of 35,695 came on Boxing Day 1949 for the visit of Wigan. The Eccleston Kop covered enclosure, named after Supporters' Club Secretary George Eddington, opened in February 1951, and a new grandstand seating 2,400 was opened by Sir Harry Pilkington in August 1958. Floodlights were installed in 1965. Corporate facilities were added at the Dunriding Lane End in the 1970s and 1980s. The ground was renovated in 2006 and approved as a Test venue, hosting Great Britain vs New Zealand. Plans for a new stadium were announced in 2007, and Knowsley Road hosted its final match in 2010 before demolition in 2011.

Did You Know

Knowsley Road was home to St. Helens for 120 years, pre-dating the formation of rugby league itself by five years. The ground's record attendance of 35,695 was set on Boxing Day 1949 for the fierce local derby against Wigan. The Eddington End was a traditional Kop-style terrace and the tallest stand at the ground, known for intense derby-day chanting. The old Eccleston railway ran beneath the Main Stand, linking the Pilkington glass factory to the town centre. The stadium was also briefly home to Liverpool F.C. Reserves and St Helens Town FC. After demolition, housing built on the site was named Cunningham Grange after club legend Keiron Cunningham.

What Happened

This venue was demolished and no longer exists on this site.

Catalogue Card
Sport
Rugby
Years Active
1890-2010
Year Opened
1890
Year Closed
2010
Demolished
2011
Capacity at Peak
17,500
Former Team(s)
St. Helens RFC (1890-2010)
Location
St Helens, Merseyside, England
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