UK Stadiums: Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Windsor Park (aka The National Stadium or Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park for sponsorship reasons) in Belfast, Northern Ireland is the home ground of Linfield FC and the Northern Ireland national football team.
Linfield own the land the stadium stands on, while the Irish Football Association own and operate the stadium buildings and facilities. The IFA pay Linfield an annual rent for the use.
The stadium has hosted numerous high-profile international matches, including World Cup qualifiers and European Championship games, as well as the 2021 UEFA Super Cup between Chelsea and Villareal.
In addition, the ground is also the usual venue for the annual Irish Cup final (Clearer Water Irish Cup).
Capacity & Stands
The stadium has a capacity for 18,400 spectators. There are four stands. These are The North Stand - the largest; The South Stand; The East Stand behind one of the goals; The West Stand located behind the other goal.
The playing surface is natural turf with LED floodlighting in the roofs of the stands which has replaced the previous pylon-style floodlights.
History
Windsor Park first opened in 1905 with renovations carried out by Scottish architect Archibald Leitch in the 1930s. Leitch was a prolific stadium architect and designed or partially-designed a number of historic football grounds in the UK.
His work included Anfield, Bramall Lane, Celtic Park, Craven Cottage, Deepdale, Dens Park, Ewood Park, Goodison Park, Hampden Park, Hillsborough, Highbury, Ibrox, Molineux, Old Trafford, Pittodrie, Tynecastle Park and Villa Park among others.
Further renovations took place in the 1990s and 2010s, modernizing the facilities and enhancing fan experience.
Outside the stadium is a somewhat teased, bronze statue by local sculptor Tony Currie of Belfast-born boy and Manchester United legend George Best which was unveiled in 2019.
Linfield
Linfield FC, founded in 1886, is one of the most successful and historic football clubs in the country. Its support base is associated with the Protestant community in Northern Ireland as is that of rivals Glentoran. The club was one of the eight founding members of the Irish League in 1890 and also won the inaugural league title.
The team has since won a record number of domestic league titles - over 50 - and numerous Irish Cups, making them the most decorated club in Northern Irish football and the world's most successful club in terms of national championships won. Their rivalry with Glentoran, known as the "Big Two" rivalry, is well known.
The team are nicknamed "The Blues" and play in blue shirts and white shorts. Some players known to a wider audience who have an association with the club include former Wigan Athletic and Manchester United goalkeeper Roy Carroll and present coach David Healy who played for both Preston North End and Leeds United. Healy is the all-time leading scorer for Northern Ireland men's team with 36 goals.
Within the East Stand is the Education and Heritage Centre of the Irish Football Association (IFA), a museum dedicated to the history of Irish football. Admission to the interactive museum also includes a tour of the stadium.
Accessibility
The stadium is fully accessible with disabled parking available.
Access - Getting There
From Belfast International Airport (BFS) take a 300a bus to Grand Central Station (about 45 minutes) and then a Portadown Line train to Adelaide Station. From here it is a 10-minute walk to the ground.
From Belfast City Airport (BHD; George Best Belfast City Airport) take a Bangor Line train to City Hospital and walk about 20 minutes
From Lanyon Place Station several buses run to the ground or take a Bangor Line train to City Hospital and walk (see above).
Address: Donegall Avenue, Belfast BT12 6LW
Nearby Hotels
If you wish to stay in Belfast try the 4-star Malone Hotel. Also near the ground and recommended are The Harrison and The Gregory on Eglantine Avenue.
See here for a complete listing of hotel accommodation in Belfast.
More UK Stadiums
Kirklees Stadium (John Smith's Stadium)
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