Meadowbank Stadium: A History of Athletics and Football in Edinburgh
The story of Meadowbank is deeply intertwined with the sporting heritage of Edinburgh. Established as a hub for both track and field and association football, the site evolved through the mid-20th century, overcoming the disruptions of global conflict to serve as a premier venue for regional and international competition.
The Origins of New Meadowbank
Opened in 1934 by the Edinburgh Corporation (the local governing body of the time), the ground was designed for utility and open-air competition. In its early years, the facility was characterized by its simplicity, notably lacking any covered spectator facilities for those attending events.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]A Hub for International Athletics
New Meadowbank quickly established itself as a significant venue for athletics. Its capacity to host large-scale events made it a focal point for post-World War II sporting recovery. In 1946, it hosted the first athletics meet between England, Scotland, and Ireland since the end of the war, followed by another international meeting in 1947.
Beyond international fixtures, the stadium became a staple of the domestic sporting calendar. From 1952 until 1966, New Meadowbank served as the official home of the annual Scottish Amateur Athletics championship.
Football and the Impact of World War II
The relationship between Meadowbank and football was marked by the volatility of the 1940s. Before World War II, the football club Leith played their matches at Meadowbank. However, the onset of the war led to the ground being requisitioned by the British Army for use as a transport depot.
The military occupation resulted in the destruction of the stadium. When the Scottish Football League resumed in 1946, Leith found themselves without a home. Consequently, they were forced to play their home matches at the neighboring New Meadowbank during the 1946–47 season while rebuilding efforts began at their original site.
By the start of the 1947–48 season, the original ground—renamed Old Meadowbank—was reopened, allowing Leith to return to their traditional home.
Key Facts
- Opened: 1934 by the Edinburgh Corporation.
- Athletics Milestone: Hosted the first post-WWII meet between England, Scotland, and Ireland in 1946.
- Championships: Home to the Scottish Amateur Athletics championship (1952–1966).
- War Impact: The original ground was destroyed after being used as a British Army transport depot.
- Football Transition: Leith played at New Meadowbank during the 1946–47 season before returning to Old Meadowbank in 1947.
| Feature/Event | New Meadowbank | Old Meadowbank |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Early Use | International Athletics | Football (Leith) |
| Key Period | 1934 onwards | Pre-WWII and post-1947 |
| Notable Event | Scottish Amateur Athletics championship | Rebuilt after Army occupation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who opened the ground in 1934?
The ground was opened by the Edinburgh Corporation.
Did the stadium have covered seating for spectators?
No, the ground had no covered spectator facilities.
Which international athletics meet took place there in 1946?
It hosted the first post-World War II athletics meet between England, Scotland, and Ireland.
Why did Leith football club move to New Meadowbank in 1946?
Leith was forced to play at New Meadowbank during the 1946–47 season because their original ground had been destroyed after being used as a British Army transport depot during the war.
When did the Scottish Amateur Athletics championship take place at New Meadowbank?
The championship was hosted there annually from 1952 until 1966.