TheMadejski Stadium(/məˈdeɪski/), currently known as theSelect Car Leasing Stadiumfor sponsorship reasons, is afootballstadium inReading,Berkshire,England. It is the home ofReading Football Club,who play inEFL League One.It also provides the finish for theReading Half Marathon.It is anall-seaterbowl stadium with a capacity of 24,161 and is located close to theM4 motorwayandReading Green Park railway station.The West Stand contains the Voco Reading Hotel.
The Mad Stad[1] | |
 Aerial view of the stadium in 2014 | |
 | |
| Full name | Select Car Leasing Stadium |
|---|---|
| Location | Junction 11 M4 Reading Berkshire RG2 0FL |
| Coordinates | 51°25′20″N0°58′58″W/ 51.42222°N 0.98278°W |
| Public transit |  Reading Green Park(1.5km(0.9mi)) |
| Capacity | 24,161[2] |
| Record attendance | 24,184 (Readingv.Everton;17 November 2012) 23,709 (London Irish v. London Wasps; 16 March 2008) |
| Field size | 105m x 68m (football)[3] |
| Surface | SIS Grass |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 22 August 1998 |
| Construction cost | £50m (£111m in 2023) |
| Tenants | |
| Football Reading(1998–present) Reading Women(2020–present) Rugby Union London Irish(2000–2020) Richmond(1998–1999) | |
The stadium was opened on 22 August 1998 and replacedElm Parkas Reading's home ground. It was named afterJohn Madejski,who was chairman of Reading FC and provided most of the funding.
History
editIn January 1990, theTaylor Reportmade all-seater stadiums compulsory in the top two divisions of English football for the1994–95 season.Having played in the second tier of the English league several times before, Reading were champions ofDivision Twoin 1994, and were promoted to Division One. Reading became subject to the Taylor requirements. ConvertingElm Parkto an all-seater stadium was not practical, so a location in Smallmead (to the south of the town) was identified as the site for a new stadium.[4]The location of a closed landfill, the site was purchased for £1, on the condition that the club develop theA33 relief road.[5]Construction of the new stadium, which was undertaken byBirse Group,[6]was underway by 1997, and the last competitive match at Elm Park took place on 3 May 1998 againstNorwich City,with Reading losing 1–0, having already been relegated to Division Two.[7]
Reading began the1998–99 seasonat the Madejski Stadium.[4]It was opened on 22 August 1998 when Reading beatLuton Town3–0, withGrant Brebnerscoring the first goal at the stadium. Following the death of academy managerEamonn Dolanin 2016, the North Stand was renamed as a memorial to him.[8]
For the first time in its history, Reading Football Club participated in the Premier League in the2006–07 season.As a result of the sell-out crowds for their first few fixtures of the season, the club announced its intention, in October 2006,[9]to make a planning application to extend the ground to between 37,000 and 38,000 seats. The application was made on 24 January 2007, proposing initially the extension of the East Stand with a further 6,000 seats (raising capacity to around 30,000) and subsequently extension of the North and South Stands to reach the full proposed capacity.[10]
On 24 May 2007, it was announced that planning permission had been granted to extend the stadium to a capacity of 36,900.[11]The first phase will expand the East Stand by 6,600 seats. Work was set to start in mid-2008, after the initial plan of extending in 2007 was scrapped due to spectator seats being affected, during the work, already being sold to season ticket holders.
Reading's relegation from the Premier League in 2008 meant that all expansion plans were put on hold, but were revived when promotion was again achieved in 2012.[12]
Plans to expand the ground were again put on hold after Reading were relegated back to the Football League Championship at the end of the 2012–13 season after a goalless draw at home toQPRon 28 April 2013.
In July 2021, at the beginning of the 150th anniversary season, it was announced that the Madejski Stadium had been rebranded as the Select Car Leasing Stadium for the next ten years. In honour of Sir John Madejski, the East Stand was renamed asThe Sir John Madejski Stand.[13]
Structure and facilities
edit
The stadium cost more than £50m to build and the pitch incorporates a system of synthetic fibres interwoven with natural grass, installed at a cost of more than £750,000.[3]It is built on the site of alandfill siteand is surrounded bymethanevents.[citation needed]
The Eamonn Dolan Stand capacity is 4,946 including 25 spaces for wheelchairs.[14]Although in use for all Reading matches, the stand was normally closed for London Irish and only opened in exceptional circumstances where demand required.
The South Stand has a capacity of 4,350 including 29 wheelchair spaces and contains an area for visiting supporters. The initial allocation visiting teams received up until the 2022–23 season was 2,127 and is the half of the stand joining onto the West Stand. The other half of the South Stand is Club 1871, a home fans member area, which encourages safe standing to create a matchday atmosphere. Under the terms of their original lease, London Irish only utilised the South Stand for the most popular matches. However, with the original renegotiation and extension of the lease, the South Stand was used for all London Irish matches with an unreserved seating plan. London Irish sold season tickets for South Stand between2008and2014–15.Since 2015, with falling attendance at London Irish, the South Stand remained closed for rugby and only opened if required.
The Sir John Madejski Stand (East) has a capacity of 7,286 including 18 spaces for wheelchairs.[14]The stand also contains the stadium's video screen which is located in the corner adjoining the South Stand. The stand was open for all London Irish fixtures only until the end of the2015–16 seasonand again for the2017–18and2019–20seasons.
The West Stand, the stadium's main stand, has a capacity of 7,579 including 15 wheelchair spaces and contains a lower and an upper tier. The upper level does not overhang the lower tier and the executive boxes are located between the two tiers. The tunnel anddugoutsare located in this stand. During the2016–17and2018–19seasons, the West Stand was the only stand in regular use for London Irish home games. The outside of the stand contains the Voco Reading hotel, a member ofInterContinental Hotels Group'sVocochain]. From the 2023–24 season the initial allocation for visiting fans will be located in the upper west corner.
International football
editThe stadium has hosted fiveEngland under-21internationals. These were as follows.
| Year | Date | Opponents | Result | Attendance | Part of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 3 September |  Luxembourg |
5–0 | 18,094 | 2000 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification Group 5 |
| 2001 | 14 August |  Netherlands |
4–0 | 19,467 | International friendly |
| 2002 | 15 October |  Macedonia |
3–1 | 15,500 | 2004 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification Group 7 |
| 2006 | 28 February |  Norway |
2–2 | 15,022 | International friendly |
| 2013 | 5 September |  Moldova |
1–0 | 5,268 | 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification Group 1 |
AnEngland Bmatch was also held at the stadium.[15]
| Year | Date | Home | Result | Away | Attendance | Part of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 25 May |  England |
1–2 |  Belarus |
22,032 | International Friendly |
Other international matches.
| Year | Date | Team 1 | Result | Team 2 | Attendance | Part of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 7 September |  Australia |
2–1 |  Jamaica |
8,050 | International Friendly |
| 2013 | 7 September | Reading |
0–2 |  Oman |
Club v Country Friendly |
Rugby union
edit
Although a designated football stadium, the stadium was used regularly since opening forrugby union.Richmondwere the first rugby team to become Reading's tenants, using the stadium from its opening season in1998after outgrowing their original home ofRichmond Athletic Ground.This tenancy lasted only one season as Richmond went into administration and were nominally merged intoLondon Irish.
London Irish moved into the stadium in2000after a year of ground sharing withHarlequinsat theStoop Memorial GroundinTwickenham.On 11 January 2008, it was announced that London Irish had reached an agreement to continue playing home games at the stadium until 2026.[16]However, they were to leave after the2019–20 season.[17]London Irish played their last game at the stadium on1 March 2020when they were defeated byWasps.TheCOVID-19 pandemichad disrupted the season causing a premature end to their tenancy and forcing them to return to the Stoop for the remainder of the elongated season.
Irish saw their average crowds grow to more than 11,100 after moving to Reading in 2000, holding the record for the biggest rugby unionPremiershipattendance at a club ground, when 23,709 people saw Irish play Wasps (then London Wasps) on 16 March 2008.[18]This record stood until 19 September 2009, whenLeicester Tigersopened their new stand to increase capacity to 24,000.
In addition to London Irish home matches, the stadium has also hosted several knock out phases of European cup rugby where a neutral ground was required or where teams were required to play at a larger capacity ground.
| Year | Date | Home | Score | Away | Attendance | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 20 May | NEC Harlequins |
42–33 |  Narbonne |
11,211 | 2000–01 European Challenge Cup Final |
| 2003 | 25 May | Bath |
30–48 | London Wasps |
18,074 | 2002–03 Parker Pen Challenge Cup Final |
| 2004 | 22 May | Montferrand |
26–27 | NEC Harlequins |
13,123 | 2003–04 Parker Pen Challenge Cup Final |
| 2016 | 23 April | Saracens |
24–17 | Wasps |
16,820 | 2015–16 European Champions Cup Semi-final |
Music
editBesides football, the Madejski Stadium can be configured to hold other events, including concerts.
On 13 June 2004,Bustedplayed at the Madejski Stadium, with an attendance of 20,000.[19][20]
On 26 May 2005,Elton Johnplayed at the Madejski Stadium in front of a crowd of 24,000.[21][22]Reading FC supporters were given priority, with tickets going on sale on the 9 December 2004 ahead of the general sale on 14 December.[23]This was followed by XS Madness on 6 June, attended by 9,000. The event featured multiple performers includingMcFly,Rachel Stevens,Charlotte Church,BananaramaandMelanie C.[24][25]
Luciano Pavarottiwas due to perform the stadium on 1 July 2006, after being delayed from the 11 June due the singer's neck surgery to repair two vertebrae.[26]His final public performance was atopening ceremonyof the2006 Winter OlympicsinTurin,before his death in 2007 frompancreatic cancer.He underwent surgery in early July 2006, with all his remaining concerts being cancelled.[27]
On 3 July 2006, theRed Hot Chili Peppersplayed the Madejski Stadium as part of theirStadium Arcadium World Tour,[28]with a crowd of 28,000 turning up for the event.[29]
On 1 June 2013, the AllStarz Summer Party was held.JLSperformed, with the headliner beingJessie J.[30]
Other uses
editThe Madejski was selected as the venue for a charity friendly football match on 3 May 2006, featuring celebrities and football legends from England and Germany. The Match, namedEngland vs Germany: The Legendswas held to raise money for the Bobby Moore Fund and theBritish Red Crossand to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of England winning the1966 World Cup.The German team won the match 4–2, in an exact reversal of the score from 1966, in front of a crowd of 20,000.[31]
The stadium is also the final venue for the Reading Senior Cup.[32]
Runners finishing theReading Half Marathoncross the finish line inside the stadium. The stadium is also used as a hub for pre- and post-event services e.g. public transport terminus and bag drop during the day of the event.
A match from the2000 Rugby League World Cupwas also held here.
| Year | Date | Team 1 | Score | Team 2 | Attendance | Part of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 2 November | New Zealand |
84–10 |  Cook Islands |
3,982 | 2000 Rugby League World Cup Group 2 |
From February 2021 onwards, the stadium was used by theNHSas a mass vaccination centre as part of the nationwide vaccine rollout, at the height of theCOVID-19 pandemic.[33]
Records
editThe highest attendance at the stadium was 24,184 (apparently exceeding the stadium's stated capacity) on 17 November 2012 for the Premier League game withEvertonbeating the previous record of 24,160 set on 16 September 2012 for the Premier League game withTottenham Hotspur.The highest attendance for a cup match at the stadium was 24,107 on 3 December 2003 for theFootball League Cupmatch withChelsea.[34]
Highest attendances
edit| Opponent | Competition | Date | Attendance | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Everton | 2012–13 Premier League | 17 November 2012 | 24,184 | Stadium's stated capacity at the time was 24,242 |
| 2 | West Ham United | 2012–13 Premier League | 29 December 2012 | 24,183 | Stadium's stated capacity at the time was 24,242 |
| 3 | Tottenham Hotspur | 2012–13 Premier League | 16 September 2012 | 24,160 | |
| 4 | Manchester United | 2007–08 Premier League | 19 January 2008 | 24,134 | |
| 5 | Tottenham Hotspur | 2007–08 Premier League | 3 May 2008 | 24,125 | |
| 6 | Aston Villa | 2006–07 Premier League | 10 February 2007 | 24,122 | |
| 7 | Liverpool | 2006–07 Premier League | 7 April 2007 | 24,121 | |
| 8 | Newcastle United | 2007–08 Premier League | 27 October 2007 | 24,119 | |
| 9 | Fulham | 2007–08 Premier League | 12 April 2008 | 24,112 | |
| 10 | Tottenham Hotspur | 2006–07 Premier League | 12 November 2006 | 24,110 | |
| 11 | Newcastle United | 2006–07 Premier League | 30 April 2007 | 24,109 | |
| 12 | Chelsea | 2003–04 Football League Cup | 3 December 2003 | 24,107 |
Attendances by season
edit
Notes
- ^abThe average attendance figure includes league matches only.
- ^abSince 2004, London Irish have played a Premiership home match atTwickenham Stadium,Londonas part of theLondon Double Header.These matches are removed from the highest and average attendance figures to show only the highest and average attendances at the Madejski Stadium.
Transport
editOn Reading match days, the stadium is served by a network of special bus services provided byReading BusesandStagecoach Buses.Two of these (Reading Buses F1 and F2) provide regular shuttle services fromReading railway stationand from a park and ride site at Shinfield Park respectively. Fourteen further Reading Bus services provide links from various Reading suburbs and nearby towns and villages, includingNewburyandHenley on Thames.Stagecoach services provide links fromBasingstoke,Farnborough,WokinghamandBracknell.[41][42]
When no matches are taking place, the stadium can be reached from Reading town centre using Reading BusesGreenwaveservices.[43][44]
The stadium is also close toReading Green Park railway station,which also serves the adjacentGreen Park Business Park.It is on theReading–Basingstoke lineand opened in May 2023.[45]The new station is just under a 1-mile (1.6 km) walk from the stadium.
See also
editReferences
edit- Notes
- ^Low, Jonathan (23 September 2016)."Reading FC: Plans to expand Madejski Stadium are still on the agenda".getreading. Archived fromthe originalon 2 March 2017.Retrieved24 February2018.
- ^"Select Car Leasing Stadium information".readingfc.co.uk.Retrieved13 May2015.
- ^ab"Stadium pitch has been lengthened".readingfc.co.uk.2 July 2007. Archived fromthe originalon 22 August 2007.Retrieved23 January2015.
- ^ab"The Home Grounds of Reading FC".1871 – The Ultimate Reading FC Website. 2003. Archived fromthe originalon 15 October 2012.Retrieved2 June2011.
- ^Digby (2001,p. 46)
- ^"Birse to build Hull stadium".Leisure Opportunities. 25 September 2001.Retrieved20 September2020.
- ^Loader, Graham (1998)."Reading 0 Norwich City 1".Hob Nob Anyone?.Retrieved2 June2011.
- ^"The Eamonn Dolan Stand".Retrieved5 July2016.
- ^"Royals ready to extend Madejski".BBC Sport.21 September 2006.Retrieved28 January2007.
- ^"Plans for stadium expansion will be submitted to the Council later this week"(Press release).Reading F.C.22 January 2007. Archived fromthe originalon 9 June 2012.Retrieved23 January2015.
- ^"Committee Report by the Director of Environment Culture & Sport"(PDF).Reading Borough CouncilPlanning Applications Committee. 23 May 2007. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 6 April 2008.Retrieved23 January2015.
- ^"Anton Zingarevich makes Reading Premier League transfer list".BBC Sport.BBC. 18 April 2012.Retrieved6 May2012.
- ^"Welcome to the Select Car Leasing Stadium!".16 July 2021.
- ^abhttp://mobile.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~311866,00.html[permanent dead link]
- ^BBC Sport website, 25 May 2006
- ^"London Irish make long term commitment to Madejski Stadium".BBC.British Broadcasting Corporation.Retrieved11 January2012.
- ^"Back in Town — The Irish are Returning to London!".London Irish.18 December 2018.Retrieved18 December2018.
- ^"Walder inspires Wasps win".Sky Sports.11 January 2008.
- ^"You're so busted".Get Reading.14 June 2004.Retrieved5 June2024.
- ^"Madejski Stadium Concert History".Concert Archives.Retrieved5 June2024.
- ^"Review: Elton John".BBC Berkshire.Retrieved5 June2024.
- ^"Pick of the Past: Elton John concert at the Mad Stad".Get Reading.2 March 2016.Retrieved5 June2024.
- ^"Elton John at the Mad Stad".The Football Network. 3 December 2004.Retrieved5 June2024.
- ^"XS Madness".Concert Archives.Retrieved5 June2024.
- ^"PHOTOS: Summer XS 2005".BBC Berkshire.Retrieved5 June2024.
- ^"Surgery delays Pavarotti concerts".BBC News.13 April 2005.Retrieved5 June2024.
- ^"Pavarotti faked final performance".BBC News.8 April 2008.Retrieved5 June2024.
- ^"Red Hot Chili Peppers Setlist".setlist.fm/.Setlist FM. 3 July 2006.Retrieved17 July2021.
- ^"Red Hot Chili Peppers".BBC Berkshire.3 July 2006.Retrieved5 June2024.
- ^"Jessie J to headline AllStarz Summer Party at the Madejski Stadium".Get Reading.21 March 2013.Retrieved5 June2024.
- ^"Germany in 1966-style charity win".BBC News.3 May 2006.Retrieved19 June2018.
- ^"Wokingham & Emmbrook win Reading Senior Cup".Berkshire Media Group.Bracnell News. 22 May 2012.Retrieved21 January2013.
- ^"Mass vaccination centre opens at Madejski Stadium | Healthwatch Reading".healthwatchreading.co.uk.Retrieved6 August2022.
- ^"Highest Attendances".Royals Record.Retrieved27 May2012.
- ^"Reading FC".european-football-statistics.co.uk. Archived fromthe originalon 19 June 2018.Retrieved19 June2018.
- ^"Statbunker » Gallagher Premiership 18/19 » Home attendance".statbunker.com.Retrieved9 June2019.
- ^"Statbunker » Championship 18/19 » Home attendance".statbunker.com.Retrieved9 June2019.
- ^"Reading FC Match Reports".Hob Nob Anyone?.Retrieved13 July2017.
- ^"Sky Bet League One – Average Attendances – Home Matches".Football Web Pages.Retrieved6 June2024.
- ^"Reading – Home Attendances".Football Web Pages.Retrieved6 June2024.
- ^"Buses/Trains for Madejski Stadium".Reading Football Club.Retrieved1 June2015.
- ^"Football Buses - Times and fare information for the 2014/15 season".Reading Buses.Retrieved1 June2015.
- ^"Rugby Buses".Reading Buses. Archived fromthe originalon 22 June 2015.Retrieved1 June2015.
- ^"Greenwave Madjeski Stadium Park & Ride"(PDF).Reading Buses. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 10 January 2016.Retrieved1 June2015.
- ^"Breath-taking aerial footage shows entirety of new Reading Green Park Station".Network Rail.10 November 2022.Retrieved6 January2023.
- Bibliography
- Digby, Bob (2001),It's a World Thing,Oxford, Oxfordshire: Oxford University Press,ISBN0199134286,retrieved2 June2011
External links
edit
- [1]from Reading FC official website