Linford Christie Stadium facts for kids
The Linford Christie Stadium is a sports ground in Old Oak Common, West London, England. It's a special place for athletes and sports teams. One of the top athletics clubs in the United Kingdom, the Thames Valley Harriers, uses it. A leading hockey team, PHC Chiswick, also trains and plays here.
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Discover the Linford Christie Stadium
This stadium is a busy hub for many different sports. It's not just for athletics! You can find people playing football, rugby, and hockey here too. It's a great place for young athletes to train and improve their skills.
A Look Back: Stadium History
The stadium first opened its doors in 1967. Back then, it was known as the West London Stadium. It had a track made of cinder, which is a type of ash. This was common for running tracks at the time.
Upgrades Over the Years
In 1973, the track got a big upgrade. The cinder track was replaced with a modern, synthetic surface. This new surface is much better for runners. It helps them run faster and safer.
Renamed for a Champion
In 1993, the stadium was given a new name to honor a true sports hero. It was named after Linford Christie. He is one of the most famous athletes from the Thames Valley Harriers club. Linford Christie won a gold medal in the 100 metres at the Olympic Games.
Modernizing the Stadium
The stadium went through a major makeover between 2004 and 2006. New facilities were added to support more sports. This included areas for football, rugby, and hockey.
Who Helped Fund the Changes?
Many groups helped pay for these improvements. The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham council contributed. The Football Foundation, which helps football at all levels, also provided funds. Even the famous football club Chelsea F.C. and the bank Barclays helped out.
A Star-Studded Re-opening
When the stadium reopened after its big renovation, some famous faces were there. Chelsea football players John Terry and Shaun Wright-Phillips attended the event. The stadium has even been featured in a music video! The video for the song "So Many Roads" by the musician Example was filmed right here.
