White City Stadium, Glasgow facts for kids

White City Stadium was a famous place in Glasgow, Scotland. It was mainly used for two exciting sports: greyhound racing and speedway. It opened in 1928 and was a popular spot for many years before closing in 1972.

Greyhound Racing Events

Stadium Beginnings

White City Greyhound Stadium around 1960

The stadium was built on Paisley Road West in Glasgow. It was very close to other big sports venues like Ibrox Stadium and the Albion Greyhound Stadium. When it first opened, it was called the White City Sports Stadium. Besides greyhound racing, it also hosted speedway races and even show jumping events. A large park called Bellahouston Park was right next to it.

Opening Day Excitement

The very first greyhound race meeting at White City Stadium happened on April 7, 1928. On the same night, two other greyhound tracks in England also opened. White City Stadium was part of the National Greyhound Racing Society, just like other Glasgow tracks such as Albion and Carntyne Stadium.

The stadium had a main grandstand on the south side, near Paisley Road. There was also terracing all around the track for people to stand and watch. The track itself was quite large, measuring 518 yards around. This allowed for different race distances, like 530, 550, and 590 yards.

Racing History

Trainers from White City Stadium had great success in the Scottish Greyhound Derby, a very important race. They won it twice: first with a greyhound named Sister Olive in 1931, and then with Laverock just one year later in 1932.

White City was special because it used two different systems to move the "hare" (the fake rabbit that the greyhounds chase). This made sure the races were fair and exciting. All the greyhounds that raced there were owned by the stadium company and lived right on the stadium grounds.

Speedway Racing Action

White City Stadium became very well known for its speedway events, especially international races. Speedway is a thrilling sport where motorcycles race around an oval track. The stadium was the original home for the Glasgow Tigers speedway team, a popular team in the sport.

Stadium Closure

In 1967, plans were announced for a new big road, the M8 motorway, to be built right through the area. Because of this, White City Stadium had to close its doors. The last race meeting was held in April 1972. After it closed, the stadium was taken down to make way for the new motorway. Later, a police station, Helen Street police station, was built on part of the land where the stadium used to be.

Track Records

This table shows some of the fastest times recorded by greyhounds at White City Stadium over different distances.