White City Stadium, Glasgow facts for kids
| Location | Paisley Road West, Ibrox / Craigton, Glasgow |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 55°50′56″N 4°19′03″W / 55.84889°N 4.31750°W |
| Opened | 7 April 1928 |
| Closed | April 1972 |
White City Stadium was a famous sports venue in Glasgow, Scotland. It was well-known for exciting greyhound racing and thrilling speedway events. Many people visited the stadium to watch these fast-paced sports.
Contents
A Famous Sports Stadium in Glasgow
How White City Stadium Began
The White City Stadium was built in Glasgow on Paisley Road West. It was very close to another big stadium, Ibrox Stadium. Another greyhound track, Albion Greyhound Stadium, also opened nearby in the same year.
When it first opened on 7 April 1928, it was called the White City Sports Stadium. It hosted not only greyhound racing but also speedway and even show jumping. It quickly became a popular place for sports fans.
Greyhound Racing Excitement
Greyhound racing was a major attraction at White City Stadium. The track was quite large, measuring 518 yards around. This allowed for exciting races over different distances.
The stadium's own trainers had great success. Their greyhounds won the important Scottish Greyhound Derby twice. Sister Olive won in 1931, and Laverock won the following year in 1932. The stadium used special mechanical "hares" to lead the dogs around the track. These were called the 'Outside M.S Cable' and 'Sumner' systems. All the greyhounds that raced here were owned by the stadium itself.
Speedway Thrills
White City Stadium was also a very important place for international speedway racing. Speedway involves motorcycles racing around an oval track. It was the original home for the Glasgow Tigers speedway team. Fans loved watching the fast bikes and skilled riders compete.
Why White City Stadium Closed
In 1967, plans were announced for a new major road, the M8 motorway. This new motorway would be built right through the area where the stadium stood.
Because of the motorway plans, White City Stadium had to close its doors. The final events took place in April 1972. After it closed, the stadium was taken down to make way for the new road. Later, the Helen Street police station was built on part of the old stadium site.
