University of Bolton Stadium

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Updated On :08 Apr, 2021

Full Name
University of Bolton Stadium

Capacity
28,723Concerts: 40,000

Type
Outdoor

Location
Bolton, England, United Kingdom

Surface Type
Desso Grassmaster

The University of Bolton Stadium, formerly known as Macron Stadium, is situated on the Middlebrook Retail Park, Horwich, in Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester, in England. The construction work to build the stadium commenced in 1996 and it finally opened to the public after a year, inaugurated by John Prescott, a Labour Party politician. The leading architecture firm involved in designing the stadium is Populous (HOK Sport). The entire surface of the field of the stadium is installed with Desso GrassMaster. The stadium is both operated and owned by the Bolton Wanderers, an English Football League One club.

Trivia

Initially, it was known by the name "Reebok Stadium" until 2004 when Bolton Wanderers signed a naming-rights deal with Macron Sportswear Company, and the stadium was renamed to "Macron Stadium".
The stadium's construction constitutes a part of a hotel. Some of the rooms offer a view of the pitch. The De Vere Group operated the hotel until August 2013. Later on, it was taken over by Bolton and renamed as "Bolton Whites Hotel".

Significance

The first Premier League match at the stadium was held on 1st September 1997 between Bolton and Everton which resulted in a 0-0 draw.
In 2000, the stadium witnessed the Rugby League World Cup Semi-final match between New Zealand and England.
It has also hosted the St. Helens World Club Challenge three times (in 2001, 2003 and 2007).
In 2002, the stadium hosted its first international Under-21 friendly match between England and Yugoslavia on 6th September.
On 16th April 2011, it hosted the first rugby union match between Sale Sharks and London Irish. The latter won the match.