New Exhibition Explores the History and Design of Football Stadiums
A new exhibition, “Home Ground: The Architecture of Football,” opened today at RIBA North and Tate Liverpool, charting the evolution of football stadiums from utilitarian structures to modern architectural marvels.
The exhibition showcases a chronological journey through stadium design, beginning with a 1906 plan of Anfield, Liverpool’s iconic home ground, by Scottish architect Archibald Leitch, who designed over 20 stadiums across the UK, including Stamford Bridge and Highbury. Leitch’s work, initially rooted in factory and warehouse design, transformed the landscape of British football, with Goodison Park – still used by Everton’s women’s team – being the first British ground to feature both seats and terracing. The exhibition also highlights the influence of European design, such as the reinforced concrete work of Pier Luigi Nervi in Florence and the functionalist approach of Feyenoord’s stadium in Rotterdam.
The exhibition doesn’t shy away from the darker chapters of stadium history, acknowledging the tragedies of Hillsborough and the Bradford City stadium fire, which led to the legislation requiring all-seater grounds. These disasters prompted a fundamental shift in how supporters were viewed and how stadium safety was prioritized. Modern stadium design is now increasingly focused on sustainability and flexibility, as exemplified by Tottenham Hotspur’s new ground, featuring a retractable pitch, and Forest Green Rovers’ ambition to build the world’s first all-timber stadium, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. The growing popularity of women’s football is also influencing stadium design, with clubs like Kansas City Current building purpose-built venues catering to family-oriented fanbases.
As Bill Shankly, the legendary Liverpool manager, once said, “Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that,” a sentiment that underscores the deep cultural connection between the game and its venues. The exhibition runs until January 25th, and organizers anticipate it will draw significant interest as stadium design continues to evolve alongside the sport itself; you can find more information about RIBA North here.
