Harchester United | Stadium | The Dragon's Lair

League Champions: . - . FA Cup Winners: . -. League Cup Winners:

HARCHESTER UNITED STADIUM ...

THE DRAGON'S LAIR - 1999 to Present

When Jerry Block became chairman of Harchester United in May 1998, he had a dream of where he wanted his club to be one day. Part of that dream was to build a new stadium for the club.

The project was called "Harchester 2000". Throughout his first year as chairman, he campaigned as much as possible to get the council on board with his proposals. In May 1999, just six days before the FA cup final victory vs Manchester United, the council finally gave the project permission.

"Harchester 2000" was built in record time with more builders than ever before thanks to Block's Millions.

The Dragons Lair finally opened for a Premier League Match between Harchester United and Wimbledon on Saturday 25th September 1999.

The stadium now has a 52,000 all-seater capacity following an expansion reconstruction process taking place from 2008 through until 2010. It has hosted an UEFA Champions League Semi Final back in 2008.

Dragon's Lair Facts...
Capacity: 52,000
Location: Harchester, England
Owners: Harchester United Football Club
Officially Opened: Saturday 25th September 1999
27,534 saw the Dragons draw 1-1 with Wimbledon

Dragon's Lair Attendance Record...
51,472 - Sunday 22nd May 2011
Harchester United vs Arsenal
FA Barclays Premier League

ADDISON ROAD - 1908 to 1999

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The home of Harchester United for more than 91 years finally closed it's gates for the last time after the UEFA Cup First Round, First Leg match between Harchester United and Ajax on Thursday 16th September 1999.

Throughout the years, Addison Road had always been loyal to Harchester United. The tight pitch would often intimidate visiting teams to benefit the Dragons. However, it was always ageing for the worse and when Jerry Block took over the club in May 1998, he made it a priority that the club be in a new stadium very soon.

Since moving out of Addison Road, the former ground has been redeveloped into an expensive housing estate known as 'Addison Park'. Many of the staff live in these club-owned houses known as "The Barons".

Addison Road Attendance Record...
46,109 - Saturday 3rd May 1986
Harchester United vs Manchester City
Canon League Division One

PALMERSTON ROAD - 1895 to 1908

When Harchester United were formed in 1895, they required a stadium to play their home games. Local club Harchester St.Augustine offered them to share their home ground of Palmerston Road and United accepted.

For the next 13 years, the ground would be the home to both clubs. But with United growing more successful and St.Augustine going to opposite, the owners forced United to move out and get their own ground.

United moved to Addison Road whilst St.Augustine went out of business. The area is now home to St.Augustine Retail & Leisure Park.

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