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Salford Community Stadium

Coordinates: 53°28′10″N 2°22′30″W / 53.46944°N 2.37500°W / 53.46944; -2.37500
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(Redirected from AJ Bell Stadium)
"Salford City Stadium" redirects here. For the stadium of Salford City F.C., see Moor Lane.

Salford Community Stadium
Salford Community Stadium
Map
Full nameSalford Community Stadium
Former namesSalford City Stadium, AJ Bell Stadium
Location1 Stadium Way
Barton-upon-Irwell
M30 7EY
Coordinates53°28′10″N 2°22′30″W / 53.46944°N 2.37500°W / 53.46944; -2.37500
OwnerSalford City Council[1]
Executive suites12-20 person hospitality boxes and 1 banqueting suite (up to 750)
Capacity12,000[2] (11,404 Certified Capacity)
Record attendance11,247 (Sale Sharks v Leicester Tigers) 27 December 2014[4]
Field size122m x 86m
SurfaceGrass
ScoreboardElectronic
Construction
Built2010–11
Opened2012
Construction cost£26 million[2]
ArchitectAFL Architects
Structural engineerSKM
Main contractorsBuckingham Group[3]
Tenants
Rugby League
Salford Red Devils (2012–)
Rugby Union
Sale Sharks (2012–)
Football
Manchester United FC Reserves (2013–14)
American Football
Manchester Titans (2014)
Website
[1]

The Salford Community Stadium is a rugby stadium in Barton-upon-Irwell, England,[5] built to replace Salford rugby league club's ground the Willows for the 2012 season. Sale Sharks rugby union club have also played at the stadium since the 2012–13 season.

Ownership

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Initial development

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In 2005, Salford City Council approved plans for the Reds to move from the Willows to the brownfield site at Barton.[6]

The stadium was originally to be developed by Red City Developments, with construction to be complete for the start of the 2009 season.[7] However, RCD went into administration in July 2008.[8]

Salford City Council formed a joint venture company with Peel Group[2] to develop and deliver the £16 million stadium,[3] which is part of the a £26 million development[3] close to the Manchester Ship Canal and the M60 motorway.

Planning permission was granted in March 2010 for a 15,000-capacity stadium.[9]

Sale Sharks confirmed their move to the stadium in April 2012,[10] signing a 25-year lease.[11]

In 2013, Peel Group and Salford City Council each lent £600,000 in emergency funding to the stadium. The council is still owed £20 million for building the stadium, and is already owed £1.5m by the Salford City Reds who play at the stadium.[12]

In 2014, Salford City Council and Peel lent a further £410,724 to the stadium.[13]

2022–24 sale

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In December 2022 Salford City Council announced their intent to acquire Peel Group's 50% share in the stadium's operating company, following the rejection of a joint bid from Salford City FC and Sale Sharks,[14] with the intention to use the future development of the site to improve the community offering, and create opportunities to pay off the £37million in debt the stadium had accrued.[15] In November 2023, Salford Red Devils opposed the deal, citing a lack of progress with the council in 3 years of negotiations for a new lease on more favourable terms.[16] In December 2023, Salford Red Devils were granted a short term extension to allow them to complete the 2024 Super League season at the stadium.

On 13 February 2024, Salford City Council agreed a decision to buy the stadium in full,[17] with Cabinet approval granted on 3 September 2024[1]; the deal was eventually completed on 13 December 2024.

AJ Bell sponsorship

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On 13 September 2013, it was announced that investment platform AJ Bell had secured a nine-year stadium naming rights partnership with Sale Sharks Rugby Club. The deal saw Salford City Stadium re-branded and renamed AJ Bell Stadium. The deal concluded following the 2022–23 rugby union season, and the stadium has since reverted to its original name.[18]

Facilities

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The stadium capacity (since inception) was designed to accommodate a crowd of 12,000, although the General Safety Certificate shows a current certified capacity of 11,404 as of 2023. However, with further construction, the space exists to expand the capacity to 20,000 spectators.[3] The stadium has areas designated for standing supporters. This partial-standing design is similar to the Halliwell Jones Stadium, home of Warrington RLFC.

Salford City Stadium in 2012

There are four stands:

  • West Stand (main stand) including changing rooms, media centre, hospitality boxes, banqueting suite; certified capacity 4,764
  • North Stand – all-standing, usually the away end; certified capacity 2,248
  • Toshiba/Viessmann Stand (East) - all seating, certified capacity 2,132
  • Morson South Stand – all-standing, home to hardcore Reds fans; identical to the North Stand, certified capacity 2,260

The seats in the West and East Stands are red (for Salford) and blue (for Sale).

The development also includes offices, player facilities, concessions, community resources and two community outdoor sport pitches, a gym and the Sale Sharks Club Shop.

Events

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Rugby league

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The Reds played their first league game at the new stadium against Castleford on 4 February 2012; Castleford won 10–24.[19]

The 2012 Challenge Cup Semi Final was held at the stadium on 15 July 2012 – Warrington beat Huddersfield 33–6.[20]

The 2012 Autumn International Series Final took place at the stadium on 11 November 2012, attendance was 7,921.[21]

On 7 November 2013 the stadium hosted the Rugby League World Cup match between Scotland and USA. A crowd of 6,041 watched Scotland beat the USA 22 – 8.[22]

Salford's record attendance at the stadium is 10,867 against Leigh Leopards in the Super League playoffs on 27 September 2024.

Summary

List of test and International tournament matches played at AJ Bell Stadium since its opening in 2012.[23]

Game# Date Team 1 Score Team 2 Attendance Competition
1 11 November 2012  England 48–4  France 7,921 2012 Autumn International Series Final
2 7 November 2013  Scotland 22–8  United States 6,041 2013 World Cup

Rugby union

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Sale Sharks' first game at the stadium was a friendly on 24 August 2012 against Leinster Rugby, which ended 10–10.[24] Their first competitive game was against Saracens on 8 September 2012. The score was Sale 16–23 Saracens and the attendance was 7,451.

The stadium served as one of the two venues for the 2016 World Rugby Under 20 Championship.[25] England beat Ireland 45–21 in the final at the stadium. On 14 May 2023, the stadium hosted a Gallagher Premiership play-off semi-final between Sale Sharks and Leicester Tigers, where Sale won 21–13 in front of an attendance of 9,980.

2025 Women's Rugby World Cup

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In August 2023, the stadium was confirmed as one of eight host venues for the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup.[26] During the tournament, it will be known as The Salford Community Stadium.[27]

2025 Women's Rugby World Cup matches held at Salford Community Stadium
Date Country Score Country Stage of Tournament Attendance Ref
23 August 2025  Australia vs  Samoa Pool stage
23 August 2025  Scotland vs  Wales Pool stage
30 August 2025  Canada vs  Wales Pool stage
30 August 2025  Scotland vs  Fiji Pool stage

Other sports

[edit]
Stadium layout

American football

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BAFA National Leagues side Manchester Titans held a trial game at the Stadium against Crewe Railroaders on 1 June 2014. It was stated that they could hold future fixtures inside the stadium if the trial was successful.[28] The Titans beat the Railroaders 69–0 and the attendance was 1,349.[29]

Association football

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For the 2013–14 season, Manchester United's under-21 team played all their home games at the stadium.[30]

The stadium also hosted England women's Euro 2013 qualifying match against the Netherlands on 17 June 2012.[31][32]

Attendances

[edit]
Salford Red Devils
Sale Sharks
League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest
2012 Super League 12[a] 4,442 6,891 2,380 2012–13 Premiership 11 6,291 8,783 4,307
2013 Super League 13 3,125 5,383 1,989 2013–14 Premiership 11 6,350 10,092 5,372
2014 Super League 13 4,738 7,102 2,903 2014–15 Premiership 11 6,660 11,247 4,753
2015 Super League 11 4,167 6,561 1,972 2015–16 Premiership 11 6,152 7,687 4,236
2016 Super League 11 3,625 5,089 1,958 2016–17 Premiership 11 6,202 8,828 4,299
2017 Super League 11 4,480 6,527 2,678 2017–18 Premiership 11 6,274 10,050 4,510
2018 Super League 11 2,966 5,568 2,248 2018–19 Premiership 11 6,586 8,535 5,290
2019 Super League 14 3,676 5,393 2,368 2019–20 Premiership 11 7,175 8,579 0 (behind closed doors)
2020 Super League 11 2,784 4,796 0 (behind closed doors) 2020–21 Premiership 11 466 (limited games with fans) 2,800 (restricted capacity) 0 (behind closed doors)
2021 Super League 10 2,000 4,000 0 (behind closed doors) 2021–22 Premiership 12 5,948 8,214 3,697
2022 Super League 13 4,529 6,041 2,607 2022–23 Premiership 10 6,619 10,136 3,969
2023 Super League 13 5,383 7,854 3,836 2023–24 Premiership 9 7,451 9,675 4,574
2024 Super League 13 4,645 10,867 2,843 2024-25 Premiership 9 8,125 6,227

Notes

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  1. ^ Salford's last home fixture was played at Leigh Sports Village due to a fixture clash with co-tenants Sale Sharks.[33]

References

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  1. ^ a b https://salfordreddevils.net/club-statement-salford-community-stadium/
  2. ^ a b c "Stadium Contracts Signed At Barton". Salford City Reds. Archived from the original on 21 December 2010. Retrieved 24 November 2010.
  3. ^ a b c d "Buckingham Group wins the Design and Build Contract for the City of Salford Community Stadium". Buckingham Group Contracting. Archived from the original on 11 September 2011. Retrieved 17 January 2011.
  4. ^ "Premiership: Sale Sharks 30–32 Leicester Tigers". BBC.co.uk. BBC Sport. 27 December 2014. Retrieved 2 April 2015.
  5. ^ "New name for Salford's stadium". Salford City Council. 9 September 2011. Archived from the original on 28 March 2012. Retrieved 24 April 2012.
  6. ^ "Council hand Reds stadium boost". BBC Sport. 17 November 2005.
  7. ^ Howard, Tony (2 June 2007). "Reds' stadium doubt". Manchester Evening News. M.E.N. Media.[permanent dead link‍]
  8. ^ Barry, Chris (25 July 2008). "Reds' stadium firm collapse". Manchester Evening News. M.E.N. Media.[permanent dead link‍]
  9. ^ "New rugby league stadium in Salford approved". BBC News. 10 March 2010.
  10. ^ Leigh, Neil (4 April 2012). "Steve Diamond: Sale are to switch from Stockport to Barton at the end of the season". Manchester Evening News. M.E.N. Media.
  11. ^ "Sale Sharks confirm groundshare with Salford City Reds". BBC Sport. 4 April 2012.
  12. ^ "Council defends £600k loan to bailout sports stadium". itv.com. 10 May 2013.
  13. ^ Brooks-Pollock, Tom (4 April 2014). "City of Salford Stadium given another £200k bailout". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
  14. ^ "Salford City and Sale have stadium bid rejected". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  15. ^ "Salford moves forward with plans to buy Peel out of AJ Bell Stadium". www.marketscreener.com. 9 March 2023. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  16. ^ "CLUB STATEMENT: SALFORD STADIUM UPDATE". 9 November 2023.
  17. ^ Devils, Salford Red (13 February 2024). "COUNCIL TAKES DECISION ON peeFUTURE OF CITY'S COMMUNITY STADIUM". Salford Red Devils. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  18. ^ "AJ Bell : Stadium sponsorship comes to an end". www.marketscreener.com. 21 March 2022. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
  19. ^ "Salford City Reds 10–24 Castleford". BBC Sport. 4 February 2012. Retrieved 24 April 2012.
  20. ^ Wilson, Andy (15 July 2012). "Lee Briers' mastery pilots Warrington to Wembley sequel with Leeds". The Guardian. London.
  21. ^ "Ryan Hall ran in four tries as England easily overpowered France 48–4". skysports.com. 11 November 2012. Archived from the original on 4 April 2013.
  22. ^ "The 2013 Rugby League World Cup Match Report for Scotland vs USA". RLIF. 7 November 2013. Archived from the original on 9 November 2013. Retrieved 10 November 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  23. ^ "AJ Bell Stadium". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
  24. ^ "Sale Sharks 10 – Leinster Rugby 10". salesharks.com. 25 August 2012. Archived from the original on 30 November 2012.
  25. ^ "England to host World Rugby U20 Championship 2016" (Press release). World Rugby. 16 June 2015. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
  26. ^ "Rugby World Cup 2025: Eight host venues named for tournament in England". BBC Sport. 21 August 2023. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
  27. ^ "World Rugby and RFU confirm host cities and venues with two years to go until Rugby World Cup 2025". World Rugby. 21 August 2023. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
  28. ^ "Manchester Titans set for Stadium Move". Double Coverage. 30 April 2014. Retrieved 2 May 2014.
  29. ^ Manchester Titans, "Titans victorious in landmark game. | Manchester Titans American Football Club". Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 2014-06-11.
  30. ^ "Key opener at new venue". Manchester United F.C. 19 August 2013. Archived from the original on 27 February 2014. Retrieved 19 August 2013.
  31. ^ "England women set for must-win clash against the Netherlands". BBC Sport. 14 June 2012. Retrieved 17 September 2013.
  32. ^ Leighton, Tony (17 June 2012). "Rachel Yankey goal gives England women narrow victory over Holland". The Guardian. London.
  33. ^ "Salford City Reds switch venue after Sale Sharks clash". BBC Sport. 4 September 2012. Retrieved 25 September 2013.
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Salford City Stadium.
Preceded by
The Willows
1901–2011
 Salford Red Devils
home ground
2012–present 		Succeeded by
current
Preceded by
Edgeley Park
2003–2012
 Sale Sharks
home ground
2012–present 		Succeeded by
current
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