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Campaign to Save Scotland's First Football Stadium
11 Oct
Summary
- Scotland's historic First Hampden, the world's first purpose-built international stadium, is for rent.
- Campaigners aim to transform the site into a community hub and heritage space.
- The ground is considered the birthplace of modern football features and playing styles.
A significant piece of footballing history, the site of Scotland's First Hampden, is currently available for rent. This stadium, established in 1878 in Glasgow, is celebrated not only as the Scottish national team's first home but also as the world's inaugural purpose-built international football ground. Features now standard in stadiums globally, such as turnstiles and season tickets, are believed to have originated here.
Campaigners are rallying to preserve this historic location, aiming to redevelop it into a multifunctional community space and heritage center. The previous tenant, a bowling club, ceased operations earlier this year, making the site available. First Hampden was also home to Queen's Park FC, who are credited with developing modern passing play.
Despite minimal visible remains of the original structure, an excavation in 2021 uncovered pavilion remnants, leading to protected status for a portion of the site. The area currently up for rent, which includes a former bowling club building and lawn, lacks this protection. Efforts to secure the site through community asset transfer have been unsuccessful, with owners City Property Glasgow citing commercial obligations.
