Listen closely. Saracen Park isn’t just a stadium. It is a place where football, speedway, and greyhound racing collide. This is Ashfield Stadium.
Ashfield Stadium has a rich and varied history. It stands in the Possilpark area of Glasgow. The stadium has been a sporting hub since 1937.
Originally, the ground was opened for junior football. Ashfield F.C. has played here since 1937. The stadium got its name from the nearby Saracen Foundry.
In 1949, speedway roared into Ashfield Stadium. The Ashfield Giants raced here until 1953. After the Giants folded, the track was changed for greyhound racing.
Greyhound racing took center stage from 1956 to 1998 at Ashfield Stadium. Jim Donald Sr., a promoter, opened the greyhound track on April 21, 1956. Ashfield Stadium became a top independent track in Scotland.
Events like the Ashfield St Leger and the Ashfield Derby drew crowds. The track measured 400 yards round. Distances of 270, 450, 640, and 930 yards tested the dogs.
Interestingly, the management declined an invite in 1989 from the National Greyhound Racing Club. It remained an independent track. In 1999, speedway made a comeback. The Glasgow Tigers moved here from Shawfield Stadium.
Gerry Facenna, a local businessman, stepped in at the end of 2014. He purchased the stadium and invested £2 million. This transformed Ashfield Stadium into a modern venue. The stadium is also known as Peugeot Ashfield Stadium due to sponsorship.
Ashfield Stadium continues to host Ashfield F.C. for football. It also hosts the Glasgow Tigers for speedway. This ground has seen it all from football to speedway to greyhound racing.
Imagine the roar of the speedway bikes. Picture the greyhounds chasing the lure. Feel the excitement of the football fans. Ashfield Stadium is more than bricks and mortar. It is a place of sporting memories.
Even today, the results board from the greyhound racing era still stands. It overlooks the eastern bend. This serves as a reminder of the stadium’s diverse past.
So, remember Ashfield Stadium. It is Saracen Park. It is Peugeot Ashfield Stadium. It is a unique sporting venue with a rich and varied history.