Considering its location in Norbiton, have you ever thought about the stories echoing from Kingsmeadow? This football stadium stands as a testament to local sporting history. Kingsmeadow is located in Kingston upon Thames London. It has a capacity of 4850 with 2265 seats. The stadium has been a home for different clubs.
Kingsmeadow was built in 1989. It quickly became the home of Kingstonian. The club constructed the complex after selling their Richmond Road ground. Kingstonian marked the opening with a friendly match against Queens Park Rangers.
Financial struggles hit Kingstonian hard. They faced relegation and administration. Rajesh Khosla and his son Anup stepped in. They purchased both the club and Kingsmeadow.
AFC Wimbledon found a home here in 2002. They remained until 2020. This was a period of growth. The team reached Football League One in 2016.
After being tenants, AFC Wimbledon aimed to buy the ground’s leasehold. The Dons Trust launched a share issue to fund the purchase. They cleared the remaining debt through a commercial loan. The ground was then renamed the Fans’ Stadium. This nickname remains today.
In 2015, AFC Wimbledon supporters agreed to sell Kingsmeadow to Chelsea. Chelsea wanted it for their youth and women’s teams. This sale proved detrimental to Kingstonian. The ground became too big and expensive for them. They lost control over their former home.
Kingstonian moved to Leatherhead in 2017-18 for a groundshare. They later moved to King George’s Field in Tolworth. They shared with Corinthian Casuals from 2018-19.
Chelsea Women made Kingsmeadow their home in 2017. AFC Wimbledon moved to Plough Lane in May 2020.
Kingston Council owns the freehold of Kingsmeadow. Chelsea now owns the lease. This ensures the site remains for football. Kingstonian initially held the lease. After their administration in 2001, Rajesh Khosla acquired it in 2002. AFC Wimbledon bought the lease in 2003.
Kingsmeadow has four main stands. The John Green Stand has 1000 seats. It was previously named the Nongshim Stand. The Paul Strank Stand is the main stand. It includes changing rooms offices and bars. The RyGas Stand is a partially covered terrace. The Chemflow End is a covered terrace.
The stadium’s capacity was originally set higher. Safety requirements reduced it to 4850. Kingstonian’s highest attendance was 4582. This was for a friendly against Chelsea in 1995. AFC Wimbledon’s record was 4870. This was against Accrington Stanley in 2016.
Next to Kingsmeadow is an athletics stadium. It is used by Kingston Athletic Club and Polytechnic Harriers.
Kingsmeadow stands as a community landmark. It has seen clubs rise and fall. Today, it continues to host exciting football matches. Its history is etched into every blade of grass.