Suddenly erupting cheers. That’s the sound that often fills the air around MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium. This stadium is currently known as MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium for sponsorship. Let’s dive into the history of this storied ground.
MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium is located in Shepherd’s Bush London. It has been the home of Queens Park Rangers Football Club since 1917. However its story starts even earlier.
Back in 1904 Shepherd’s Bush FC first used the ground. This amateur side played there until it disbanded during World War I. QPR then moved in. They made it their home. Their previous ground had been commandeered by the army.
Initially MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium was an open field. It featured only a pavilion. In 1919 a stand was moved from Park Royal. It was re-erected here. This became the Ellerslie Road stand. It was the only covered seating until 1968.
QPR briefly moved to White City Stadium in 1931. After financial losses they returned to MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium in 1933. A new covered terrace was built in 1938. It increased the stadium’s capacity to 30000.
In 1948 QPR bought the freehold of the stadium. They also acquired 39 houses nearby. These houses were later sold due to financial pressures. Floodlights were first used in 1953.
The South Africa Road stand was built in 1968. It replaced old open terracing. A new stand was completed in Ellerslie Road in 1972.
The stadium’s record attendance was 35353. It was set in a game against Leeds United in 1974. Seats replaced terracing in 1975. This reduced the capacity.
In 1981 MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium made history. It became the first British stadium with an artificial pitch. This Omniturf surface was controversial. QPR keeper Peter Hucker described it as carpet over concrete. He disliked diving on it. He said it would rip the skin off. Despite the criticism QPR had success on the pitch. They reached two cup finals. They also became Second Division champions. The artificial pitch was removed in 1988.
New stands were opened at the School End in 1980. One year later another one followed at the Loftus Road end. Executive boxes were installed. The stadium became one of Britain’s most modern.
The owning company faced financial difficulties in the late 1990s. There were concerns about selling the stadium. A supporter’s trust was formed. It aimed to keep QPR at MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium. Fulham shared the ground from 2002 to 2004.
MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium hosted a Grenfell Tower fire fundraiser match in 2017. In 2019 it was renamed the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium. This was in honour of a former QPR youth player. In 2022 the Ellerslie Road Stand was renamed the Stanley Bowles Stand.
Since October 2023 it has been known as MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium. This reflects a three-year naming rights agreement.
Today MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium holds 18439 fans. Its four stands create an enclosed atmosphere. They bring supporters close to the action. The stands are the Loftus Road End The Stanley Bowles Stand the Bhatia Stand and the Achilleus Security Stand.
MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium has also hosted rugby union and boxing. Barry McGuigan won the WBA featherweight title here in 1985. It has hosted international football matches too.
So the next time you hear those erupting cheers remember the rich history of MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium. It is more than just a football ground. It is a place of memories passion and community.