Imagine seventy thousand voices roaring. It’s easy to do here at Murrayfield. This area west of Edinburgh’s city centre is known for its sporting prowess. It is home to Murrayfield Stadium. This is the home of Scottish rugby. It is also a venue for major concerts.
Murrayfield’s story begins in 1735. Archibald Murray built Murrayfield House. He built it on these south-facing slopes. Murray had bought the land two years prior. It was from Nisbet of Dean. Before that, it was Nisbet’s Park.
Fast forward. The 19th century brought mansion houses. Belmont House appeared in 1828. Architect William Playfair designed it for Lord Mackenzie. Rock Villa also emerged. Later it was known as Rockshiel.
Easter Belmont Road became a millionaire’s row. Businessman David Murray called it home. Beyond sports, the area offered residences. Spire Murrayfield Hospital added to the mix. Some shops, businesses, and hotels also appeared.
Murrayfield Stadium takes centre stage. The Scottish Rugby Union owns it. Their headquarters are here. It is Scotland’s national rugby stadium. With a seating capacity of 67144, it ranks as Scotland’s largest stadium. It is fifth largest in the UK. It also ranks as the twenty-second largest in Europe.
Murrayfield Stadium officially opened on March 21, 1925. Scotland played England. Scotland won. They secured a Grand Slam. Most of Scotland’s home test matches happen here. The Scottish Hydro Electric Cup final is also held here. You will also find URC and European Rugby Champions Cup matches.
Beyond rugby, Murrayfield has hosted American football. It has also hosted rugby league. Association football has graced the pitch. Numerous music concerts have also taken place. Today, it is known as Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium due to sponsorship.
In 1925, the SRU bought 19 acres from Edinburgh Polo Club. They raised money through debentures. They built a stand and three embankments. It took two years. Before Murrayfield, internationals were at Inverleith. But it was too small. Arthur Sellers became the first groundsman. He had prepared pitches at Inverleith.
During World War II, Murrayfield served as a supply depot. The Royal Army Service Corps used it. Armed forces arranged Scotland versus England matches. For the first two years, Scotland’s home matches were at Inverleith. Murrayfield returned in 1944 after its derequisition.
Murrayfield’s record attendance was 104000 on March 1, 1975. Scotland beat Wales 12–10 during the Five Nations Championship. This stood as a world record until 1999. It remains a European record. The East stand was built in 1983.
A debenture scheme launched in 1991. It financed a West Stand redevelopment. The new West Stand had a 48-metre cantilever roof. The old West Stand held a museum. This was not replaced. Plans for a new visitor centre were shelved. The game turned professional. The first phase completed in January 1993. The north and south stands opened. In February 1994, the West Stand’s centre section opened.
In 1994, Murrayfield completed a £50-million renovation. Floodlights were installed for the first time.
In 2014, a naming rights deal with BT was agreed. It became BT Murrayfield Stadium.
Scottish Rugby and Scottish Gas agreed a five-year partnership in July 2023. This created a Club Community Net Zero Fund. It is worth £2 million. It helps Scottish clubs save on energy bills and carbon emissions. Scottish Gas also invests in the women’s game. This includes shirt and stadium sponsorship.
Murrayfield is next to Murrayfield Ice Rink. It is also near Edinburgh Zoo. Two cricket pitches sit nearby at Roseburn Park. They are used by Murrayfield DAFS CC.
Murrayfield’s story is etched in every seat. It echoes in every roar. From rugby triumphs to musical legends, this stadium is a vibrant part of Scotland’s heart.