The world's oldest international football stadium still hosting matches

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Nestled in Wrexham, Wales, the Racecourse Ground is more than just a football stadium. It is a historic venue that has hosted Wales' first home international match and remains a vital hub for international football and rugby union, despite decades of ownership disputes and near-extinction.

The Racecourse Ground, known in Welsh as Y Cae Ras, holds a unique place in sporting history. It is recognized as the world's oldest international football stadium that still hosts international matches. It remains a key venue for the Football Association of Wales. This historic ground has also been used for rugby league and rugby union matches.

The stadium's history is marked by significant transformations and periods of instability. Initially, the site hosted horse racing and cricket. Prior to the First World War, it functioned as an airfield where Gustav Hamel held public displays during 1912 and 1913. The ground has seen various ownership shifts, including a controversial period between 2002 and 2006 when a legal battle over the freehold eventually saw ownership revert to the club's administrators after the club entered administration in December 2004. The site even served as a municipal airport candidate for the local council. It also hosted various concerts over the years.

Today, the stadium is a multi-sport venue, hosting Wrexham Association Football Club and having previously hosted clubs like the North Wales Crusaders and Scarlets. Following a period of university ownership, the club purchased the freehold in June 2022. Ongoing developments include a major rebuild of the Kop Stand, which aims to increase capacity and future-proof the stadium for international fixtures, such as the UEFA European Under-19 Championship. The current ownership was secured after a 99-year lease from the university. This move helped protect the stadium from potential extinction.

The stadium's capacity has fluctuated through various renovations. Following upgrades in 1999, the capacity reached 15,500. Recent efforts to expand the Kop Stand include plans to increase its capacity to 7,750 seats, incorporating an additional 2,250 seats in an upper tier to meet modern standards. The stadium's current layout includes the Eric Roberts Builders Stand. This area is where visiting supporters are typically seated.

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