Photo by Alexander Jones
The Liberty Stadium (referred to as New Stadium during constrution), is a purpose-built sports and concert arena and conferencing venue in the Landore area of Swansea, Wales. The stadium is all-seated, council owned, with a capacity of over 20,000 making it the largest purpose-built venue in Swansea.
The Liberty Stadium is the third largest stadium in Wales after the Millennium Stadium and Ninian Park in Cardiff. On its opening in 2005, it became the home to Swansea City football team (replacing the Vetch Field) and the Ospreys regional rugby team. The opening match at this venue was between Swansea City AFC and Fulham (managed by former Swansea player Chris Coleman) on 23 July 2005. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
During its building, a variety of names were suggested for it: particularly commonly-used were “Morfa” (after a former athletics stadium on the opposite bank of the Tawe) and the “White Rock” stadium (after the copper-works of the same name which existed on the site historically). While a sponsor was being sought for the stadium, it was called “New Stadium”. Following sponsorship from Swansea-based developers Liberty Property, it became the “Liberty Stadium” on 18 October 2005.
A statue of Ivor Allchurch was erected outside the stadium before a league match with Oldham Athletic. It was to commemorate the Swansea-born star who during two spells for the club scored 164 goals in 445 appearances. Recently, the stadium became a concert venue. On 1 June 2007, The Who played the first gig there, supported by Killing For Company and The Charlatans.
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