An Introduction to the Archaeology and Conservation of Football Stadia

Abstract

This paper raises a concern for the limited conservation strategies applied to the mass of 'low status' 19th and 20th century structures. These concerns are presented in reference to one such building type, football stadia. Unlike other 'low status' building types, football stadia also face a unique threat (the Taylor Report's drive towards all-seater stadia). This paper is a condensed and updated version of a dissertation produced as part of an MA degree in the Archaeology of Buildings at York University in 1995 and presents a case study of Bolton Wanderers' stadium at Burnden Park.