{{Short description|Football stadium in Wrexham, Wales}} {{About|the football ground in Wrexham}} {{use British English|date=May 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}} {{Infobox venue | name = Racecourse Ground | nickname = {{native name|cy|Y Cae Ras}} | logo_image = | logo_size = | logo_alt = | logo_caption = | image = Racecourse Ground, Wrexham (49329447362).jpg | image_size = 250px | image_upright = | image_alt = | fullname = Racecourse Ground<br>{{native name|cy|Y Cae Ras}} | caption = | location = Mold Road, Wrexham, Wales LL11 2AH | coordinates = {{coord|53|3|7|N|3|0|13|W|type:landmark_region:GB-WRX|display=it}} | public_transit = {{rail-interchange|gb|Rail}} Wrexham General (0.3 mi) | opened = 1807, 1864 for football | owner = Wrexham A.F.C. (since 29 June 2022) | operator = Wrexham A.F.C. | surface = GrassMaster | construction_cost = £3,500,000 (Mold Road Stand) | architect = Ward McHugh Associates (Yale Stand) | tenants = Wrexham A.F.C. (1864–present)<br />Wales national football team (1877–1960; selected matches 1960–present)<br />North Wales Crusaders (2012–2016) | seating_capacity = 10,771 (Football) | dimensions = {{convert|102|x|68|m|abbr=on}} | website = {{URL|https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/supporter-information/stok-cae-ras | wrexhamafc.co.uk/supporter-information/stok-cae-ras}} | native_name = | native_name_lang = | former_names = My Racecourse<br />Wrexham Glyndŵr University Racecourse Stadium }}
The '''Racecourse Ground''' ({{langx|cy|Y Cae Ras}}) is a football stadium in Wrexham, Wales. It is the home of Wrexham Association Football Club, and is the largest stadium in North Wales and the seventh-largest in Wales.
It is the world's oldest international football stadium still hosting international matches, having been the venue for Wales' first home international match in 1877,<ref name="dailypost-20080618">{{Cite news |last=Bagnall |first=Steve |date=18 June 2008 |title=Guinness cheers Racecourse with official record |url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport-news/wrexham-fc/2008/06/18/guinness-cheers-racecourse-with-official-record-55578-21092141/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720014121/http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport-news/wrexham-fc/2008/06/18/guinness-cheers-racecourse-with-official-record-55578-21092141/ |archive-date=20 July 2011 |access-date=18 June 2008 |work=Daily Post North Wales |df=dmy }}</ref> and has hosted more Wales international matches than any other ground.<ref name="welshfootball-racecourse">{{Cite web |title=Racecourse Ground, Wrexham |url=https://welshfootballonline.com/venues/racecourse.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718025235/http://www.welshfootballonline.com/venues/racecourse.html |archive-date=18 July 2011 |access-date=27 July 2010 |website=Wales Football Online }}</ref> It is still one of the stadiums used by the Football Association of Wales for home international games.
The ground has also been used by North Wales Crusaders rugby league club, Scarlets rugby union club and Liverpool Reserves. In the early days, the ground was used for cricket and horse racing. It also occasionally hosts concerts.
A sponsorship deal with STōK Cold Brew Coffee came into effect on 1 July 2023; as a result, the stadium is sometimes referred to as {{lang|cy|'''STōK Cae Ras'''}}, '''STōK Racecourse''' or {{lang|cy|Cae Ras STōK}}.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |author = <!-- not stated --> |date = 1 July 2023 |title = STōK CAE RAS {{!}} Stadium sponsorship now live |url = https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2023/july/stk-cae-ras--stadium-sponsorship-now-live/ |website = www.wrexhamafc.co.uk |publisher = Wrexham AFC |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240519173613/https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2023/july/stk-cae-ras--stadium-sponsorship-now-live/ |archive-date = 19 May 2024 |access-date = 14 July 2025 |language = en-gb }}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
==History== ===Inception (1864–1952) === Wrexham Football Club have played at the Racecourse Ground since being formed in the local Turf Hotel public house in October 1864. However, due to an increase in rent from the then owners, Wrexham Cricket Club, Wrexham played their home games in the 1881–82 and 1882–83 seasons at the Recreation Ground in Rhosddu, while also changing their name to Wrexham Athletic for one season. Before the club was formed, the ground was mainly used for cricket and, occasionally, horse racing.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!-- not stated --> |date = 1 August 2012 |title = History |url = http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/club/history/ |work = Wrexham FC |publisher = Wrexham AFC |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121215212034/http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/club/history/ |archive-date = 15 December 2012 |access-date = 14 July 2025 }}</ref>
The Racecourse was used extensively for aviation before the First World War, with Gustav Hamel performing public displays in August 1912 and June 1913. Wrexham Borough Council considered making the racecourse the town's municipal airport, but that was later developed at Borras.<ref name="jones-2008">{{Cite book |last1=Jones |first1=Ivor |title=Airfields and Landing Grounds of Wales: North |publisher=The History Press |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-7524-4510-6 |page=159 |ol=37941119M }}</ref>
===Initial expansion (1952–2002) === 1952 saw the laying down of concrete terracing on the Kop end, which is now the oldest part of the ground. Five years later, 34,445 people gathered to witness an FA Cup fourth-round tie against Manchester United, the largest-ever attendance at the Racecourse.<ref name="11v11-19571126">{{Cite web |title=Wrexham v Manchester United, 26 January 1957 |url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/wrexham-v-manchester-united-26-january-1957-210986/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129044907/http://www.11v11.com/matches/wrexham-v-manchester-united-26-january-1957-210986/ |archive-date=29 November 2014 |access-date=11 August 2014 |website=11v11.com }}</ref> On 30 September 1959, the Racecourse saw the switching-on of the newly installed floodlights.
In 1978, after Wrexham was promoted to the former Second Division, the Border Stand was built, taking its name from the Border Breweries which owned the ground. That part of the ground is now known as the Eric Roberts Builders Stand, where visiting supporters are normally seated.
The latest addition to the ground came about in 1999, after Grant Aid from Sport Lot, the Welsh Development Agency and the Football Trust, together with local sponsorship, financed the construction of a stand on the Mold Road side of the ground. The new structure was originally named the Pryce Griffiths Stand, after the then chairman, but was renamed the Mold Road Stand after Griffiths sold the club to Alex Hamilton. The stand has a capacity of 3,500 and also contains hospitality and conferencing facilities. The development also saw the Paddock areas of the Sainsbury's Stand and the Eric Roberts Builders Stand become all-seated, bringing the current capacity up to 15,500, thus permitting international football and rugby union to be played at the Racecourse once again.
===Controversial ownership (2002–2006) === In 2002, then Wrexham F.C. chairman, William Pryce Griffiths, secured a 125-year lease on the Racecourse from Wolverhampton Dudley Breweries, for £750,000 and a peppercorn annual rent of £1. The club hosted TNS vs Liverpool in a UEFA Champions League qualifier in 2005.
On 26 June 2002, the freehold of the Racecourse Ground was acquired by Wrexham A.F.C. from Wolverhampton Dudley Breweries, for £300,000. On the same day, chairman, Alex Hamilton, transferred the ownership of the freehold from Wrexham A.F.C. to another of his companies, Damens Ltd, for a nominal fee. After that controversial change in ownership, the 125-year lease on the Racecourse, held by Wrexham F.C., was renegotiated. The new lease stated that Damens Ltd could evict Wrexham F.C. from the Racecourse Ground upon 12-months' notice and payment of £1,000,000. The new lease also saw the club's annual rent increase from £1 to £30,000.
In 2004, Wrexham F.C. was given a years' notice to quit the ground,<ref name="bbc-20041119">{{Cite news |date=19 November 2004 |title=Timeline: Crisis at Wrexham FC |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_east/4022209.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010065803/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_east/4022209.stm |archive-date=10 October 2007 |access-date=4 January 2013 |work=BBC News }}</ref> which triggered a furious reaction from fans. In a legal case running until March 2006, the High Court ruled that the ownership of the freehold of the ground had been improperly transferred, and ownership reverted to the club's then-administrators, the club having gone into administration in December 2004, with debts of £2,600,000.
===Transfer to Wrexham Village Ltd (2006–2016)=== With the club's emergence from administration in May 2006, ownership of the ground passed to a new company, Wrexham Football Club (2006) Ltd, owned by Geoff Moss and Ian Roberts. They transferred the ownership of the ground to a new holding company, Wrexham Village Ltd, which owned both the new football club company, and later purchased the rugby league club, Crusaders, from its owners in Bridgend, South Wales. Thus the new company had two tenants for the stadium.
To make a permanent cash injection into the sporting clubs, Wrexham Village proposed in 2008 a joint venture development with a yet-to-be chosen third party, to develop a student village area near the site of the Kop stand. The £40 million project was to be developed in conjunction with Wrexham University to house over 800 students, and take place in two phases. The club would benefit from either land-lease income, or joint ownership within the development, and hence receive rental income direct from the tenants. However, due to the global recession that year, the company found it hard to find a development partner, and the freehold of the land, along with the development plans, was eventually sold in 2009 to another company owned by Moss and Roberts.
In August 2011, after a period of instability at Wrexham Village Ltd, which owned the stadium and both the football and rugby league clubs, the company agreed to sell the stadium and associated training grounds to Wrexham University (then known as Glyndŵr University). The proposed deal, subject to financial terms agreed by both parties, would allow both sporting teams to continue using the facilities.<ref name="bbc-20110803">{{Cite news |date=3 August 2011 |title=Glyndwr University to buy Wrexham's Racecourse stadium |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-14387541 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629155616/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-14387541 |archive-date=29 June 2013 |access-date=21 June 2018 |work=BBC News }}</ref> The purchase of the ground also resulted in the re-branding of the stadium, incorporating the university's name.<ref>{{cite news |last=Williams |first=Martin |date=22 August 2011 |title=Wrexham ground to become Glyndwr University Racecourse Stadium |url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2011/08/22/wrexham-ground-to-become-glyndwr-university-racecourse-stadium-55578-29277573/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005064217/http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2011/08/22/wrexham-ground-to-become-glyndwr-university-racecourse-stadium-55578-29277573/ |archive-date=5 October 2012 |access-date=23 August 2011 |work=Daily Post}}</ref>
On 19 May 2014, work began at the Racecourse,<ref name="wrexhamuni-20214">{{Cite press release |title=Stadium to undergo £300,000 overhaul |url=http://www.glyndwr.ac.uk/en/AboutGlyndwrUniversity/Newsandmediacentre/Newsarchive/PressReleases2014/Racecoursepitchrevamp/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908201459/http://www.glyndwr.ac.uk/en/AboutGlyndwrUniversity/Newsandmediacentre/Newsarchive/PressReleases2014/Racecoursepitchrevamp/ |archive-date=8 September 2014 |access-date=11 August 2014 |publisher=Glyndŵr University |work=glyndwr.ac.uk }}</ref> which included a new pitch and sprinkler system, and changing rooms for players and officials. The medical and treatment facilities were also upgraded, together with improved seating for disabled supporters, better floodlighting and removal of cambers at the Kop end of the ground. That meant the stadium was reclassified to Category 3 level, meaning it was able to host international football matches.<ref name="bbc-20140514">{{Cite news |date=14 May 2014 |title=Wrexham FC's Racecourse Stadium gets 300k revamp |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-27408692 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104183412/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-27408692 |archive-date=4 January 2018 |access-date=21 June 2018 |work=BBC News }}</ref>
===University ownership (2016–2022)=== [[File:Trans+My Racecourse.png|thumb|Logo used during Wrexham Glyndŵr University freehold lease.]]
In August 2016, Wrexham University and Wrexham A.F.C. signed a contract that signalled a new future for the Racecourse. The lease from the university was branded as "My Racecourse" ({{langx|cy|'Nghae Ras I}}).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fans Vote YES To Ground Lease – 'My Racecourse' Launches With £200k Target |url=https://www.wrexham.com/news/fans-vote-yes-for-my-racecourse-110807.html |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=Wrexham.com |language=en}}</ref>
The university, having saved the ground from possible extinction, handed operational control to the football club as part a 99-year lease.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!-- not stated --> |date = 1 August 2016 |title = Racecourse Lease Signed |url = http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/wrexham-afc-season-ticket-cards-2016-3207448.aspx#MVVAg4LG95dQVbxJ.99/ |publisher = Wrexham AFC |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161104013957/http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/wrexham-afc-season-ticket-cards-2016-3207448.aspx#MVVAg4LG95dQVbxJ.99/ |archive-date = 4 November 2016 |access-date = 14 July 2025 }}</ref>
===Club ownership, sponsorship rebranding (2022–present)=== After the takeover by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the club began talks with Wrexham University to purchase the freehold of the ground.<ref>{{cite web |title= Wrexham announce plan to regain Racecourse Stadium freehold on Hollywood anniversary |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/60309752 |work=BBC |date=9 February 2022 |access-date=9 March 2022}}</ref> On 29 June 2022, the club purchased the freehold of the stadium from the university.<ref>{{Cite web |title="Great day" as Wrexham Football Club acquires freehold of Racecourse Stadium from Glyndwr University |url=https://www.wrexham.com/news/great-day-as-wrexham-football-club-acquires-freehold-of-racecourse-stadium-from-glyndwr-university-220940.html |website=Wrexham.com |language=en|access-date=8 October 2022}}</ref>
In 2022, Wrexham Council launched a stadium redevelopment bid to be partly funded by the "levelling up" fund, a UK Government initiative aiming at increasing public investment outside south-east England.<ref>{{cite web |title= Stadium for the North campaign launched to bring international sporting events back to North Wales |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/stadium-north-campaign-launched-bring-23875864 |work=The Daily Post |date=9 May 2022 |access-date=12 May 2022}}</ref> The construction of a new Kop stand, improved media, broadcast, and floodlight facilities, a car park, and groundworks for a future convention centre and hotel were presented<ref>{{cite web |title= Stadium for the North bid wins cross-party political support |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/stadium-north-bid-wins-cross-23928263 |work=The Daily Post |date=12 May 2022 |access-date=12 May 2022}}</ref> as enabling the return of competitive Wales national football fixtures. Former Wales footballers Mickey Thomas and Malcolm Allen served as figureheads for the bid.<ref>{{cite web |title= Stadium for the North: Mickey Thomas and Malcolm Allen lead launch |url=https://www.rhyljournal.co.uk/news/20126658.stadium-north-mickey-thomas-malcolm-allen-lead-launch/ |work=The Rhyl Journal |date=10 May 2022 |access-date=12 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Wrexham: Racecourse Kop end demolition given go-ahead |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61931012 |access-date=26 October 2022 |date=24 June 2022}}</ref>
On 25 May 2023, it was announced that, following a sponsorship deal with STōK Cold Brew Coffee, the stadium was to be known by the sponsorship name "STōK {{Lang|cy|Cae Ras|italic=no}}", also referred as the "STōK Racecourse" in English.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Lewis |first=Thomas |date=2023-05-25 |title=Wrexham fans react to Racecourse SToK rebrand |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/wrexham-fans-react-racecourse-stok-26991974 |access-date=2023-05-25 |website=North Wales Live |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Wrexham AFC announce historic ground sponsor deal: STōK Racecourse Stadium |url=https://www.wrexham.com/news/wrexham-afc-announce-historic-ground-sponsor-deal-stok-racecourse-stadium-235068.html |access-date=2023-05-25 |website=Wrexham.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The World's Oldest International Football Stadium |url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/club/stok-cae-ras/ |publisher=Wrexham AFC |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430182425/https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/club/stok-cae-ras/ |archive-date=30 April 2024 |access-date=14 July 2025}}</ref><ref name="nytime 4551753">{{cite news |last=Sutcliffe |first=Richard |date=25 May 2023 |title=Wrexham sell naming rights to Racecourse Ground for first time ahead of Football League return |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4551753/2023/05/25/wrexham-stadium-reynolds-mcelhenney/ |work=The Athletic |access-date=14 July 2025}}</ref> The sponsorship name was officially adopted on 1 July 2023.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="nytime 4551753"/> It is also referred to in Welsh as {{Lang|cy|Cae Ras}} ''STōK.''<ref name=":3">{{cite web |date=August 2024 |title=Am ddechrau gwych i Wrecsam! |url=https://ycymro.cymru/newyddion/2024/08/am-ddechrau-gwych-i-wrecsam/ |access-date=1 May 2025 |work=Y Cymro}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite press release |title=Plismona diwrnod gêm CPD Wrecsam v Dinas Birmingham |publisher=North Wales Police |url=https://www.northwales.police.uk/cy-GB/news/north-wales/newyddion/news/2025/january/matchday-policing-for-wrexham-afc-v-birmingham-ciy/ |access-date=1 May 2025 |work=northwales.police.uk}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite press release |title=Parth-Datblygu-Dwyreiniol-Porth-Wrecsam |publisher=Transport for Wales |url=https://dweudeichdweud.trc.cymru/parth-datblygu-dwyreiniol-porth-wrecsam |access-date=1 May 2025 |work=dweudeichdweud.trc.cymru}}</ref><ref name="nytime 4551753"/> On 16 April 2024, Gatorade is named as official sports drink and as part of partnership will be on sidelines.<ref>{{cite web |date=16 April 2024 |title=Commercial {{!}} Gatorade named official sports drink of Wrexham AFC |url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2024/april/commercial--gatorade-named-official-sports-drink-of-wrexham-afc/ |publisher=Wrexham A.F.C. |access-date=17 July 2025}}</ref>
On 30 July 2025, planning application submitted for additional 2,250 seats in new Kop Stand.<ref>{{cite web |date=30 July 2025 |title=Stadium News {{!}} Planning application submitted for additional 2,250 seats in new Kop Stand |url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2025/july/30/stadium-news-planning-application-submitted-for-additional-seats-in-new-kop-stand/ |website=Wrexham A.F.C. |access-date=31 July 2025}}</ref>
In August 2025, the club completed a comprehensive £1.7 million pitch overhaul that included the installation of undersoil heating, enhanced drainage systems, and goal-line technology to meet UEFA compliance standards. The renovation also saw the pitch repositioned two metres toward the Kop end and the dugouts relocated to the opposite touchline.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |date=2025-11-19 |title=STōK Cae Ras - The Racecourse Stadium Guide {{!}} Wrexham Reds |url=https://www.wrexhamreds.com/the-racecourse-stadium-guide/ |access-date=2025-12-02 |language=en-GB}}</ref>
==Stadium details== thumb|The Kop endthumb|Fans at The Kop (2007) thumb|Wrexham Lager Stand thumb|STōK Cold Brew Coffee Stand (a.k.a. "Tech End") thumb|Macron Stand, looking towards the Kop
===Stands=== ;The Kop :The home stand situated behind the goal was an all-standing terrace named, similar to multiple other grounds in the UK, after the Battle of Spion Kop. Officially it was known as the Crispin Lane End or "Town End." With a capacity of 5,000, the Spion Kop was the largest all-standing terrace in the English Football League. Due to safety concerns, the stand was closed in 2008<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-46647040|title=Racecourse ground derelict stand redevelopment to be discussed|date=29 December 2018|work=BBC News}}</ref> and demolished in January 2023 after securing permissions to rebuild.
:In November 2022, Wrexham Council's planning committee approved project for a 5,500 capacity all-seater stand with a hospitality lounge, retail and office spaces for the club and its community trust.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63554065|title=Wrexham AFC: Racecourse Stadium's Kop redevelopment plans given council approval|publisher=BBC Sport|date=8 November 2022|access-date=8 November 2022}}</ref> While initially slated for completion by the 2024-25 season,<ref>{{Cite web |date = 7 November 2022 |title = Kop Development {{!}} Planning Committee Approval |url = https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2022/november/7/kop-development-planning-committee-approval |publisher = Wrexham A.F.C. |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240418012256/https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2022/november/kop-development--planning-committee-approval/ |archive-date = 18 April 2024 |access-date = 16 August 2025}}</ref><ref>{{ Cite web |last=Gamble |first=Andrew |date=15 January 2023 |title=Rob McElhenney gives Wrexham stadium update with emotional fan promise |url=https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1721665/Rob-McElhenney-Wrexham-stadium-update |website= express.co.uk |access-date= 16 August 2025 }}</ref> the timeline got voided due to additional challenges.<ref>{{ cite news |last=Sutcliffe |first=Richard |date= 5 October 2023 |title="Rob and Ryan are being remarkably calm": Wrexham chief on their first two months back in the EFL |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4909533/2023/10/05/humphrey-ker-wrexham-producer-director/ |access-date= 16 August 2025 |work=The New York Times }}</ref> As a result of increased demand to attend matches, the club set up a temporary Kop stand in time for the fixture against Newport County on 23 December 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date = 4 December 2023 |title = Statement {{!}} STōK Cae Ras - capacity increase |url = https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2023/december/4/statement-st-k-cae-ras-capacity-increase |publisher = Wrexham A.F.C. |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231204115846/https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2023/december/statement--stk-cae-ras---capacity-increase/ |archive-date = 4 December 2023 |access-date = 16 August 2025}}</ref> The temporary stand, called The Four Walls Fourth Wall for sponsorship reasons, allowed access for an additional 2,309 home supporters, of which 20 were wheelchair spaces accessible via Crispin Lane. It was also expanded, peaking at 3,020 spectators during the 2024–25 season.<ref> {{Cite tweet |author= Wrexham A.F.C. |author-link= Wrexham A.F.C. |user= Wrexham_AFC |number= 1832445835327815861 |title= Your support this afternoon has been immense 👏 🔴⚪️ #WxmAFC |language= en |access-date= 16 August 2025 }} </ref>
:On 3 March 2025, the rebuild was again approved by the Wrexham County Borough councillors.<ref>{{ cite web |date=3 March 2025 |title=Wrexham: Planning committee vote to approve new Kop Stand plans |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cn0jg7ln0dro |publisher= BBC Sport |access-date= 16 August 2025 }}</ref> The club aims to have it ready in time for the 2026/27 season in part due to planned hosting of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship matches.<ref>{{ cite web |last= Digby |first= Chloe |date= 1 June 2025 |title= Wrexham Stadium Expansion: Latest updates on delayed Kop redevelopment |url=https://footballgroundguide.com/news/wrexham-stadium-expansion-latest-updates-on-kop-redevelopment.html |website= Football Ground Guide |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250601235456/https://footballgroundguide.com/news/wrexham-stadium-expansion-latest-updates-on-kop-redevelopment.html |archive-date= 1 June 2025 |access-date= 16 August 2025 }}</ref> On 30 July 2025, Wrexham submitted revised plans to increase the new Kop Stand capacity to 7,750 seats by adding additional 2,250 seats in the upper tier. The expanded design aims to future-proof the stadium and strengthen its ability to host international fixtures.<ref name="auto"/> The construction works started in December 2025.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://footballgroundguide.com/news/wrexham-stadium-update-new-drone-footage-shows-latest-progress-on-kop-stand-redevelopment.html|title=Wrexham stadium update: New drone footage shows latest progress on Kop Stand redevelopment|website=Footballgroundguide.com|access-date=31 May 2026}}</ref>
;Wrexham Lager Stand :Capacity 4,200, backing onto where Yale College used to be. It was built in 1972 in preparation for the club's first venture into Europe, and also provided new dressing rooms, club offices and entertainment suites. The Centenary Club is also located here. The stand is sponsored by Wrexham Lager, a locally owned independent brewery. The club held a lottery during the 2009–10 season with the winner getting to name the stand for a season. The winning ticket resulted in the stand being called the Loyal Canadian Red Stand. For the 2010–11 season it had been renamed the Cash4Gold Stand.
;STōK Cold Brew Coffee Stand<ref>{{ Cite web |last= Harrison |first= Jack |date= 2 July 223 |title= Wrexham AFC rename stand at the Racecourse Ground |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/23627630.wrexham-afc-rename-stand-racecourse-ground/ |website= The Leader |access-date= 16 August 2025 |language=en }}</ref> :Formerly the '''Wrexrent Stand''', '''Marston's Stand''', or '''Tech End'''. It holds 2,800 spectators and provides the supporters with excellent views of the pitch and excellent acoustics. From the 2007–08 season home fans will be located in this stand and away fans moved to the wing of the Yale Stand, with the exception of games where a large away attendance is anticipated. It was renamed for the 2023–24 season.
;Macron Stand :The newest stand, capacity 3,500, was secured with lottery funding, and built over the old Mold Road stand in 1999. The stand possesses a TV studio and eight fully equipped private boxes, and has a restaurant called "The Changing Rooms"; there is also a club shop which is run by the Supporters' Trust adjacent to the stand. The stand was initially named after the chairman Pryce Griffiths, but was renamed as the Mold Road Stand, following Pryce Griffith's endorsement of Alex Hamilton's redevelopment scheme. A family area, sponsored by Nando's was introduced in the 2009–10 season, located to the area of the stand nearest to the Kop. For the 2010–11 season, as part of the Crusaders presence, the stand was renamed the Greene King Stand
===Disabled facilities=== Wrexham have 38 disabled places available at the front of the Macron Stand. There are 22 parking spaces in the Wrexham University car park (next door) as well as two disabled toilets, plus low-counter refreshment kiosks, with steward assistance if required. Admission is £12 for disabled supporters (£5 concessions) and helpers are admitted free of charge.
The stadium has eight allocated spaces for those who are visually impaired; the commentary provided is also broadcast to the local hospital.
In October 2013, the stadium hosted the United Kingdom's first 'autism friendly' football match. A group of around 50 attended the Racecourse to watch Wrexham play against Woking.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wrexham Racecourse Hosted First Autism-Friendly Match|url=http://www.levelplayingfield.org.uk/news/wrexham-racecourse-hosted-first-autism-friendly-match|access-date=26 December 2016|work=Level Playing Field|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226220234/http://www.levelplayingfield.org.uk/news/wrexham-racecourse-hosted-first-autism-friendly-match|archive-date=26 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
In August 2015, a new viewing platform was opened by Lord Faulkner of Worcester, using funding from the Premier League's Football Stadia Improvement Fund.<ref>{{cite web |author = FSIF |date = 3 September 2015 |title = Lord Faulkner Officially Opens Improved Stand |url = http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/article/lord-faulkner-officially-opens-improved-wrexham-afc-stand-2667874.aspx |website = wrexhamafc.co.uk |publisher = Wrexham AFC |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161226221120/http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/article/lord-faulkner-officially-opens-improved-wrexham-afc-stand-2667874.aspx |archive-date = 26 December 2016 |access-date = 14 July 2025 }}</ref> Located at the rear of the Macron Stand, this further increased the number of places available to disabled fans, as well as providing protection from the elements. It has space for six users and carers.
After the platform was opened, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson praised the club in the House of Lords, saying "This is a club, my Lords, that genuinely cares about its spectators. My Lords, the big clubs are hiding."<ref>{{cite news|title=Wrexham FC praised by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson for club's work to support disabled fans|url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wrexham-fc-praised-baroness-tanni-9677157|access-date=26 December 2016|work=Daily Post|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227060023/http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wrexham-fc-praised-baroness-tanni-9677157|archive-date=27 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
In January 2018, Wrexham Football Club hired Kerry Evans, its first disability liaison officer.<ref>{{Cite web |author = <!-- not stated --> |date = 17 January 2019 |title = Disability Liaison Officer |url = https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/disability-liaison-officer |website = wrexhamafc.co.uk |publisher = Wrexham AFC |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210727183024/https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/disability-liaison-officer |archive-date = 27 July 2021 |access-date = 14 July 2025 }}</ref> At the beginning of the 2018–19 season it was announced that the Racecourse is now autism friendly,<ref>{{Cite web |author = <!-- not stated --> |date = 8 August 2018 |title = Club News {{!}} The Racecourse Becomes an Autism Friendly Stadium |url = https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/club-news-the-racecourse-becomes-an-autism-friendly-stadium |website = www.wrexhamafc.co.uk |publisher = Wrexham AFC |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210622131954/https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/club-news-the-racecourse-becomes-an-autism-friendly-stadium |archive-date = 22 June 2021 |access-date = 14 July 2025 }}</ref> for every home game each season, with allocated seating in a quieter area of the stadium (if required) and the club also providing ear defenders and a quiet hub to use if required and a dedicated steward who is on hand to help. The club became the first in Wales to win an autism-friendly award in 2018, awarded by the National Autistic Society.
In November 2018, the DSA started the Audio Descriptive Commentary service, where blind or visually impaired supporters can listen to the game, live in the stadium. There are 10 handsets available, on a first come first served basis.
==Rugby League== ===Domestic=== The ground was home to former Super League club Crusaders RL from 2010 after their departure from Brewery Field in Bridgend in South Wales.<ref> {{cite web |author = <!-- not stated --> |date = 18 March 2013 |title = Rugby league: It's official Crusaders moving to Wrexham |url = https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/rugby-league-its-official-crusaders-2065376 |website = Wales Online |access-date = 31 July 2025 }} </ref> Crusaders were hoping to play at Rodney Parade in Newport but the deal fell through; they then decided to move to North Wales and a new franchise was created.<ref>{{ cite web |title=article |url=http://www.superleague.co.uk/article.php?id%3D16080 |website= superleague.co.uk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829144157/http://www.superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=16080 |archive-date=29 August 2012 |access-date= 16 August 2025 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref> {{cite web |last = Parfitt |first = Delme |date = 28 March 2013 |title = Rugby league: Celtic Crusaders hoping for move to Parade |url = https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/rugby-league-celtic-crusaders-hoping-2097388 |website = Wales Online |access-date = 31 July 2025 }} </ref>
Crusaders have enjoyed some well-attended games at the Racecourse Ground during 2010 with their opening engage Super League match against Leeds attracted over 10,000 people, with large local support.
In 2011 Crusaders withdraw their Super League licence application and ultimately folded citing financial invalidity.<ref> {{cite web |author = <!-- not stated --> |date = 26 July 2011 |title = Crusaders face uncertain future after Super League exit |url = https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/14281421 |website = BBC Sport |access-date = 31 July 2025 }} </ref>
2012 saw the birth of a new club, born from the ashes of the old club. North Wales Crusaders currently play in the Co-operative Championship 1 competition.<ref> {{cite web |author = <!-- not stated --> |title = About North Wales Crusaders |url = https://www.mission2013.co.uk/about-north-wales-crusaders/ |website = mission2013.co.uk |date = 27 March 2017 |publisher = The North Wales Crusaders community |access-date = 31 July 2025 }} </ref> They are seen as a separate entity from the former club, and are starting their own chapter in rugby league history. From 2016, North Wales Crusaders no longer play at the Racecourse Ground.
===International=== International Rugby League games have also been staged at the ground. The stadium hosted Wales' clash with England in the 2012 Autumn International Series. In 2013, it held Wales' 2013 Rugby League World Cup home game with the USA on Sunday 3 November 2013, with the Tomahawks ending the home side's chance of a quarter-final appearance with a 24–16 win. The win by the US, a team expected to be beaten in their first ever Rugby League World Cup,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Aled |date=2013-11-01 |title=Rugby League World Cup 2013: United States shock Wales |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/wales/24776704 |access-date=2024-06-14 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref> would see them return to Wrexham for a quarter-final clash against tournament favourites Australia, on Saturday 16 November 2013. As expected, the Kangaroos (who would go on to win the World Cup) defeated the US 62–0, with 5,762 in attendance.
As part of the 2014 Rugby League European Cup, the Racecourse Ground hosted the match between Wales and Ireland on 2 November.
As of 2025, the Racecourse Ground has hosted ten Wales internationals. The results were as follows:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/Custom/LS0tMS0tMTcwLS0tLS0tLS15LXktLS0tLS0=|title=Racecourse Ground rugby league internationals|work=Rugby League Project|access-date=30 May 2015}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" |- style="background:#bdb76b;" ! Date !! Opponents !! Result !! Attendance !! Part of |- | 29 October 2000 || {{rl|COK}} || 38–6 || 5,016 || 2000 World Cup |- | 29 July 2001 || {{rl|ENG}} || 33–42 || 6,373 || Friendly |- | 6 October 2010 || {{rl|ITA}} || 6–13 || 2,971 || Friendly |- | 13 November 2011 || {{rl|AUS}} || 14–56 || 5,233 || 2011 Four Nations |- | 16 June 2012 || {{rl|FRA}} || 16–28 || 1,464 || Friendly |- | 27 October 2012 || {{rl|ENG}} || 12–80 || 4,014 || 2012 Autumn International Series |- | 29 October 2013 || {{rl|USA}} || 16–24 || 8,019 || 2013 Rugby League World Cup |- | 2 November 2014 || {{rl|IRE}} || 14–46 || 1,293 || 2014 European Championship |- | 16 October 2015 || {{rl|SCO}} || 18–12 || 1,253 || 2015 European Championship |- | 11 November 2018 || {{rl|IRE}} || 40–0 || 1,257 || 2018 European Championship |}
==Rugby Union==
The Racecourse Ground has held four rugby union internationals. Three of them were Wales’ friendlies against Romania and won all three of them (70–21 30 August 1997, 40–3 on 3 October 1999 and 54–8 on 27 August 2003 which was a warm-up game before the 2003 Rugby World Cup). It also hosted a 1999 Rugby Union World Cup Pool 4 match between Japan and Samoa on 3 October 1999 with Samoa winning 43–9. The Racecourse has also played host to the Wales 'A' squad on numerous occasions. {| class="wikitable" |- style="background:#bdb76b;" ! Date !! Competitors !! Attendance !! Part of |- | 30 Aug. 1997 || {{ru-rt|WAL}} 70-21 {{ru|ROM}} || || Autumn Internationals |- | 3 Oct. 1999 || {{ru-rt|SAM}} 43-9 {{ru|JAP}} || 15,000 || 1999 Rugby World Cup Pool D |- | 1 Nov. 2002 || {{ru-rt|WAL}} 40-3 {{ru|ROM}} || 9,448 || Autumn Internationals |- | 27 Aug. 2003 || {{ru-rt|WAL}} 54-8 {{ru|ROM}} || 4,000 || 2003 Rugby World Cup Warm-Up Tests |- |}
==Other uses==
The first concert to be held at the Racecourse was in the summer of 1976 with the 'Festival of Entertainment.' Mac and Katie Kissoon, Junior Walker and KC and the Sunshine Band gave the occasion a distinctly soul/disco feel. The second concert to be held at the stadium took place in July 1982, when Motörhead headlined with Twisted Sister making their UK debut as the support act.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dee Snider Reveals How Lemmy Helped Twisted Sister Break Through|date=29 December 2015 |url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/dee-snider-book-excerpt/|publisher=Ultimate Classic Rock|access-date=26 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315013923/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/dee-snider-book-excerpt/|archive-date=15 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=How the UK changed Twisted Sister |date=9 August 2016 |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/how-the-uk-changed-twisted-sister-dee-snider/|publisher=Metal Hammer|access-date=16 May 2020}}</ref> Other concerts at the venue have included Stereophonics, as part of their Keep The Summer Alive tour,<ref>{{cite news|title=After success of Stereophonics Wrexham gig, fans demand more big act stadium gigs for town|url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/after-success-stereophonics-wrexham-gig-11559608|access-date=26 December 2016|work=Daily Post|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226220709/http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/after-success-stereophonics-wrexham-gig-11559608|archive-date=26 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> UB40<ref>{{cite web |last = Hogan |first = Carl |date = 23 November 2016 |title = British Reggae Legends UB40 Will Perform Live At My Racecourse – May Bank Holiday 2017 |url = http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/british-reggae-legends-ub40-will-perform-live-at-my-racecourse-3433047.aspx |publisher = Wrexham AFC |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161226220520/http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/british-reggae-legends-ub40-will-perform-live-at-my-racecourse-3433047.aspx |archive-date = 26 December 2016 |access-date = 14 July 2025 }}</ref> and Olly Murs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Olly Murs |url=https://myracecourse.wst.org.uk/index.php/whats-on/14-past-events/54-olly-murs-to-perform-at-my-racecourse-wrexham-saturday-24th-june |website=My Racecourse |access-date=23 April 2024}}</ref> Kings of Leon performed two shows at the stadium in May 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last = Henrys |first = Colin |date = 27 February 2023 |title = Kings of Leon {{!}} Two huge outdoor shows announced at the Racecourse Ground |url = https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2023/february/kings-of-leon--two-huge-outdoor-shows-announced-at-the-racecourse-ground/ |website = wrexhamafc.co.uk |publisher = Wrexham AFC |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240525141807/https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2023/february/kings-of-leon--two-huge-outdoor-shows-announced-at-the-racecourse-ground/ |archive-date = 25 May 2024 |access-date = 14 July 2025 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.radiox.co.uk/artists/kings-of-leon/kings-of-leon-wrexham-racecourse-ground-tickets-stage-times-support/|title=Kings Of Leon announce two huge UK shows at Wrexham Racecourse Ground|website=Radio X}}</ref>
The stadium was used as a filming location in the 2014 television film ''Marvellous'' about the life of Neil Baldwin.<ref>{{cite news|title=Marvellous! TV drama filmed at Wrexham's Racecourse wins two BAFTAs|url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/marvellous-tv-drama-filmed-wrexhams-9235411|access-date=26 December 2016|work=Daily Post|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151219200146/http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/marvellous-tv-drama-filmed-wrexhams-9235411|archive-date=19 December 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Location== The ground is located on Mold Road close to the A483 dual carriageway. Wrexham General railway station is adjacent to the ground.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/page/Racecourse |title=Wrexham | Club | Racecourse | North Wales' Premier Sporting Venue |access-date=15 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012140338/http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/page/Racecourse |archive-date=12 October 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref>
==Attendances== The five biggest attendances for Wrexham matches at the Racecourse have been:
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:600px;" |- ! Date ! Competition ! Opposition ! Attendance |- | 26 January 1957 | FA Cup | Manchester United | 34,445 |- | 26 December 1936 | Third Division North | Chester City | 29,261<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.chester-city.co.uk/fixtures_36-37.asp |title=Fixtures 1936/37<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=11 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410152852/http://www.chester-city.co.uk/fixtures_36-37.asp |archive-date=10 April 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | 17 January 1978 | League Cup | Liverpool | 25,641 |- | 11 March 1978 | FA Cup | Arsenal | 25,547 |- | 7 December 1935 | Third Division North | Chester City | 24,086<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.chester-city.co.uk/fixtures_35-36.asp |title=Fixtures 1935/36<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=11 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411022836/http://www.chester-city.co.uk/fixtures_35-36.asp |archive-date=11 April 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> |}
The largest all-seated attendance at the ground to date was 13,341 v Shrewsbury Town on 7 September 2024.
==References== {{reflist}} {{commons category}}
{{Wrexham A.F.C.}} {{EFL Championship venues}} {{Wales national football team}} {{Crusaders Rugby League}} {{North Wales Crusaders}} {{1999 Rugby World Cup Venues}} {{2000 RLWC Venues}} {{2013 RLWC Venues}}
Category:Football venues in Wales Category:Welsh Cup final venues Category:Rugby union stadiums in Wales Category:Rugby league stadiums in Wales Category:Wrexham Category:Stadiums in Wrexham Category:Wrexham A.F.C. Category:Crusaders Rugby League Category:Sport in Wrexham County Borough Category:North Wales Crusaders Category:Sports venues completed in 1864 Category:English Football League venues Category:1864 establishments in Wales