The Willows, Greater Manchester

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The Willows is home of the Salford City Reds rugby league team. It's a small mainly terraced stadium with one main stand. The capacity is 11,363 with 2,500 seats.

The Willows is also a local entertainment complex and has several function rooms, which are used to hold meetings, wedding receptions and other parties. Small concerts are regularly held in the function building. In addition, the building holds a valid marriage licence and holds weddings throughout the year.

Salford City Reds are looking to move into a new, purpose-built stadium in Barton, working under the initial stadium name, the City of Salford Stadium. However, it seems likely that the function rooms will remain and will continue to be used, even if the Reds do move into their new stadium.

[edit] History

During 1900 Salford agreed a 14-year lease on five acres of land belonging to the Willows Estate Company, named after the abundance of willow trees in the area. Salford made their debut at The Willows on 21 December 1901, beating Swinton 2-0, the official attendance being 16,981.

In the sixties, the terrace was flattened at the Willows Road end to make way for the Salford Football and Social Club which was officially opened on 16 June 1966.

A few months earlier, The Willows switched on its floodlights for the first time in the match with Widnes on Friday 11 March 1966.

Nearest Train Station: Manchester Piccadilly (4 miles from ground)

Nearest Metrolink station: Weaste (5 min walk from ground)

For directions to The Willows, see [1]

Super League (Europe) Venues 2007
Belle Vue | Craven Park | Galpharm Stadium | Grattan Stadium | Headingley Stadium
Halliwell Jones Stadium | JJB Stadium | KC Stadium | Knowsley Road | Stade Aime Giral
The Willows | The Stoop

Coordinates: 53°29′11.31″N, 2°18′34.02″W