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{{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
| stadium_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}}
| publictransit = {{rail-interchange|gb|Rail}} [[Wrexham General railway station|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 = Grass
| 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 = 13,341<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=Wrexham_AFC |number=1832445835327815861 |title=Your support this afternoon has been immense }}</ref> (Football)
| dimensions = {{convert|102|x|68|m|abbr=on}}
| website = {{URL|www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/club/stok-cae-ras/|wrexhamafc.co.uk/stok-cae-ras}}<!-- {{url|www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/club/the-racecourse-ground/}} -->
| 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 A.F.C.|Wrexham AFC]]. It is the largest stadium in [[North Wales]] and the [[List of football stadiums in Wales|fifth-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=[[Liverpool Daily Post|Daily Post North Wales]] |df=dmy }}</ref> [[Wales national football team home stadium|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 F.C. Reserves|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 |title=STōK CAE RAS {{!}} Stadium sponsorship now live |url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2023/july/stk-cae-ras--stadium-sponsorship-now-live/ |access-date=2023-07-04 |website=www.wrexhamafc.co.uk |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 [[Rhosddu Recreation Ground|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 | url=http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/club/history/ | work=Wrexham FC | title=History | date=6 December 2012 | access-date=6 December 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215212034/http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/club/history/ | archive-date=15 December 2012 | url-status=live }}</ref>

The Racecourse was used extensively for aviation before the [[World War I|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>

===Expansion (1952–2002) ===
1952 saw the laying down of concrete terracing on the ever-popular [[Spion Kop (stadiums)|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 F.C.|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 [[Football League Second Division|Second Division]], the Border Stand was built, taking its name from the [[Border Breweries (Wrexham)|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 family|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 (law)|peppercorn]] annual rent of £1. The club hosted [[The New Saints F.C.|TNS]] vs [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] in a [[UEFA Champions League]] qualifier in 2005.

On 26 June 2002, the [[freehold (law)|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=http://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 of Justice|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 (British football)|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 Rugby League|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 [[Great Recession|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|url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2011/08/22/wrexham-ground-to-become-glyndwr-university-racecourse-stadium-55578-29277573/|title=Wrexham ground to become Glyndwr University Racecourse Stadium|work=Daily Post|access-date=23 August 2011|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|url-status=live}}</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=[[Wrexham University|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|url=http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/wrexham-afc-season-ticket-cards-2016-3207448.aspx#MVVAg4LG95dQVbxJ.99/|title=Reds take back running of the football ground on an extended lease...|access-date=2 November 2016|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|url-status=dead}}</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 County Borough Council|Wrexham Council]] began a bid for "levelling up" funding, 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=[[Daily Post (North Wales)|The Daily Post]] |date=9 May 2022 |access-date=12 May 2022}}</ref> The funding would be made available for the construction of a new Kop stand, improved media, broadcast, and floodlight facilities, a car park, and ground works for a convention centre and hotel.<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=[[Daily Post (North Wales)|The Daily Post]] |date=12 May 2022 |access-date=12 May 2022}}</ref> The upgrades would allow for a return of competitive [[Wales national football team|Wales national football]] fixtures. Former [[Wales national football team|Wales]] footballers [[Mickey Thomas (footballer)|Mickey Thomas]] and [[Malcolm Allen (footballer)|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=June 24, 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=STōK Cae Ras - Wrexham AFC |url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/club/stok-cae-ras/ |access-date=2023-07-03 |website=www.wrexhamafc.co.uk}}</ref> The sponsorship name was officially adopted on 1 July 2023.<ref name=":2" /> 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>

==Stadium details==
[[File:Ryan Valentine scores.jpg|thumb|The Kop]] [[File:Sainsbury Stand.jpg|thumb|Wrexham Lager Stand]] [[File:Eric Roberts Stand.jpg|thumb|STōK Cold Brew Coffee Stand (a.k.a. "Tech End")]] [[File:Wrexham FC.jpg|thumb|Macron Stand, looking towards the Kop]]

===Stands===
;The Kop
:The formerly all-standing home stand is named after the [[Battle of Spion Kop]]. Many grounds in the UK used to have sections named as such. Situated behind the goal, it is known officially 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. Since 2008, it has been unused on safety grounds. In November 2022, Wrexham Council's planning committee approved plans for a 5,500 capacity seater stand including a hospitality lounge, office and retail space for the club as well as further facilities for the club's 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|accessdate=8 November 2022}}</ref> The stand was demolished in January 2023 for a complete rebuild, as it has been unused for a number of years by that point, being deemed a health hazard;<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|via=www.bbc.com}}</ref> the process was expected to finish by the start of the 2024–25 season,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2022/november/kop-development--planning-committee-approval/|title=KOP DEVELOPMENT &#124; Planning Committee Approval|website=www.wrexhamafc.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1721665/Rob-McElhenney-Wrexham-stadium-update|title=Rob McElhenney gives Wrexham stadium update with emotional fan promise|first=Andrew|last=Gamble|date=15 January 2023|website=Express.co.uk}}</ref> but additional complications have shifted that timeline indefinitely. The renovation is expected to take 11 months.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4909533/2023/10/05/humphrey-ker-wrexham-producer-director/|title="Rob and Ryan are being remarkably calm": Wrexham chief on their first two months back in the EFL|first=Richard|last=Sutcliffe|work=The New York Times }}</ref>
:On 4th December 2023, the club announced that permission had been sought to install a temporary stand at the Kop End.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 April 2025 |title=Capacity Increase |url= https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2023/december/statement--stk-cae-ras---capacity-increase/|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20231204115846/https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2023/december/statement--stk-cae-ras---capacity-increase/ |archive-date=4 December 2023 }}</ref> The temporary stand allowed for an additional 2,289 home supporters, as well as accommodation for 20 wheelchairs with access via Crispin Lane. The temporary stand was opened at 80% capacity in time for the fixture against Newport County on 23 December 2023. The temporary stand was partially exposed to bad weather but had a reduced ticket cost.
:On 3 March 2025, Wrexham County Borough councillors approved the proposal for the construction of a new 5,500-seater Kop stand at Wrexham AFC’s Racecourse Ground.  The club aims to have it ready in time for the 2026/27 season.  It is crucial to finish the project by 2026, as the stadium is scheduled to host UEFA European Under-19 Championship matches.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://footballgroundguide.com/news/wrexham-stadium-expansion-latest-updates-on-kop-redevelopment.html | title=Wrexham Stadium Expansion: Latest updates on Kop redevelopment &#124; What is Ryan Reynolds investment bringing at the Racecourse Ground? | date=4 May 2025 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cn0jg7ln0dro | title=Wrexham: Planning committee vote to approve new Kop Stand plans | date=3 March 2025 }}</ref>

;Wrexham Lager Stand
:Capacity 4,200, backing onto where [[Yale College, Wrexham|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 |date=2023-07-02 |title=Wrexham AFC announce name change for stand at the Racecourse Ground |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/23627630.wrexham-afc-rename-stand-racecourse-ground/ |access-date=2023-07-04 |website=The Leader |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 [[Visual impairment|visually impaired]]; the commentary provided is also broadcast to the [[Wrexham Maelor Hospital|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 F.C.|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 [[Richard Faulkner, Baron Faulkner of Worcester|Lord Faulkner of Worcester]], using funding from the Premier League's Football Stadia Improvement Fund.<ref>{{cite web|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|publisher=Wrexham AFC|access-date=26 December 2016|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|url-status=dead}}</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, [[Tanni Grey-Thompson|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 |date=17 January 2019 |title=Disability Liaison Officer |url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/disability-liaison-officer |website=www.wrexhamafc.co.uk}}</ref> At the beginning of the 2018–19 season it was announced that the Racecourse is now autism friendly,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/club-news-the-racecourse-becomes-an-autism-friendly-stadium|title=CLUB NEWS &#124; The Racecourse Becomes An Autism Friendly Stadium|date=8 August 2018|website=www.wrexhamafc.co.uk}}</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 Rugby League|Crusaders RL]] from 2010 after their departure from [[Brewery Field]] in [[Bridgend]] in South Wales.  Crusaders were hoping to play at [[Rodney Parade]] in [[Newport, Wales|Newport]] but the deal fell through; they then decided to move to North Wales and a new franchise was created.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.superleague.co.uk/article.php?id%3D16080 |title=Archived copy |access-date=9 December 2009 |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 |df=dmy }}</ref>

Crusaders have enjoyed some well-attended games at the Racecourse Ground during 2010 with their opening engage Super League match against [[Leeds Rhinos|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.

2012 saw the birth of a new club, born from the ashes of the old club. [[North Wales Crusaders]] currently play in the [[RFL League 1|Co-operative Championship 1]] competition. 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 national rugby league team|Wales]]' clash with [[England national rugby league team|England]] in the [[2012 Autumn International Series]]. In 2013, it held Wales' [[2013 Rugby League World Cup]] home game with the [[United States national rugby league team|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 USA, 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 national rugby league team|Australia]], on Saturday 16 November 2013. As expected, the Kangaroos (who would go on to win the World Cup) defeated the USA 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 national rugby league team|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 Rugby League World Cup|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 Rugby League Four Nations|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 Rugby League European Championship|2014 European Championship]]
|-
| 16 October 2015 || {{rl|SCO}} || 18–12 || 1,253 || [[2015 Rugby League European Championship|2015 European Championship]]
|-
| 11 November 2018 || {{rl|IRE}} || 40–0 || 1,257 || [[2018 Rugby League European Championship|2018 European Championship]]
|}

==Rugby Union==

The Racecourse Ground has held four rugby union internationals. Three of them were [[Wales national rugby union team|Wales’]] friendlies against [[Romania national rugby union team|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 national rugby union team|Japan]] and [[Samoa national rugby union team|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|1999 Rugby World Cup Pool D]]
|-
| 1 Nov. 2002 || {{ru-rt|WAL}} 40-3 {{ru|ROM}} || || Autumn Internationals
|-
| 27 Aug. 2003 || {{ru-rt|WAL}} 54-8 {{ru|ROM}} || || 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 Village Alive|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|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|access-date=26 December 2016|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|url-status=dead}}</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|url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2023/february/kings-of-leon--two-huge-outdoor-shows-announced-at-the-racecourse-ground/|title=KINGS OF LEON &#124; Two huge outdoor shows announced at the Racecourse Ground|website=www.wrexhamafc.co.uk}}</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 (Keele University)|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 road|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 &#124; Club &#124; Racecourse &#124; 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 F.C.|Wrexham]] matches at the Racecourse have been:

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:600px;"
|-
! Date
! Competition
! Opposition
! Attendance
|-
| 26 January 1957
| [[FA Cup]]
| [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]]
| 34,445
|-
| 26 December 1936
| [[Football League Third Division North|Third Division North]]
| [[Chester City F.C.|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
| [[Football League Cup|League Cup]]
| [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]]
| 25,641
|-
| 11 March 1978
| FA Cup
| [[Arsenal F.C.|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>
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}
{{commons category}}

{{Wrexham A.F.C.}}
{{EFL League One 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]]