View source for Halton Stadium

{{Short description|Sports stadium in Widnes}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{more citations needed|date=September 2013}}
{{Infobox venue  
| stadium_name     = Halton Stadium
| nickname         = 
| location         = Lowerhouse Lane<br>Widnes<br>Cheshire<br>WA8 7DZ
| coordinates      = {{coord|53|21|57|N|2|44|18|W|type:landmark_region:GB|display=inline,title}}
| built            = Re-opened 1997
| image            = Stobart Stadium.jpg
| image_size       = 290
| fullname         = Halton Stadium
| former_names     = 
| opened           = 12 October 1895 
| renovated        = 2 November 1997
| expanded         = 11 September 2005
| owner            = [[Halton Borough Council]]
| surface          = [[Artificial turf]]
| scoreboard       = Yes (Electronic LED Display)
| seating_capacity = 13,350
| tenants          = [[Widnes Vikings]]<br>[[Widnes F.C.|Widnes Football Club]]<br>[[Halton Spartans]] (2014–2021)
|}}

[[File:Widnes Vikings vs Salford City Reds 240110 002.JPG|thumb|230px|The interior of the DCBL Stadium.]]

The '''Halton Stadium''' (currently known as the '''DCBL Stadium''' for sponsorship reasons) is a multi-purpose [[rugby league]], [[association football|football]] and [[American football]] stadium in [[Widnes]], [[Cheshire]], England. It is the home of [[Rugby League]] side [[Widnes Vikings]] of the [[Betfred Championship]], football team [[Widnes F.C.|Widnes Football Club]] of the [[Northern Premier League]] who play their home games at the stadium, and also the [[American football]] side [[Halton Spartans]] of the [[BAFA National Leagues]], the Halton Spartans having competed in the BAFANL national American football league since 2015. The stadium is all seater and has a total capacity of 13,350.

During the [[Super League XVI|2011 Super League Season]], [[St Helens R.F.C.|St. Helens]] played their home games at the stadium. From 2013 to 2018 the Stadium was home to [[Everton L.F.C.|Everton Ladies]] and [[Liverpool L.F.C.|Liverpool Ladies]]. Since 2013 the stadium has also been used as the venue for the [[Drum Corps United Kingdom]] "British Drum Corps Championships".

==History==

Widnes Football Club had a number of grounds before settling at Lowerhouse Lane in 1884/85 on a site a few hundred yards north of the current location. That land was leased on behalf of the rugby organisation by Widnes Cricket Club but, to coincide with the breakaway from the Rugby Football Union in 1895, Widnes F.C. obtained a lease for land on which they laid out a new ground (the Naughton Park/Halton Stadium site). The first game on the new field was against [[Liversedge]] on 12 October 1895.

In the late 1920s it was proposed that the land would be compulsorily purchased to make way for a new council housing scheme. After much lobbying the club were finally given an option to purchase the site for the not inconsiderable sum of £3,250.

Club secretary Tom Naughton was instrumental in raising the necessary funds but before the formal completion of the purchase in 1932 he died in a car crash, leading to the ground being renamed in his honour.

During the [[1978 Kangaroo tour]] Widnes defeated Australia at Naughton Park before a crowd of 12,202.

Naughton Park stadium was owned by Widnes F.C. (later Widnes RLFC Ltd) but when financial difficulties set in they sold the ground to [[Halton (borough)|Halton Borough Council]] in 1995.

Halton Borough Council in partnership with Widnes Vikings agreed to build a new stadium on the site of Naughton Park. This stadium would provide a multi-purpose complex including a social club, conference facilities, recreational facilities and catering/function facilities.

The stadium was officially reopened on 2 November 1997 and consisted of South Stand with 3,400 capacity two function suites, social club and 30 executive boxes overlooking the pitch and the North Stand which had capacity for 4,400 fans.

On 11 November 1997 Everton Reserves played their first match in their new home as more than 5,000 fans attended leading to the kick-off being delayed by half an hour to allow the large crowd in. Although they were not treated to the best of games Leeds eventually found the breakthrough with 10 minutes to go when Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink cut inside two defenders and curled his right foot shot past the dive of John O'Toole.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.toffeeweb.com/season/97-98/reserves.php|title=ToffeeWeb - Everton Reserves, 1997-98}}</ref>

On 29 January 1999 the Widnes RLFC's remaining 40% share in the ground was sold to the council when they ran into financial difficulties.

In 1999 the Halton Stadium became The AutoQuest Stadium when the local car dealership signed sponsorship naming rights.

On 8 October 1999 the new West stand was officially opened by Tessa Sanderson CBE with the benefit of a Sport England Lottery grant the facilities included gym, crèche, café and a national table tennis Centre of excellence along with an extra 3,200 spectator seating.

In 2000, [[Runcorn F.C. Halton|Runcorn F.C.]] sold their Canal Street ground and moved to the Halton Stadium. The club renamed itself Runcorn F.C. Halton to reflect its new location.

AutoQuest's sponsorship ended in 2001 and the stadium became known as the Halton Stadium.

On 27 November 2002 Runcorn hosted 3rd division Bristol Rovers in an FA Cup 1st round replay in front of 2,444 fans despite taking their league opponents to extra time they were knocked out 3–1.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/Match_Report/0,,-40605,00.html | title=Runcorn produce extra effort | newspaper=The Guardian | first=Mark | last=Ogden | date=27 November 2002 | access-date=13 December 2020 }}</ref>

The 2002/03 season was to be Everton Reserves final season at the Halton Stadium as they moved to Haig Avenue in Southport.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.toffeeweb.com/season/03-04/reserves.asp|title=ToffeeWeb - Everton Reserves/U-21s, 2003-04}}</ref>

In 2004 the Stadium was selected to host a Challenge cup semi final as 11,175 fans watched as Wigan Warriors were victorious 30–18 against the Warrington Wolves.

In 2005 the East Stand was completed making the Halton Stadium a complete four-stand all seater stadium. Runcorn F.C.'s precarious financial state caused them to move out of the Halton Stadium and into [[Valerie Park]].

In December 2007 a sponsorship agreement was made with [[Eddie Stobart Ltd.|Stobart Group]] Limited and the stadium was renamed Stobart Stadium Halton.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.halton.gov.uk/content/newsroom/latestnews/504293?a=5441 |title=Stobart Group maps out road to success for Vikings |access-date=7 December 2007 |publisher=Halton Borough Council }}{{Dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In February 2008 the North stand seats were changed to spell out Vikings, West stand seats are sponsored by Stobart and East stand seats are sponsored by Halton Borough Council as part of the stadium sponsorship deal.

The Widnes Rugby League Museum was opened in 2007.

In 2008 the Stadium hosted Wigan Warriors home playoff fixture verses Bradford Bulls after they were refused usage of their home ground by the stadiums owner Dave Whelan <ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/2778310/Dave-Whelan-treating-Wigan-Warriors-supporters-like-second-class-citizens-Rugby-League.html> The Daily Telegraph]{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

In 2009 the Stadium hosted a rematch of the 2004 Challenge Cup Semi final and this time 12,975 fans watched as Warrington Wolves secured revenge in a 39–26 victory over Wigan Warriors.

In 2010 12,265 fans attended the Challenge Cup Semi final as Warrington Wolves cruised to victory 54-12 versus Catalans Dragons.

The stadium was a temporary home to [[St Helens R.F.C.|St. Helens]] during the 2011 season, as [[Langtree Park]] only opened for use in time for the 2012 season.<ref name="Saints shifting to Widnes">{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12206_6268665,00.html|title=Saints shifting to Widnes|publisher=skysports.com|date=18 July 2010|access-date=18 July 2010}}</ref>

At the end of the 2011 season the stadium became the first in England to install a fully artificial 3G pitch <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/widnes-vikings-answer-questions-new-3367434|title = Widnes Vikings answer questions on new artificial pitch|date = 10 August 2011}}</ref>

In 2013 The Stadium failed to be selected as a Rugby League World Cup venue due to the 3G pitch not being sanctioned for international competition. The USA team based themselves at the Stadium during their run to the quarter finals in the competition.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/2013-rugby-league-world-cup-plans-announced-6269051.html|title = 2013 Rugby League World Cup plans announced| website=[[Independent.co.uk]] |date = 28 November 2011}}</ref>

In 2013 local businessman Peter Littler signed a naming rights sponsorship deal as the Stadium became the Select Security Stadium. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/vikings_stadium_naming_rights_sold|title = Vikings' stadium naming rights sold - SportsPro Media| date=31 May 2013 }}</ref>

Since 2013 the Stadium has been the host venue for the British Drum Corps Championships which are held each September. The Championships feature the top UK Marching Bands and is organised by Drum Corps United Kingdom - www.dcuk.org.uk

On Sunday 18 June 2017 a sellout 14,000 crowd were entertained by [[Elton John]] at the Stadium with his [[Wonderful Crazy Night Tour]]. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/review-elton-john-widnes-still-13203276|title = Review: Elton John at Widnes - still standing and stronger than ever|date = 18 June 2017}}</ref>

In October 2018 the 3G pitch was relaid after seven years of matches, community use and events. The new 3G pitch was installed with green [[Crumb rubber|rubber crumb]] and the perimeter touchlines permanently incorporated into the surface to improve the appearance of the pitch for spectators and the TV audience.
 
In November 2019 DCBL secured the naming rights to the DCBL Stadium Halton.

On Saturday 2 July 2022 a 7,000 crowd were entertained by [[Bryan Adams]] and Widnes-born Spice Girl [[Mel C]] at the Stadium with his "So happy it hurts" tour.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.runcornandwidnesworld.co.uk/news/20253636.mel-c-joins-bryan-adams-stage-widnes-gig/ |title=Mel C joins Bryan Adams on stage for Widnes gig |website=runcornandwidnesworld.co.uk |date=2022-07-04}}</ref>

On Tuesday 18 April 2023, the DCBL Stadium hosted the final of the [[Liverpool Senior Cup]] where  [[Marine A.F.C.|Marine]] beat [[Runcorn Linnets F.C.|Runcorn Linnets]] 4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw.  The attendance of the game was 2,561.

==Facilities==
The stadium is segmented into four stands, each with different seating capacities and amenities:
* south stand (3,400 seats) – 30 executive suites, two function suites with capacity for 500 guests, social club, and club shop
* east stand (2,350 seats) – Widnes Rugby League museum
* west stand (3,200 seats) – National Table Tennis Centre of Excellence, gym, crèche, café, and Marquee Suite with capacity for 500 guests
* north stand (4,400 seats) – Widnes Vikings Performance Hub with gym, offices and treatment Centre

==Rugby League Club Matches==
The Halton Stadium has played host to various high-profile club matches.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Game!! Date!! Result!! Attendance!! Notes
|-
| 1 || 12 October 2002 || {{leagueicon|Huddersfield|16}} [[Huddersfield Giants]] def. {{leagueicon|Leigh|16}} [[Leigh Centurions]] 38–16|| 9,051 || [[Northern Ford Premiership]] Grand Final
|-
| 2 || 5 October 2003 || {{leagueicon|Salford City|16}} [[Salford City Reds]] def. {{leagueicon|Leigh|16}} [[Leigh Centurions]] 31–14 || 9,186 || [[2003 Rugby League National Leagues]] Grand Final
|-
| 3 || 25 April 2004 || {{leagueicon|Wigan|16}} [[Wigan Warriors]] def. {{leagueicon|Warrington|16}} [[Warrington Wolves]] 30–18  || 11,175 || [[2004 Challenge Cup]] Semi-Final
|-
| 4 || 10 October 2004 || {{leagueicon|Leigh|16}} [[Leigh Centurions]] def. {{leagueicon|Whitehaven|16}} [[Whitehaven RLFC]] 32–16   || 11,005 || [[2004 Rugby League National Leagues]] Grand Final
|-
| 5 || 9 October 2005 || {{leagueicon|Castleford|16}} [[Castleford Tigers]] def. {{leagueicon|Whitehaven|16}} [[Whitehaven RLFC]] 36–8    || 13,300 || [[2005 Rugby League National Leagues]] Grand Final
|-
| 6 || 12 September 2008 || {{leagueicon|Wigan|16}} [[Wigan Warriors]] def. {{leagueicon|Bradford|16}} [[Bradford Bulls]] 30–14 || 6,806 || [[2008 Super League season results#Play-offs| 2008 Super League play-off]]
|-
| 7 || 8 August 2009 || {{leagueicon|Warrington|16}} [[Warrington Wolves]] def. {{leagueicon|Wigan|16}} [[Wigan Warriors]] 39–26  || 12,975 || [[2009 Challenge Cup]] Semi-Final
|-
| 8 || 8 August 2010 || {{leagueicon|Warrington|16}} [[Warrington Wolves]] def. {{leagueicon|Catalans|16}} [[Catalans Dragons]] 54–12 || 12,265 || [[2010 Challenge Cup]] Semi-Final
|}
 
==Rugby League Test Matches==
List of rugby league test matches played at the Halton Stadium.<ref>[http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/venues/lowerhouse-lane/results.html Halton Stadium @ Rugby League Project]</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#bdb76b;"
! Test# !! Date !! Result !! Attendance !! Notes
|-
|1 || 15 January 1978 || {{rl|WAL}} def. {{rl|FRA}} 29–7 || 9,502 || [[1978 European Rugby League Championship]]
|-
|2 || 16 March 1979 || {{rl|ENG}} def. {{rl|WAL}} 15–7 || 5,099 || [[1979 European Rugby League Championship]]
|-
|3 || 26 January 1980 || {{rl|FRA}} def. {{rl|WAL}} 21–7 || 2,804 || [[1980 European Rugby League Championship]]
|-
|4 || 19 June 1998 || {{rl|ENG}} def. {{rl|WAL}} 15–12 || 5,154 || [[International Friendly]]
|-
|1 || 12 November 2000 || {{rl|WAL}} def. {{rl|PNG}} 13–12 || 5,211 || [[2000 Rugby League World Cup]] Quarter-final 3
|-
|5 || 12 November 2006 || {{rl|ENG}} def. {{rl|TON}} 32–14 || 3,000 || 2006 [[Federation Shield]] Final
|-
|6 || rowspan=2|9 November 2007 || {{rl|SAM}} def. {{rl|USA}} 42–10 || rowspan=2|753 || rowspan=2|[[2008 Rugby League World Cup qualifying]]
|-
|7 || {{rl|LBN}} def. {{rl|WAL}} 50–26
|}

==Rugby League Tour Matches==
Other than Widnes club games, the stadium also saw Widnes play host to various international touring teams from 1907 to 1990. Widnes' 11–10 win over [[Australian national rugby league team|Australia]] in [[1978 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain and France|1978]] was their only win over the touring Kangaroos. It also remains (as of 2017) the last time a British club or county side has defeated Australia in any match.
{| class="wikitable"
! Game !! Date !! Result !! Attendance !! Notes
|-
|1 || 17 October 1907 || {{leagueicon|Kiwis|16}} [[New Zealand national rugby league team|New Zealand]] def. {{leagueicon|Widnes|16}} [[Widnes Vikings|Widnes]] 26–11 || 8,000 || [[1907–08 New Zealand rugby tour of Australia and Great Britain|1907–08 All Golds tour]]
|-
|2 || 6 January 1909 || {{leagueicon|Australia old|16}} {{rlnt|Australia}} def. {{leagueicon|Widnes|16}} [[Widnes Vikings|Widnes]] 13–2 || 1,000 || [[1908–09 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain|1908–09 Kangaroo tour]]
|-
|3 || 11 October 1911 || {{leagueicon|Australasia|16}} [[Australasia rugby league team|Australasia]] def. {{leagueicon|Widnes|16}} [[Widnes Vikings|Widnes]] 23–0 || 5,000 || [[1911–12 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain|1911–12 Kangaroo tour]]
|-
|4 || 6 October 1921 || {{leagueicon|Australasia|16}} [[Australasia rugby league team|Australasia]] def. {{leagueicon|Widnes|16}} [[Widnes Vikings|Widnes]] 28–4 || 11,000 || rowspan=2|[[1921–22 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain|1921–22 Kangaroo tour]]
|-
|5 || 27 December 1921 || {{leagueicon|Australasia|16}} [[Australasia rugby league team|Australasia]] def. {{leagueicon|Widnes|16}} [[Widnes Vikings|Widnes]] 17–8 || 12,000

|-
|6 || 28 September 1926 || {{leagueicon|Kiwis|16}} [[New Zealand national rugby league team|New Zealand]] def. {{leagueicon|Widnes|16}} [[Widnes Vikings|Widnes]] 15–5 || 6,000 || [[1926–27 New Zealand rugby league tour of Great Britain|1926–27 New Zealand Kiwis tour]]
|-
|7 || 19 September 1929 || {{leagueicon|Australia|16}} {{rlnt|Australia}} def. {{leagueicon|Widnes|16}} [[Widnes Vikings|Widnes]] 37–13 || 6,400 || [[1929–30 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain|1929–30 Kangaroo tour]]
|-
|8 || 26 October 1933 || {{leagueicon|Australia|16}} {{rlnt|Australia}} def. {{leagueicon|Widnes|16}} [[Widnes Vikings|Widnes]] 31–0 || 6,691 || [[1933–34 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain|1933–34 Kangaroo tour]]
|-
|9 || 21 October 1937 || {{leagueicon|Widnes|16}} [[Widnes Vikings|Widnes]] drew with {{leagueicon|Australia|16}} {{rlnt|Australia}} 13–13 || 4,201 || [[1937–38 Kangaroo tour]]
|-
|10 || 11 December 1948 || {{leagueicon|Australia|16}} {{rlnt|Australia}} def. {{leagueicon|Widnes|16}} [[Widnes Vikings|Widnes]] 18–8 || 10,761 || [[1948–49 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain and France|1948–49 Kangaroo tour]]
|-
|11 || 6 December 1952 || {{leagueicon|Australia|16}} {{rlnt|Australia}} def. {{leagueicon|Widnes|16}} [[Widnes Vikings|Widnes]] 18–7 || 7,411 || [[1952–53 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain and France|1952–53 Kangaroo tour]]
|-
|12 || 1 October 1959 || {{leagueicon|Australia|16}} {{rlnt|Australia}} def. {{leagueicon|Widnes|16}} [[Widnes Vikings|Widnes]] 45–15 || 9,381 || [[1959–60 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain and France|1959–60 Kangaroo tour]]
|-
|13 || 21 November 1963 || {{leagueicon|Australia|16}} {{rlnt|Australia}} def. {{leagueicon|Widnes|16}} [[Widnes Vikings|Widnes]] 20–9 || 6,509 || [[1963–64 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain and France|1963–64 Kangaroo tour]]
|-
|14 || 11 November 1967 || {{leagueicon|Australia|16}} {{rlnt|Australia}} def. {{leagueicon|Widnes|16}} [[Widnes Vikings|Widnes]] 13–11 || 9,828 || [[1967–68 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain and France|1967–68 Kangaroo tour]]
|-
|15 || 14 October 1973 || {{leagueicon|Australia|16}} {{rlnt|Australia}} def. {{leagueicon|Widnes|16}} [[Widnes Vikings|Widnes]] 25–10 || 5,185 || [[1973 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain and France|1973 Kangaroo tour]]
|-
|16 || 25 October 1978 || {{leagueicon|Widnes|16}} [[Widnes Vikings|Widnes]] def. {{leagueicon|Australia|16}} {{rlnt|Australia}} 11–10 || 12,202 || [[1978 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain and France|1978 Kangaroo tour]]
|-
|17 || 9 November 1980 || {{leagueicon|Widnes|16}} [[Widnes Vikings|Widnes]] def. {{leagueicon|Kiwis|16}} [[New Zealand national rugby league team|New Zealand]] 14–7 || 6,416 || [[1980 New Zealand rugby league tour of Great Britain and France|1980 New Zealand Kiwis tour]]
|-
|18 || 23 November 1982 || {{leagueicon|Australia|16}} {{rlnt|Australia}} def. {{leagueicon|Widnes|16}} [[Widnes Vikings|Widnes]] 19–6 || 9,790 || [[1982 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain and France|1982 Kangaroo tour]]
|-
|19 || 12 November 1986 || {{leagueicon|Australia|16}} {{rlnt|Australia}} def. {{leagueicon|Widnes|16}} [[Widnes Vikings|Widnes]] 24–4 || 10,268 || [[1986 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain and France|1986 Kangaroo tour]]
|-
|20 || 18 November 1990 || {{leagueicon|Australia|16}} {{rlnt|Australia}} def. {{leagueicon|Widnes|16}} [[Widnes Vikings|Widnes]] 15–8 || 14,666 || [[1990 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain and France|1990 Kangaroo tour]]
|}

{{portal|Cheshire}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==See also==
*[[List of stadiums in the United Kingdom by capacity]]
*[[Lists of stadiums]]

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* [https://haltonstadium.co.uk/ Halton Stadium]

{{Widnes Vikings}}
{{RFL Championship venues}}
{{2000 RLWC Venues}}

[[Category:Sports venues in Cheshire]]
[[Category:Rugby league stadiums in England]]
[[Category:Multi-purpose stadiums in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Widnes Vikings]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Widnes]]
[[Category:Sport in Widnes]]
[[Category:American football venues in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Women's Super League venues]]