Stadium that hosted World Cup classic demolished and turned into housing estate

The stadium that hosted World Cup classic demolished and turned into housing estate recounts the story of Ayresome Park in Middlesbrough. The venue hosted three matches at the 1966 World Cup and, after its football era ended, was demolished to make way for housing. Ayresome Park was selected as one of eight grounds for the tournament, ahead of Newcastle United’s St. James’ Park, after a local council lease dispute. Designed by Archibald Leitch and built in 1903, it was home to both Middlesbrough and England internationals. At its peak it welcomed more than 50,000 supporters, but capacity later fell due to structural concerns and safety regulations. Its defining moment came when North Korea beat Italy 1-0 in front of an estimated 3,000 travelling Italian fans, advancing to the quarter-finals. Financial problems led to Middlesbrough being locked out in 1986, prompting a ground-share with Hartlepool United.