Bradford City stadium fire
The Bradford City stadium fire occurred during a Football League Third Division match on Saturday, 11 May 1985 at the Valley Parade stadium in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England, killing 56 spectators and injuring at least 265. The stadium was known for its antiquated design and facilities, which included the wooden roof of the main stand. Previous warnings had also been given about a major build-up of litter in the cavity below the seats in the stand. The stand had been officially condemned and was due to be replaced with a steel structure after the season ended.
Valley Parade during the early 1990s, after it had been redeveloped following the fire.
The Main Stand in 1982
Peter Jackson was presented with the league trophy before the final game.
The main stand following further redevelopment in 2001
Valley Parade, known as the University of Bradford Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is an all-seater football stadium in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. Built in 1886, it was the home of Manningham Rugby Football Club until 1903, when they changed code from rugby football to association football and became Bradford City. It has been Bradford City's home since, although it is now owned by former chairman Gordon Gibb's pension fund. It has also been home to Bradford for one season, and Bradford Bulls rugby league side for two seasons, as well as host to a number of England youth team fixtures.
Valley Parade
The concrete Midland Road stand for Bradford City Football Club nearing completion in 1908.
Valley Parade during the early 1990s, after it had been redeveloped following the fire, but before further work at the end of that decade
A view of the main stand from the Bradford end of the ground