White City Stadium

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White City Stadium, built in London, England, for the 1908 Summer Olympics, was the first purpose-built Olympic stadium. Completed in just 10 months, it was officially opened by King Edward VII on 27 April 1908. Upon completion, the stadium had a running track that was 24ft wide and a distance equivalent of three laps to the mile; outside it was a 35ft wide, 660yd long cycle track. The original running track continued to be used for athletics until 1914. There were attempts to sell the stadium in 1922, but several of the athletes in the team for the 1924 Summer Olympics used it as a training base.

From 1927, the track was grassed over to be used for greyhound racing and speedway, while in 1931, a new 440yd running track was installed for the AAA Championships, which were held there from 1932 to 1970. Also in 1931, Queens Park Rangers began the first of two spells playing at the stadium, until 1933 (the second spell was from 1962-63). The 1934 British Empire Games were held at the venue. The stadium was demolished in 1984.

The position of the finish line is commemorated by a marker in the plaza that now stands there - it should be noted that this is part of the reason that the distance of the Marathon is 26 miles 385 yards. The medal table for the 1908 Summer Olympics is also listed on a nearby building wall. Intended visitors should be warned that despite the site being owned by a British institution photographing either of these is not permitted.

Wembley's owner's refusal to cancel its regular greyhound racing meant that the match between Uruguay and France in the Template:Wc was played at White City.

White City takes its name from the stadium. It was demolished in 1985 to make way for a new building, BBC White City.

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Possible New Stadium

In the first years of the 21st century there were rumours that a new stadium might be built in the White City area, possibly for Fulham alone or to share with QPR. This would have been near to White City tube station. As of 2005 this is not expected to proceed.

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