Boleyn Ground – Upton Park Stadium

Originally this was a «Bowling Ground» where you’d go to do ten pin bowling. Thankfully they changed it to football, but kept the name. Henry VIII even named his wife after this stadium — «Anne Bowling.» That’s how great a stadium it is.
First-​Hand Experience: Unilocal asked me to include more information about my personal experience at this stadium, so here it is. Boleyn is one of the loveliest stadiums I’ve been inside, especially when full. I once saw West Ham play Oxford here. Back in the days when you could still stand. I’ve been here recently too, in both 2011 and 2014 on my stadium tours, especially since it won’t be standing for much longer, and I hope to see it one more time before it’s gone forever.
I’ve been to virtually every significant stadium in the UK & US, due to a lifelong obsession with travel, sport & especially footy (soccer to Americans). Born and raised in England, I followed Oxford United (my hometown team) to many stadiums all over the country at away games, and later followed Liverpool (my fave team) around. Every stadium review — like all my reviews — are from personal experience at these stadiums from multiple visits. In 2011, I was on music tour in the UK, and visited these stadiums then, also. As recently as Fall 2014, when I was «stuck» in the UK for 3 months, I visited all of the stadiums as I travelled around the country. I have pictures of many of them which I will post in future. Also, when I’m back in the UK I plan to take more pictures, and add more stadiums too! So watch this space!
*** return to regular review ***
Opened in 1904, tragically, this stadium is soon to be demolished. Next season (2015 – 16) will be the final season that West Ham United ever play here. After over 100 years, they’re moving into the nearby, fancy Olympic Stadium, and this one will become a ghost, like Anne Bowling herself.
Unfortunately, much like the Ravens at the tower as opposed to the Ravens of Baltimore (former Browns), the original home is much better. This is one of the best and most intense stadiums in English football. There are few more intimidating arenas than this one, in the East End of London (the oldest part).
It has beautiful yellow castles on the front of the stadium, that look like the Tower Of London. It holds 35k people. I honestly think the main reason they are moving is greed. They want to be a bigger club and charge more for tickets and make more money and have a bigger capacity. The tradition is going to die and it will be sad to see.
It’s a perfect stadium if a little cramped. All the corners are filled in and it’s so intense. Alas.
If you happen to be in East London, stop by the Brick Lane Beigel Bake and get a Salt Beef on a bagel. Amazing.
The Gaillard Group are going to level this stadium soon and turn it into apartments. It’s a f***ing damn shame.
But at least there is no longer any Bowling at the Bowling Ground.