The Racecourse

The Racecourse is the part of Durham University's sports facilities. It contains squash, tennis and fives courts, cricket, rugby, hockey and football pitches and rowing houses. It is located along the River Wear and has been used as a sports ground since at least 1733.

As well as use by Durham University, the Racecourse is known for hosting two annual events, the Durham Regatta and Durham Miners' Gala. [http://www.northeasthistory.co.uk/the_north_east/history/echomemories/durham/106/180106.html Racing back in time on the course without a track] Simpson, David; North East History; 18-01-06; Accessed 18-04-08 ] Its cricket ground is used for first class cricket and is the home of Durham University Centre of Cricketing Excellence (Durham UCCE).

History

The Racecourse was first recorded as being used for horse racing in 1733; previously the site had been a smithy for the Prior of Durham. At its peak, the course had a stone grandstand and attracted 90,000 spectators for a two day event in 1873. The Racecourse was also used for other sports in the Nineteenth Century, notably cricket and the Durham Regatta. [ [http://www.durhamtourism.co.uk/home.html Durham City History] Durham City Tourism; Accessed 18-04-08 ] The land is now owned by the University, which has used it as sports field since the early twentieth century.

Durham Miners' Gala

Durham Miners' Gala was first held at the Racecourse in 1872, which was the gala's second edition. All editions of the gala have since been held at the Racecourse. The event is typically held in mid July, though has on occasions been held in August. [ [http://www.dmm.org.uk/history/gala.htm Durham Miners' Gala] Durham Miners' Museum; accessed April 18, 2008] The Racecourse is the location of the speeches held at the culmination of the Gala march. At its peak, 250,000 people attended the Gala.

Cricket Ground

The Racecourse's most significant facility is its cricket ground. It had the honour of hosting Durham’s first match as a first-class county in 1992, against Leicestershire. [ [http://www.cricketarchive.com/Archive/Pictures/15/15925.html Durham v Leicestershire in 1992] Cricket Archive; 2007; accessed April 18, 2008] Between 1992 and 1994, Durham played seven games there in the County Championship, seven List A games and a three-day game against Australia. [http://www.cricketarchive.com/Archive/Grounds/11/460.html The Racecourse, Durham University Grounds, Durham] Cricket Archive; accessed April 18, 2008] Since Durham moved into The Riverside Ground, which was completed in 1995, the ground has changed purpose to host many of Durham UCCE’s matches, which has so far included eleven first-class matches as well as their games in the Northern Rock North East Premier League. In 2007, it also hosted a game between the touring West Indies team and the MCC. [ [http://www.ecb.co.uk/stats/fixtures/mcc-v-west-indies-1-6-07,13562,FF.html MCC v. West Indies] ECB; accessed April 18, 2008]

The ground has hosted 20 first-class matches and seven List A matches.

Game Information::

References and External Links

* [http://content-www.cricinfo.com/england/content/ground/56963.html Cricinfo Website - Ground Page]