Stadium mk (initially named as stadium:mk, stylistically stadiummk, and also known locally as "Denbigh Stadium") is a football ground in the Denbigh district of Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England. Designed by Populous, it has completed phase one construction by civil engineering company Buckingham Group Contracting. It is the home ground of Milton Keynes Dons FC.
The stadium was officially opened on 29 November 2007 by the Queen.
The current configuration of the stadium uses only the lower tier, which seats 22,000 spectators. Towards the end of the 2012–2013 season, it is planned that seats will be installed in the partially complete upper-tier which will increase the capacity to 32,000. Also, should it be required, there is the option to increase the capacity of the stadium again to 45,000 with the addition of a third tier, hence the high roof. When complete, the design will comply with UEFA's Elite Stadium specifications and includes a Desso GrassMaster playing surface.
The plans of the complex include an indoor arena, arena:mk, that was to be the home of the Marshall Milton Keynes Lions professional basketball team from 2008. However, the retail developments that would have provided enabling funding have been deferred due to the national economic situation, leaving the Lions searching for an alternative arena.
In addition to association football, the stadium is occasionally host to rugby union. In May 2008, Saracens (who normally groundshare with Watford at Vicarage Road) played Bristol at stadiummk because Watford needed their ground for a Championship play-off. In 2011, Northampton Saints RFC used the ground for their Heineken Cup quarter and semi final matches because their home ground is too small for major events. The stadium will host 3 matches in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Read more about Stadium Mk: Background, Stadium Size, Events, Cowshed, England 2018 World Cup Bid, Location, Transport, Gallery, See Also
Famous quotes containing the word stadium:
“In their eyes I have seen
the pin men of madness in marathon trim
race round the track of the stadium pupil.”
—Patricia K. Page (b. 1916)