The final roar of engines and cheer of crowds has faded into history at one of Birmingham's most iconic sporting venues. Perry Barr Stadium hosted its last ever meet on Monday, 25 August, permanently dimming its floodlights after nearly a century of operation. This closure marks a profound loss for the city's sporting and community heritage.
A Century of Sporting History Comes to an End
Founded in 1928, the stadium has been a cornerstone of local life for 97 years. It provided a home for thrilling greyhound racing and was the legendary base for the Birmingham Brummies speedway team. The venue's fate mirrors that of Hall Green Stadium, which was demolished in 2017 for residential development. Similarly, the Perry Barr site is now slated for new housing to meet the city's growing demand.
For loyal fans, particularly the devoted supporters of the Brummies, the closure is a bitter blow. While greyhound racing will continue at a new, multi-million-pound facility in Wolverhampton, the Birmingham Brummies speedway team will sadly cease to exist. The upcoming Black Country venue promises a state-of-the-art experience with a 25,000-person capacity and will host prestigious races like the St Leger. However, this offers little consolation to those losing a cherished local institution.
Community Loss and a Nostalgic Look Back
The end of Perry Barr Stadium represents more than just the loss of a sports ground; it signifies the disappearance of a community hub where memories were made across generations. The historic photographs accompanying this article serve as a poignant final tribute. They capture the stadium in its prime: shale-spattered speedway riders, crowds climbing fences for a better view, and the intense focus at the starting line.
Images from across the decades tell the story:
- The line-up for a race on 20th September 1952.
- A boy watching the National Trophy Motorcycle Race final on 1st January 1952.
- Groundsmen clearing the track in September 1950.
- More recent greyhound races, like Slaneyside Wanda's win in March 2020.
- The evolving face of the stadium itself, from 1999 through to 2025.
What the Future Holds
The transition from a historic sporting venue to a residential development is part of Birmingham's ongoing urban change. The closure of Perry Barr Stadium follows a pattern seen across the UK, where the demands for housing often supersede the preservation of community sports facilities. The legacy of the roar that once filled the air in Perry Barr will now live on only in photographs and the memories of those who experienced its unique atmosphere.
The final curtain has fallen on an era that defined a part of Birmingham's identity for 97 years. The heart-pounding action of greyhounds and speedway bikes at Perry Barr is now firmly part of the city's rich history.
