As I was in Attercliffe, I decided to take a couple of photographs of the ill fated stadium just before its demolition which is due to commence before the end of November, 2013. The above photograph was taken from near the cauldron which Helen Sharman so spectacularly failed to light as planned at the start of the World Student Games in 1991. The trees in the foreground, perhaps, give an exaggerated appearance of neglect to the stadium. Nevertheless, it is safe to say that the stadium was never used in the way that had been hoped.
I only visited the venue once in its 22 year life and that was to see the Sheffield Eagles rugby league team play against Oldham in 1990. As I recall, the Eagles lost in front of a modest crowd who were seated in just one of the stands. The distance from the seating to the pitch also made for a dispiriting atmosphere. I did not go back for more. Unfortunately, neither did many others.
The cauldron looks quite neglected and scarred. The area at the back of the stadium, in general, is overgrown and neglected.
In a sporting city, it is sad that the Don Valley Stadium did not become a successful venue. I, still, can't help but wonder whether demolition is the best answer. The demolition costs will be expensive and there will be no future home in the city if one of the local sporting teams need temporary accommodation because of ground redevelopment works.
As a final thought, I wonder how long it will take for the Passenger Transport Executive to replace the signing at the nearby Supertram stop?
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