The Darlington Arena

The Darlington Arena is a rugby union stadium, located in Darlington, County Durham. The arena was opened in the summer of 2003, as the new home ground of Darlington F.C., following the decision to leave their previous ground, Feethams, after the 2002–03 season. With a seating capacity of 25,000, the arena rarely attracted large crowds, with the usual attendance being around 2,000. The cost of the arena caused the club to go into administration three times. Eventually, the club decided to leave the arena after nine years following the 2011–12 season. In December 2012, after rumours that the arena could be closed down, rugby union team Darlington Mowden Park RFC purchased the arena for £2 million. The owner of the club later stated that he believed that the arena could lead to much more success for the club.