On Wednesday 18 December 2002, the doors to Hull’s state-of-the-art multi-million-pound stadium opened for the first time. It accommodated football and rugby fans, with Hull City AFC moving in from Boothferry Park, and Hull FC also taking up residence from the Boulevard.
Over the years, the MKM Stadium has become a regular venue for international rugby league games as well as hosting Great Britain in competitions including the Ashes and the Tri-Nations. As recently as 2022, it has also played host to Rugby League World Cup matches.
The ground has additionally held multiple England Under-21 football fixtures, including the UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying matches.
Famous faces have also passed through its doors in the last 20 years. Hull has been the stage for names such as Elton John, Neil Diamond, The Who, Bon Jovi, Rod Stewart, REM and not forgetting 20,000 JLS fans during their 2010 tour.
Hull’s newest stadium was dreamt up in 1999. Having sold its shares in Kingston Communications, the council decided to spend some of the proceeds to fund a new stadium for the city.
The construction of the 25,586 seater stadium was completed in 14 months and within the £43million budget.
Hull City marked the opening of the new stadium with a victory over Sunderland in a friendly. As fate should have it, Sunderland will play Hull City again on the 20th Anniversary.
Hull F.C made their debut on February 9 2003. The Airlie Birds defeated Halifax 24-16, an impressive feat considering Halifax struggled to score against an eleven-man Hull F.C.
Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “The MKM Stadium has meant so much to so many people in the city over the years. Whether it was for sport, musical entertainment or community events the stadium has been host to many brilliant moments.”
“That is why it is fantastic to be part of the 20th anniversary celebrations.”
“This was a significant investment made by Hull City Council all those years ago and it’s brilliant to see what a huge impact it has had on both the sporting and entertainment scene in the city.”
“Over the past 20 years, the stadium has been the stage for the highs and lows of both teams who call it home, as well as hosting some memorable concerts. Here’s to the next 20 years of memories.”
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