As Bradford Bulls announce that they will be leaving their long-standing Odsal home at the end of the current season, here’s a look back over the years at the stadium’s long history.

From record breaking crowds, to pitch problems, the home of speedway and various rugby triumphs, the stadium will be sorely missed.

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Community answers

Share Your Odsal Stadium Memories

"What are your favourite memories of Odsal? Do you have any pictures from Odsal over the years? Send your memories by using the 'add your contribution' button below. *Contributions are moderated, so may not appear immediately"

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From Duncan Meredith

What is your response?I raced there for Ellesmere Port back in 1974/75 and broke my wrist in the process. But I went back there many times to watch some of the big meetings after that. It could be a big venue again with a bit of investment. Poland are doing it...why can't you?

From Community contributor

What is your response?Good old days watching Bradford Tudors speedway team and the world final one year. Pity the speedway could not return there. Just after the war the team had 100,000 supporting fans most weeks. Happy memories.

From Steven Rees

What is your response?We had the privilege of promoting Stock Car Racing at Odsal until its closure in 1997 for the ill-fated Superdome, which is another story. My company has on several occasions made contact for the sport to return. It is clear that the stadium needs to be multi use to ameliorate costs and given its status and history it has Heritage which must be protected. Not only do Speedway and Stock Cars have huge regional interest, but as in the past can and have brought major events. Sadly the Odsal vision has been blinkered to only Rugby League without a structure commercially to develop it’s usage. It should not be redeveloped, let’s get around a table and IF a new stadium is to be the only outcome then let’s be inclusive. However, Odsal is part of the fabric of the city and that MUST be the focus. To return oval racing there would cost in excess of 300k but could not afford to stand alone on its present cost. Let’s talk! Steve Rees, Startrax Oval Motorsport

From Paul Edward Greenwood

What is your response?Some pics from some recent pre match stock car parades that I organised in conjunction with the Bulls Stadium manager. Such a sad loss to Odsal, along with the Speedway, over 20 years ago now. Perhaps the old girl wouldn't be closing now had they been allowed to stay.

Your pictures

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Some pics from some recent pre match stock car parades that I organised in conjunction with the Bulls Stadium manager. Such a sad loss to Odsal, along with the Speedway, over 20 years ago now. Perhaps the old girl wouldn't be closing now had they been allowed to stay.Some pics from some recent pre match stock car parades that I organised in conjunction with the Bulls Stadium manager. Such a sad loss to Odsal, along with the Speedway, over 20 years ago now. Perhaps the old girl wouldn't be closing now had they been allowed to stay.
Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Some pics from some recent pre match stock car parades that I organised in conjunction with the Bulls Stadium manager. Such a sad loss to Odsal, along with the Speedway, over 20 years ago now. Perhaps the old girl wouldn't be closing now had they been allowed to stay.Some pics from some recent pre match stock car parades that I organised in conjunction with the Bulls Stadium manager. Such a sad loss to Odsal, along with the Speedway, over 20 years ago now. Perhaps the old girl wouldn't be closing now had they been allowed to stay.
Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Some pics from some recent pre match stock car parades that I organised in conjunction with the Bulls Stadium manager. Such a sad loss to Odsal, along with the Speedway, over 20 years ago now. Perhaps the old girl wouldn't be closing now had they been allowed to stay.Some pics from some recent pre match stock car parades that I organised in conjunction with the Bulls Stadium manager. Such a sad loss to Odsal, along with the Speedway, over 20 years ago now. Perhaps the old girl wouldn't be closing now had they been allowed to stay.

From bev wilkinson

What is your response?I vividly remember as a young child being taken to the speedway on heady Saturday evenings. Arthur Wright and Arthur Forrest competed with the likes of Split Waterman and Howdy Byford with the whiff of kerosene filling the air and fans filling the terraces. I returned to Leeds in the late 60s and was a season ticket holder in the Peter Fox era and throughout the Superleague era . The atmosphere on a big match day was second to none.

From Bailey Haggan

What is your response?In 2012 I remember an event to celebrate the London Olympics at Odsal. I went with my primary school and it was one of the best and fun days of that year and there was singing and dancing and I think Barney Harwood was presenting at the event. So many memories flooding back. I'm gonna miss the Bradford Bulls being in Bradford. I hope the move to Dewsbury works well.

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