Wheldon Road officially opened in 1926 and was the home of association football club Castleford Town F.C. The following year Castleford RLFC moved in after the completion of their first season (1926–27) after playing at 'Sandy Desert', which has since been redeveloped, and is the home of Castleford Lock Lane.[1]
On 9 March 1935, the ground set its record attendance of 25,449 for a third-round Challenge Cup match against Hunslet.
Floodlights were installed for the 1965–66 season.[citation needed]
On 7 March 2004, Wheldon Road recorded its highest attendance of the Super League era with 11,731 against the Leeds Rhinos.[2]
In 2011 Castleford Tigers signed a deal with developers who intended to redevelop the ground as a supermarket. This deal would fund a new £12 million stadium at nearby Glasshoughton for which the club had received planning consent. In October 2012 the plans were scrapped due to lack of funding. In 2014 it was announced that the club would be moving to a new stadium near Glasshoughton along with a new retail park on the same site.[3]
From the 2023 season, the stadium's maximum capacity was slightly reduced to 10,500 after taking on board fan feedback.[4][5]
Layout
North Stand
The Wheldon Road End is a covered standing terrace and is considered the Kop end of the ground as it is particularly used by Castleford supporters.
East Stand
The Main Stand in the east end of the ground houses 1,500 seats and the changing rooms and tunnel. About two thirds of the stand is uncovered terracing each side of the Main Stand. The clubs pavilion is situated at this side of the ground. Most of the bars and food outlets are at this side of the ground inside the marquee
South Stand
The Railway End is at the south of the ground. It is an uncovered standing terrace, with a supporters' club, executive boxes and a scoreboard along its top. It is mainly used by away supporters.
West Stand
The Princess Street Stand is at the west of the ground. It is almost identical to the Wheldon Road End. It is completely covered and houses the TV and commentary gantry.
Sponsors
The stadium was renamed the Jungle from 2000 to 2010, initially due to sponsorship from online retailer Jungle.com. In 2010 PROBIZ became the stadium's sponsors after signing a three year deal. Wish Communications became sponsors for the 2013 season before Mend-a-Hose became sponsors in 2014.[6]
Panorama of Wheldon Road in 2008
Year
Sponsor
Name
2000–2001
Jungle.com
The Jungle
2010–2012
PROBIZ
PROBIZ Colliseum
2013
Wish Communications
Wish Communications Stadium
2014–
Mend-a-Hose
Mend-a-Hose Jungle
International Matches
Rugby League Test Matches
List of International rugby league matches played at Wheldon Road is:[7]
Castleford
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