Excelsior Stadium

The Excelsior Stadium stands in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, as a modern football ground with an artificial pitch. It opened in 1998 for Airdrieonians, who had returned to their home town after years away. The stadium seats 10,101 and has hosted many teams besides its main tenant. Celtic’s women’s and B teams play there, as do Glasgow University F.C. and local amateur sides. It has also welcomed Queen’s Park during groundworks at Hampden Park and hosted European ties for Queen of the South and Motherwell. The stadium’s history reflects the club’s struggles and recoveries. Airdrieonians folded in 2002, but Airdrie United moved in and revived the old name. It has staged Scottish Challenge Cup finals and under-21 Scotland matches. Elton John performed a concert here in 2017 after refurbishment. The record crowd of 9,612 watched the 2005 Challenge Cup Final, while an early match drew over 10,000 fans. Inside, the main stand holds executive boxes, a public bar and conference rooms. Disabled access is provided in three stands, and a sports injury clinic operates nearby. Outside, nine five-a-side pitches serve the community, and the car parks were upgraded in 2010. The 3G pitch replaced the original surface after delays caused by rain. From the stands, visitors see the pitch framed by the surrounding stands and the hills beyond Airdrie.