Sheffield is one of the UK’s great sporting cities, and there are bucketloads to watch in the Steel City, as well as plenty of history to be immersed in as well. When it comes to football you’re either blue or red, Wednesday or United, although the latter has been the far more dominant of the two rivals over the past decade. But it isn’t just the beautiful game on display.
The recently demolished Don Valley Stadium became the country’s first purpose-built stadium in some 70 years back in 1990 when it was constructed for the World Student Games. World boxing champions such as ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed, Kell Brook, Jonny Nelson and Clinton Woods all call the city their home.
Indeed Sheffield has plenty to offer, especially for the sports aficionados. Let’s take a look at three places that you have to visit.
Owlerton Racetrack
A night at the races is one of the best ways to spend an evening in any of the UK’s big cities, and Sheffield is no different. Websites such as Betfair are regularly covering greyhound betting from the stadium on their platform, a testament to its popularity. Owlerton Stadium has been the home to greyhound racing since 1929, and it’s still a popular attraction amongst locals.
The 4,000-capacity stadium is located in the Hillsborough area of Sheffield and is home to greyhound and stock car racing, A night here is always a pleasure courtesy of the friendly atmosphere, the excitement of the action, and a variety of hospitality packages that give you a premium experience.
Full time in East London. @premierleague || #WHUSHU pic.twitter.com/ZDBixgIaOt
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) September 30, 2023
Sheffield United
Bramall Lane is home to Sheffield’s only Premier League football club, Sheffield United. The Blades were promoted from the Championship last season after finishing as runners-up to Vincent Kompany’s Burnley. They are embarking on their third campaign in the top flight in the last five years however, they have gotten off to a disastrous start, losing six of their first seven games including an 8-0 humbling at the hands of Newcastle United.
The stadium has a seating capacity of over 32,000 and is regularly packed out with Unitedites, so make sure to book tickets in advance or attend lower-profile fixtures such as cup games. The atmosphere on a matchday is electric, and the loyal fans create an intense atmosphere that’ll get you on your feet.
Sheffield Steelers
Ice hockey is a sport that has never truly taken off on this side of the pond as it has in America and Canada, where the NHL reigns supreme. However, in the UK there is the Elite Ice Hockey League and the Sheffield Steelers are one of the most successful teams in the history of the competition. They have topped the regular season table on five separate occasions, a number that can only be beaten by the Belfast Giants. They have also won the playoffs five times, tied for the most in history alongside their rival Nottingham Panthers.
They are without playoff success for five long years, however, the longest baron spell in the team’s history. They did pick up silverware back in 2020 though, defeating the Cardiff Devils by four goals to three in a pulsating Challenge Cup final. Their home games are held at the 9,000+ capacity Sheffield Arena and tickets rarely sell out, so you should be able to attend a game with ease.
