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54-663: During the Roman period, Plas Coch was a Roman farm settlement, which the existing Plas Coch pub is located on. One of the Wrexham area's main houses was Plas Coch in Lower Stansty , built in the late 16th century of mature hand-made red brick, hence the name "Plas Coch" (translating roughly as "Red Hall" in Welsh ). It was a two-storey building: the plan of the dwelling was a typical through passage house with access at either end of

108-667: A Johnsons Cleaners concession, as well as a cafe and petrol station. There is also an Aldi , Farmfoods and The Range (with Iceland Foods ) adjacent. A Marston's pub known as "The Plas Coch" situated on what is thought to be the old Roman farm, is also located within the area. Areas sometimes considered Plas Coch include: Berse Retail Park, and the Racecourse Ground Stadium - home to Wrexham AFC and part of Wrexham Glyndŵr University's Plas Coch Campus. Areas further afar, neighbouring Plas Coch include: Wrexham Technology Park, and Wrexham Maelor Hospital to

162-585: A brother to William, was recorded in 1610 as trading as draper in Cheapside , London and he had held the lease on Plas Coch from his nephew for a time. Edward Meredith held the office of the High Sheriff of Denbighshire in 1629. In 1709 the Plas Coch estate was sold by Sir William Meredith of Kent to Sir John Wynn, 1st Baronet of Gwydir Castle , Llanrwst . Plas Coch played an important part in

216-678: A deal with STōK Cold Brew Coffee. Wrexham Football Club have played at the Racecourse Ground since being formed in the local Turf Hotel public house in October 1864. However, due to an increase in rent from the then owners, Wrexham Cricket Club, Wrexham played their home games in the 1881–82 and 1882–83 seasons at the Recreation Ground in Rhosddu , while also changing their name to Wrexham Athletic for one season. Before

270-541: A new viewing platform was opened by Lord Faulkner of Worcester , using funding from the Premier League's Football Stadia Improvement Fund. Located at the rear of the Macron Stand, this further increased the number of places available to disabled fans, as well as providing protection from the elements. It has space for six users and carers. After the platform was opened, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson praised

324-685: A quieter area of the stadium (if required) and the club also providing ear defenders and a quiet hub to use if required and a dedicated steward who is on hand to help. The club became the first in Wales to win an autism-friendly award in 2018, awarded by the National Autistic Society. In November 2018, the DSA started the Audio Descriptive Commentary service, where blind or visually impaired supporters can listen to

378-835: A stand on the Mold Road side of the ground. The new structure was originally named the Pryce Griffiths Stand, after the then chairman, but was renamed the Mold Road Stand after Griffiths sold the club to Alex Hamilton. The stand has a capacity of 3,500 and also contains hospitality and conferencing facilities. The development also saw the Paddock areas of the Sainsbury's Stand and the Eric Roberts Builders Stand become all-seated, bringing

432-708: Is a mixture of Grade II listed buildings and modern 21st century facilities. The campus currently houses, in addition to the main university building, the Edward Llwyd Centre (the main library for the campus), a sports centre, Centre for the Creative Industries, Centre for the Child, Family and Society, Wrexham Glyndŵr University Racecourse Stadium , Terry Hands studio, Catrin Finch Centre, William Aston Hall, Oriel Sycharth Gallery, and home to

486-405: Is sometimes regarded as part of Plas Coch due to close proximity of both retail areas. Compared to the older city centre, Plas Coch is more modern, although less than the newer Eagles Meadow . The area is largely non-residential and is dominated by the Plas Coch campus of Wrexham Glyndŵr University and its many sports facilities. Plas Coch is well known for its large retail park situated opposite

540-423: Is the home of Wrexham A.F.C. It is the world's oldest international football stadium still hosting international matches, having been the venue for Wales' first home international match in 1877, and has hosted more Wales international matches than any other ground . The record attendance at the ground was set in 1957, when Wrexham played Manchester United in front of 34,445 spectators. The Racecourse Ground

594-705: Is the largest stadium in North Wales and the fifth-largest in Wales . It is sometimes used by the Football Association of Wales for home international games. The ground has also been used by North Wales Crusaders rugby league club, Scarlets rugby union club and Liverpool Reserves . In the early days, the ground was used for cricket and horse racing . Concerts returned to the Racecourse in 2016 when Stereophonics performed. Its sponsorship name became effective from 1 July 2023, following

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648-505: Is £12 for disabled supporters (£5 concessions) and helpers are admitted free of charge. The stadium has eight allocated spaces for those who are visually impaired ; the commentary provided is also broadcast to the local hospital . In October 2013, the stadium hosted the United Kingdom 's first ' autism friendly' football match. A group of around 50 attended the Racecourse to watch Wrexham play against Woking . In August 2015,

702-548: The Co-operative Championship 1 competition. They are seen as a separate entity from the former club, and are starting their own chapter in rugby league history. From 2016, North Wales Crusaders no longer play at the Racecourse Ground. International Rugby League games have also been staged at the ground. The stadium hosted Wales ' clash with England in the 2012 Autumn International Series . In 2013, it held Wales' 2013 Rugby League World Cup home game with

756-623: The USA on Sunday 3 November 2013, with the Tomahawks ending the home side's chance of a quarter-final appearance with a 24–16 win. The win by the USA, a team expected to be beaten in their first ever Rugby League World Cup , would see them return to Wrexham for a quarter-final clash against tournament favourites Australia , on Saturday 16 November 2013. As expected, the Kangaroos (who would go on to win

810-606: The community of Gwersyllt and is north of the A483 road . Lower Stansty, or Plas Coch as it is now more commonly referred to, is partly within the neighbouring community of Rhosddu , south of the A483. The division between Higher and Lower Stansty is an ancient one, as Stansty Issa (i.e. Lower Stansty), also called Stansty Abbatis, was originally a part of the manor of Wrexham Abbott belonging to Valle Crucis Abbey . Along with those of some other places in this area of north-east Wales,

864-476: The freehold of the Racecourse Ground was acquired by Wrexham A.F.C. from Wolverhampton Dudley Breweries, for £300,000. On the same day, chairman, Alex Hamilton, transferred the ownership of the freehold from Wrexham A.F.C. to another of his companies, Damens Ltd, for a nominal fee. After that controversial change in ownership, the 125-year lease on the Racecourse, held by Wrexham F.C., was renegotiated. The new lease stated that Damens Ltd could evict Wrexham F.C. from

918-484: The regicide . John Edwards (1619–73) expanded the Stansty estate, later known as Stansty Park, until it took up most of Stansty township: however his great-great-grandson, Peter Edwards, died without issue in 1783, and the estate, passing to distant relatives, was eventually sold to the ironmaster Richard Thompson. Thompson built a new house, Stansty Hall, on the site in the 1830s. The late- Georgian hall at Stansty

972-510: The Kop end of the ground. That meant the stadium was reclassified to Category 3 level, meaning it wss able to host international football matches. In August 2016, Wrexham University and Wrexham A.F.C. signed a contract that signalled a new future for the Racecourse. The lease from the university was branded as "My Racecourse" ( Welsh : 'Nghae Ras I ). The university, having saved the ground from possible extinction, handed operational control to

1026-422: The Kop stand. The £40 million project was to be developed in conjunction with Wrexham University to house over 800 students, and take place in two phases. The club would benefit from either land-lease income, or joint ownership within the development, and hence receive rental income direct from the tenants. However, due to the global recession that year , the company found it hard to find a development partner, and

1080-494: The Racecourse Ground upon 12-months' notice and payment of £1,000,000. The new lease also saw the club's annual rent increase from £1 to £30,000. In 2004, Wrexham F.C. was given a years' notice to quit the ground, which triggered a furious reaction from fans. In a legal case running until March 2006, the High Court ruled that the ownership of the freehold of the ground had been improperly transferred, and ownership reverted to

1134-514: The Sunshine Band gave the occasion a distinctly soul/disco feel. The second concert to be held at the stadium took place in July 1982, when Motörhead headlined with Twisted Sister making their UK debut as the support act. Other concerts at the venue have included Stereophonics , as part of their Keep The Summer Alive tour, UB40 and Olly Murs . Kings of Leon performed two shows at

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1188-585: The World Cup) defeated the USA 62–0, with 5,762 in attendance. As part of the 2014 Rugby League European Cup , the Racecourse Ground hosted the match between Wales and Ireland on 2 November. As of 2015, the Racecourse Ground has hosted nine Wales internationals. The results were as follows: The Racecourse Ground has held four rugby union internationals. Three of them were Wales’ friendlies against Romania and won all three of them (70–21 30 August 1997, 40–3 on 3 October 1999 and 54–8 on 27 August 2003 which

1242-526: The Wrexham Glyndŵr hockey team. The site formerly hosted Techniquest Glyndŵr , a science discovery centre open to the public, which has since rebranded as Xplore! Science Discovery Centre and moved to Chester Street in the city centre. The development is home to: Boots , Costa Coffee , Currys , Pets at Home , TK Maxx , and Marks and Spencer (with Card Factory ). There is an adjacent Sainsbury's superstore, which also contains an Argos store, and

1296-519: The Wrexham Tennis Centre. The area has been defined as a part of Wrexham's Sports, Education and Technology hub by a Wrexham County Borough Council 's district review. Considered the major educational sector of Wrexham, located in Plas Coch. The Plas Coch campus of Wrexham Glyndŵr University is the main campus of the university. Covering 93 acres (380,000 m), it was inherited from the former Cartrefle TTC which moved there in 1953, and

1350-580: The area was farmland until the 20th century and belonged to an estate called Stansty Park, originally a manor in Stansty Uchaf (Higher Stansty) purchased by David ap Meilir in 1317. One of his descendants, John ap David ap Edward (1573-1635) took the surname of Edwards; the family seat, Plas Issa, was built in 1577. His children included John Edwards (b.1612), court physician to Charles I , and Jonathan Edwards (b.1615), Archdeacon of Derry , while his daughter Margaret married John Jones Maesygarnedd

1404-458: The club in the House of Lords , saying "This is a club, my Lords, that genuinely cares about its spectators. My Lords, the big clubs are hiding." In January 2018, Wrexham Football Club hired Kerry Evans, its first disability liaison officer. At the beginning of the 2018–19 season it was announced that the Racecourse is now autism friendly, for every home game each season, with allocated seating in

1458-550: The club was formed, the ground was mainly used for cricket and, occasionally, horse racing. The Racecourse was used extensively for aviation before the First World War , with Gustav Hamel performing public displays in August 1912 and June 1913. Wrexham Borough Council considered making the racecourse the town's municipal airport, but that was later developed at Borras . 1952 saw the laying down of concrete terracing on

1512-513: The club's then-administrators, the club having gone into administration in December 2004, with debts of £2,600,000. With the club's emergence from administration in May 2006, ownership of the ground passed to a new company, Wrexham Football Club (2006) Ltd, owned by Geoff Moss and Ian Roberts. They transferred the ownership of the ground to a new holding company, Wrexham Village Ltd, which owned both

1566-545: The community of Rhosddu , to the north, the Shrewsbury-Chester railway line to the east, Wrexham General railway station , the Racecourse Ground and Wrexham city centre, to the south-east, the community of Offa to the south, and the A483 and its bypass covering its west. The retail park on Berse Road in the community of Offa on the opposite side of Mold Road, home to DIY stores such as B&Q ,

1620-442: The construction of a new Kop stand, improved media, broadcast, and floodlight facilities, a car park, and ground works for a convention centre and hotel. The upgrades would allow for a return of competitive Wales national football fixtures. Former Wales footballers Mickey Thomas and Malcolm Allen served as figureheads for the bid. On 25 May 2023, it was announced that, following a sponsorship deal with STōK Cold Brew Coffee,

1674-408: The construction of the retail development in 1991, a hoard of Roman coins was discovered by workmen: however all of the coins subsequently disappeared. In 1995 further construction work on the site revealed traces of Roman field boundaries, hearths and a corn drying kiln. The area, like much of Wrexham, has a tradition of coal mining . Rhosddu Colliery , or the Wrexham & Acton Colliery as it

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1728-433: The current capacity up to 15,500, thus permitting international football and rugby union to be played at the Racecourse once again. In 2002, then Wrexham F.C. chairman, William Pryce Griffiths, secured a 125-year lease on the Racecourse from Wolverhampton Dudley Breweries, for £750,000 and a peppercorn annual rent of £1. The club hosted TNS vs Liverpool in a UEFA Champions League qualifier in 2005. On 26 June 2002,

1782-478: The estate of Stansty Park has now gone, its name is still used for a modern housing estate near Summerhill and for the ground of Cymru Alliance league football team Lex XI F.C. The name is also applied to the original 1577 house, Plas Issa, which still stands. Another of the area's main houses was Plas Coch in Lower Stansty, which was built in the late 16th century in mature hand-made red brick, giving

1836-469: The ever-popular Kop end, which is now the oldest part of the ground. Five years later, 34,445 people gathered to witness an FA Cup fourth-round tie against Manchester United , the largest-ever attendance at the Racecourse. On 30 September 1959, the Racecourse saw the switching-on of the newly installed floodlights. In 1978, after Wrexham was promoted to the former Second Division , the Border Stand

1890-434: The facilities. The purchase of the ground also resulted in the re-branding of the stadium, incorporating the university's name. On 19 May 2014, work began at the Racecourse, which included a new pitch and sprinkler system, and changing rooms for players and officials. The medical and treatment facilities were also upgraded, together with improved seating for disabled supporters, better floodlighting and removal of cambers at

1944-483: The football club as part a 99-year lease. After the takeover by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney , the club began talks with Wrexham University to purchase the freehold of the ground. On 29 June 2022, the club purchased the freehold of the stadium from the university. In 2022, Wrexham Council began a bid for "levelling up" funding, a UK Government initiative aiming at increasing public investment outside south-east England. The funding would be made available for

1998-526: The freehold of the land, along with the development plans, was eventually sold in 2009 to another company owned by Moss and Roberts. In August 2011, after a period of instability at Wrexham Village Ltd, which owned the stadium and both the football and rugby league clubs, the company agreed to sell the stadium and associated training grounds to Wrexham University (then known as Glyndŵr University). The proposed deal, subject to financial terms agreed by both parties, would allow both sporting teams to continue using

2052-569: The game, live in the stadium. There are 10 handsets available, on a first come first served basis. The ground was home to former Super League club Crusaders RL from 2010 after their departure from Brewery Field in Bridgend in South Wales. Crusaders were hoping to play at Rodney Parade in Newport but the deal fell through; they then decided to move to North Wales and a new franchise

2106-427: The house its name (Plas Coch translates roughly as "Red Hall"). It was a two-storey building: the plan of the dwelling was a typical through passage house with access at either end of the passage. The house was built for Sir William Meredith, one of the sons of Richard Meredith of Allington or Trevalyn (near Rossett ) and treasurer and paymaster of the army in the reigns of Elizabeth I and James I . Edward Meredith,

2160-443: The late 1980s to make way for a large supermarket and retail development, as Plas Coch retail park . The only part of the original property remaining today is a short length of stone wall at the roadside in front of a branch of The Range . During the construction of the retail development in 1991, a hoard of Roman coins was discovered by workmen: however all of the coins subsequently disappeared. In 1995 further construction work on

2214-500: The name of Stansty may have an Old English rather than Welsh root, perhaps from stan ("stone") with another element, possibly -stig or -stigu ("path, or "sty"). Stansty was one of the original townships of the Lordship of Bromfield and Yale , and was also a township of the ecclesiastical parish of Wrexham. It comprised two townships, Stansty Ucha (Upper Stansty) and Stansty Issa (Lower Stansty) which were merged into one at

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2268-399: The new football club company, and later purchased the rugby league club, Crusaders , from its owners in Bridgend , South Wales . Thus the new company had two tenants for the stadium. To make a permanent cash injection into the sporting clubs, Wrexham Village proposed in 2008 a joint venture development with a yet-to-be chosen third party, to develop a student village area near the site of

2322-590: The office of the High Sheriff of Denbighshire in 1629. In 1709 the Plas Coch estate was sold by Sir William Meredith of Kent to Sir John Wynn, 1st Baronet of Gwydir Castle , Llanrwst . The area now known as Plas Coch played an important part in the social life of Wrexham, hosting the Denbighshire & Flintshire Agricultural Society Show and the Annual Wrexham Lager Festival. The house and outbuildings were demolished in

2376-416: The passage. The house was built for Sir William Meredith, one of the sons of Richard Meredith of Allington or Trevalyn (near Rossett ) and treasurer and paymaster of the army in the reigns of Elizabeth I and James I . Edward Meredith, a brother to William, was recorded in 1610 as trading as draper in Cheapside , London and he had held the lease on Plas Coch from his nephew for a time. Edward Meredith held

2430-430: The site revealed traces of Roman field boundaries, hearths and a corn drying kiln. The borders of Plas Coch are loosely defined, but the area is regarded to be centred on Plas Coch Road, located between Stansty Road to the north, and Mold Road ( A541 ) to the south, with the retail park and university campus, to the west and east respectively. The area coined as "Plas Coch" neighbours the area of Stansty , also part of

2484-413: The social life of the city, hosting the Denbighshire & Flintshire Agricultural Society Show and the Annual Wrexham Lager Festival. The house and outbuildings were demolished in the late 1980s to make way for a large supermarket and retail development. The only part of the original property remaining today is a short length of stone wall at the roadside in front of a branch of Homebase . During

2538-583: The south. Stansty Stansty ( Welsh pronunciation ) is an area and electoral ward in Wrexham County Borough , Wales , lying to the immediate north-west of the city of Wrexham . It is a former civil parish and township . Stansty is also an electoral ward to Wrexham County Borough Council . The ward population as taken at the 2011 Census was 2,114. Stansty consists of Higher Stansty and Lower Stansty; Higher Stansty lies near to Summerhill and Moss Valley within

2592-571: The stadium was to be known by the sponsorship name STōK Cae Ras , also referred as the STōK Racecourse. The sponsorship name was officially adopted on 1 July 2023. Wrexham have 38 disabled places available at the front of the Macron Stand. There are 22 parking spaces in the Wrexham University car park (next door) as well as two disabled toilets, plus low-counter refreshment kiosks, with steward assistance if required. Admission

2646-542: The time of the Commonwealth . Stansty Issa was given to the Abbot of Valle Crucis Abbey by Gruffydd ap Madoc , Prince of Powys, in 1254. Part of the township was transferred to the new parish of Gwersyllt in 1851, and other parts were transferred to the parishes of Southsea and Bersham in 1921 and 1934 respectively. The civil parish of Stansty was split in 1935 between Gwersyllt and Wrexham Regis. Much of

2700-426: Was a warm-up game before the 2003 Rugby World Cup . It also hosted a 1999 Rugby Union World Cup Pool 4 match between Japan and Samoa on 3 October 1999 with Samoa winning 43–9. The Racecourse has also played host to the Wales 'A' squad on numerous occasions. The first concert to be held at the Racecourse was in the summer of 1976 with the 'Festival of Entertainment.' Mac and Katie Kissoon, Junior Walker and KC and

2754-530: Was also known, was once reached along Colliery Road (the building of the A483 road has since divided the old colliery site). Colliery Road is still in existence today, but is now surrounded by a residential area. Racecourse Ground The Racecourse Ground ( Welsh : Y Cae Ras ), known for sponsorship reasons as the STōK Cae Ras (or STōK Racecourse ), is a football stadium in Wrexham , Wales . It

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2808-610: Was built, taking its name from the Border Breweries which owned the ground. That part of the ground is now known as the Eric Roberts Builders Stand, where visiting supporters are normally seated. The latest addition to the ground came about in 1999, after Grant Aid from Sport Lot, the Welsh Development Agency and the Football Trust , together with local sponsorship, financed the construction of

2862-451: Was created. Crusaders have enjoyed some well-attended games at the Racecourse Ground during 2010 with their opening engage Super League match against Leeds attracted over 10,000 people, with large local support. In 2011 Crusaders withdraw their Super League licence application and ultimately folded citing financial invalidity. 2012 saw the birth of a new club, born from the ashes of the old club. North Wales Crusaders currently play in

2916-471: Was later threatened by subsidence from coal mining and was largely demolished in the 1920s - a small section being incorporated into a more modern building - while some of the former estate's farmland has since been developed for modern housing. However, the park's highly elaborate wrought-iron gates, attributed to the Davies brothers of Wrexham , had been rescued and moved to Erddig Hall in 1908. Though much

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