The Hawthorns Schedule

Did You Know?

Albion's tenure of Stoney Lane, from 1885 to 1900, was arguably the most successful period in the club's history, as the club won the FA Cup twice and were runners-up three times.The expiry of the lease on Stoney Lane, as well as the club's desire for a more spacious location, saw them move once again in 1900, this time permanently.

Albion celebrated the stadium's centenary on 3 September 2000 by beating Crystal Palace 1–0 in a Division One match.

In 1949 the ground became the first in Britain to have an electronic turnstile aggregator fitted, in order to automatically calculate attendances. In 1957 electric floodlights were erected, at a cost of £18,000.

The area was covered in hawthorn bushes, which were cleared to make way for the new ground, hence its name, The Hawthorns.Full Throstle DVD 0:15:16 The club signed a lease for the land on 14 May 1900, giving them the option to buy within 14 years from the owner, Sandwell Park Colliery,Inglis pp173–175 and Albion did indeed buy the freehold on the ground in June 1913.Full Throstle DVD 0:22:16The first match at The Hawthorns took place on 3 September 1900, when Albion drew 1–1 with Derby County in front of a crowd of 20,104.

The remainder houses the most vocal of the home support.(If and when the new west stand is completed there may be a chance of the Smethwick End going to the visitors).Constructed: 2001Capacity: 8,791 (seated)Replacing the old Rainbow Stand, the East Stand now houses the club's administration offices, club shop, club ticket office and corporate entertainment suites.

However, since Albion's relegation from the Premier League and a drop in attendances, this plan has been shelved for the time being, although Albion did regain their top flight status in 2008.