Field of glory: Celebrating 20 years of the MKM Stadium
By Simon Bristow
Hull’s landmark MKM Stadium will celebrate its 20th anniversary this weekend, which in a remarkable twist of fate will see it host the same sporting fixture as it did on opening night in 2002.
Initially the KC Stadium, the multi-million-pound venue opened on December 18, 2002, when Hull City beat Sunderland 1-0 in a friendly, thanks to a Steve Melton goal.
This Saturday, December 17, Sunderland will again be the visitors for a Sky Bet Championship clash with the Tigers.
The £43m stadium is the home of both City and Hull FC, and has hosted top-flight football and rugby league for both clubs, as well as international sport, most recently three games at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, as well as England’s UEFA European Under-21 Championships qualifying matches.
The West Park venue has also hosted some of the biggest names in music, with concerts by acts including Elton John, Neil Diamond, The Who, Bon Jovi, Rod Stewart, REM, and JLS, being watched by thousands.
GET IN: Hull City fans celebrate a goal
Hull City Council has produced the above video celebrating the anniversary. The council will be sharing memories, articles and stories across its social media channels and encouraging fans and residents to join in and share their memories and highlights, using the hashtag #20YearsOurStadium.
Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “The MKM Stadium has meant so much to so many people in the city over the years.
“Whether it was for sport, musical entertainment or community events the stadium has been host to many brilliant moments. That is why it is fantastic to be part of the 20th anniversary celebrations.
“This was a significant investment made by Hull City Council all those years ago and it’s brilliant to see what a huge impact it has had on both the sporting and entertainment scene in the city.
“Over the past 20 years, the stadium has been the stage for the highs and lows of both teams who call it home, as well as hosting some memorable concerts. Here's to the next 20 years of memories.”
OLD FAITHFUL: The stadium is also home to Hull FC
Having sold its shares in Kingston Communications, the council decided to spend some of the proceeds to fund a new stadium for the city.
The Circle cricket ground in West Park was chosen as the site for the stadium before work began in 2001.
The construction of the 25,586-seater KC stadium was completed on time and within the £43 million budget in just 14 months.
In 2016, the KC Stadium was renamed the KCOM Stadium following the rebranding of its sponsor, KCOM Group. It was renamed the MKM Stadium in 2021 when it entered a five-year sponsorship with MKM Building Supplies.
Since Hull City became tenants, the club has gone from the fourth to the first tier in English football, three times gaining promotion to the Premier League.
Hull FC made its debut in the stadium on February 9, 2003, as the Airlie Birds defeated Halifax 24-16 in the Challenge Cup - an impressive feat considering they finished the game with just 11 men.
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