South Stand
Home of the Whites since 1919
The South Stand at Elland Road, currently named the Norman Hunter South Stand, is one of the four stands of the stadium. It was built in 1974, replacing the previous structure known as the Scratching Shed.
- Location
- Elland Road, Leeds
- Primary Role
- Home of the main supporter section and terrace culture
- Historical Feature
- Original terraced viewing area (pre-1990s)
- Current Status
- Seated stand with integrated fan facilities
Lore & Background
In the 1920s, the South Stand terrace was covered with a wooden barrel-shaped roof and came to be known as the Scratching Shed. In 1974, the Scratching Shed was dismantled and replaced by the South Stand at a cost of £500,000.
In Their Own Story
In 1974, the atmosphere at Elland Road shifted as the old Scratching Shed was taken down. The club had just secured its second league championship and needed a modern replacement for the wooden structure that had defined the south side since the 1920s. Construction moved quickly to unveil the new £500,000 South Stand. This project brought a standing paddock capable of accommodating 4,000 fans, alongside a row of 16 executive boxes and an upper tier with 3,500 all-seater seats. The transformation was part of a broader era of improvement under manager Don Revie, which had already seen the Spion Kop rebuilt in 1968. Although the vision to connect this stand to the Lowfields side was halted due to financial constraints, the new structure stood as a testament to the club's progress during that successful period.
Reader's Guide
The South Stand is located at the south end of Elland Road. It is an all-seated stand, part of the current 37,645 capacity stadium.
Did You Know?
- The Scratching Shed was the name of the previous terrace structure, not the original South Stand.
- The South Stand was built in 1974, replacing the Scratching Shed.
- The cost of the South Stand redevelopment was £500,000, as stated in the source.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the South Stand built?
Construction finished in 1974 following a major league victory for the club. This new structure replaced the Scratching Shed, which had been standing since the early twentieth century.
What were the original facilities inside the stand?
The design included a large paddock for four thousand standing supporters plus sixteen executive boxes. Additionally, there was an upper tier providing seating for another three and a half thousand people.
Why is this section culturally important to fans?
It is widely regarded as the heart of the club's vocal support and historic terrace traditions. Even after modernization, it remains a central location for matchday atmosphere at Elland Road.
What was the financial cost of the redevelopment?
The state-of-the-art project required an investment totaling £500,000 to build. This funding allowed the club to move away from older wooden terrace designs.
How does the stand function in modern times?
Regulations changed the area into a fully seated section with integrated fan amenities. It currently operates as one of four main viewing zones within the stadium complex.
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