GRATTAN STADIUM, ODSAL
The Stadium at Odsal is one of the most famous Rugby League venues in the world, having even featured in the Guinness Book of Records for hosting the World Record Rugby League crowd of 102,569 (Warrington v. Halifax, RL Challenge Cup final replay, 5th May 1954). That record stood for almost 45 years until it was beaten following the opening of Stadium Australia in 1999, Sydney's major new Rugby League venue and home to the 2000 Olympic Games. However, Odsal's special place in the history of the game is unlikely to be forgotten.
Odsal has been the home ground of Bradford Northern/Bradford Bulls since 1934, and following 2 years at Bradford City Football Club's Valley Parade Stadium, the Bulls returned 'home' to Odsal for the 2003 Super League VIII season, with a homecoming match against Yorkshire rivals Wakefield Trinity Wildcats on Sunday 9th March.
Often criticised in years gone by for being too big, lacking atmosphere, offering little protection from the elements and with minimal facilities, the stadium was transformed by the arrival of Super League in 1996 and with it, the switch from a winter to summer season. Odsal became widely acknowledged as being the place to be on Super League gameday and until recently boasted the record attendance for a Super League game (24,020) which was set in 1999.
The Stadium was renamed "Grattan Stadium" on 20th June 2006 following a major sponsorship deal between the Bradford Bulls and Otto(UK). The first game at the re-named stadium on 23rd June saw the Bulls defeat Huddersfield Giants 42-16.