I visited the streets opposite Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium – and residents have one complaint
The home of Leeds United football club is regarded by thousands of fans worldwide as one of the most sacred places on earth. Every week, it attracts around 36,000 supporters who either support the home club or its opponent.
Having spent my student years in Headingley, just a few streets from Leeds Rhinos and Yorkshire County Cricket Clubs’ stomping grounds, I do have some experience with flood lights lighting up one’s bedroom and the sound of cheering fans.
But while Headingley Stadium is surrounded by HMOs hosting many of the city’s students, Elland Road sits next to suburban residential streets with mainly families and professionals – and many houses dons Leeds United flags, logos and even murals.
To find out what it’s like to live in the shadow of a 36,000-capacity football stadium, I headed down to the area myself to speak with some of the residents.
Walking along the main road, Elland Road hosts a massive Leeds United shop, while The Old Peacock, a well-known watering hole with fans, sits just across the street along with a variety of other Leeds-inspired cafes and restaurants.
Just a few yards away, on Heath Crescent, Karen Freeman is taking her dog for a walk. Having moved in just a year ago, she tells me that while the proximity to the ground wasn’t the main reason for the move, her husband and daughter – both devoted Leeds supporters – are especially happy with their new home.
She tells me the neighbourhood is great, but with the lack of a major supermarket, it might be “a bit difficult” for people who don’t have a car.
She said: “The only thing you’ve got to remember is that after the game they close the road for around an hour. You can get out, but you can only go one way and it will take you forever.
“You just have to remember when [Leeds United] are playing at home. But you get used to it.”
Brian Braithwait, a lifelong Leeds United fan, has lived on Wesley Street for 20 years. For him, the main issue with living so close to Elland Road is the number of cars that park near the grounds on match day.
He said: “We have been campaigning for [Canonbury Terrace] to be double yellowed because it’s permit-only parking, but nobody takes any notice of it.
“The parking wardens come around and give several tickets to people every time, but they couldn’t give a monkey’s.”
Canonbury Terrace is a tiny cul-de-sac just behind the main car park, which several residents use to park their vehicles. On match day, they often get blocked in completely by illegally parked cars.
For a couple of hours before and after the match we’re like prisoners in our own house.”
In September 2024 it was revealed that Leeds United are planning a major expansion which would increase the stadium’s capacity from its current 37,645 to 53,000.
While the plans are nowhere near set in stone, Mr Braithwait welcomes the redevelopment, saying it’s “great” that more people will be able to enjoy Leeds United. But more fans would mean more cars, he added.
Despite the noise and bustle of the streets during match days, it’s clear that residents wouldn’t live anywhere else. After all, the city is loud and proud of its talent and any celebration of such makes living here a more than enjoyable experience.
