GREYHOUND racing was a hugely popular sport in the 20th century - and thousands of fans headed to Southend to watch the canines go head-to-head in exciting races.
Very few greyhound racing stadiums remain nowadays, but they were a booming part of the British cultural landscape ahead of the turn of the century.
Southend Stadium, in Grainger Road, opened in September 1931 and hosted races for more than five decades before its closure in December 1985.
The arena was also the home venue for Southend United between 1934 and 1955, but proposals for speedway racing at the venue were the subject of vocal protests by neighbouring residents in the 1970s.
One last outing - racegoers pack into the stand for the final meeting in December 1985, with Southend Stadium being demolished soon after
After its final race on Boxing Day 1985, the stadium was demolished and replaced by the Greyhound Retail Park.
Join us on a trip down memory lane by joining our ‘We grew up in Essex’ Facebook group. If you have old photos and stories to share with our readers, simply complete our online form.
Scroll down to see more retro images from Southend Stadium.
Out of the traps - greyhounds race out of the blocks during a race held at Southend Stadium in January 1971
All smiles - Roy Key and Simon Watson, the stadium chairman, are in high spirits as they pose for a photograph
Noisy neighbours - residents protested against plans for speedway racing in 1977
Race day - dogs go head-to-head as they make their way around the Southend Stadium track
READ MORE
- When Southend United's players became heroes with dramatic Wembley promotion to League One
- Can you spot yourself in these photos taken at Canvey Island schools in the 1990s?
All hands to the pump - Southend Stadium staff take a delivery in 1973
Fast on four legs - greyhounds are neck-and-neck as they compete in a 1976 race
Heavy load - Southend Stadium secretary Hugh Willcock oversees a new generator being delivered in November 1973
The way it was - the main stand at Southend Stadium welcomed countless greyhound racing fans
End of an era - the Southend Stadium turns to rubble as it is demolished in 1986
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel