Gozo Stadium
The Gozo Stadium, formerly known as the Silver Jubilee Ground, is the main stadium of the island of Gozo, Malta. The Gozo Stadium, which is located in Xewkija, seats only 1,644 people but its standing areas at each end of its main stand ensure that the stadium can hold up to approximately 3,800 people, with 1,628 seated. Similar to National Stadium in Malta, the Gozo Stadium is the main venue of the local top division, the Gozo Football League First Division, and the finals of all cups organised by the Gozo Football Association are generally held at the stadium.
History
Early years
The stadium was erected in 1936 and as a commemoration of the Silver Jubilee of King George V, the stadium was named the Silver Jubilee Ground. The stadium, which originally comprised only what is now referred to as the Xewkija Stand, cost 819 pounds, 12 shillings and 3 pence to build. A number of amenities, namely a boundary wall around the ground, dressing rooms, toilets and a bar, were added two years later.In 1975, the stadium was expanded through the construction of an opposite stand, commonly referred to as the Xaghra Stand, and in 1995 the surface of the pitch was converted to natural turf and the stadium was renamed to Gozo Stadium At that time, the stadium was rather unique in Gozo as all other pitches had sandy surfaces. The sandy surfaces have almost all gone now but the fact that these have been replaced with synthetic turf surfaces ensures that Gozo Stadium's distinction in being the only stadium in Gozo having a natural turf pitch remains intact to this day.
Recent years
In January 2007, the stadium was illuminated by floodlights for the first time as the erection of a floodlight at each corner ensured that the Gozo Stadium could also host football matches after dusk as well. Three years after, and in anticipation of Gozo's hosting of the VIVA World Cup, the stadium was subject to another investment. The project, which cost around €340k entailed the construction of a complex behind one of the goals. The complex includes offices, four dressing rooms, two rooms for the use of referees, new toilet facilities and a garage. In 2011, the stadium was improved through the laying of a new five-a-side pitch and the construction of a parking space catering for 75 vehicles.In 2013, and with the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in the horizon, the Government allocated €500k to fund the improvement of football grounds around the island of Gozo. The Gozo Stadium was one of the beneficiaries as part of the budget was used to fund the development of further facilities at the Gozo Stadium, particularly a state-of-the art VIP Area at the enclosure.