Source: Daily_Mail
KitKat Crescent to Pizza Hut Park: Sportsmail's guide to the worst ever stadium names
'I'm just nipping down to the Arnold Schwarzenegger Stadium to watch the game.' Hardly roles off the tongue, does it?
Change: Dave Whelan.. or DW
Since the advent of super-size stadiums which take their sponsor's name, we've had a whole host of grounds with ridiculous titles.
But the old guard also supplied a few names that are best relegated to the passage of time.
In celebration of Wigan chairman Dave Whelan's decision to change the name of the JJB Stadium to the DW Stadium (after, guess who?), Sportsmail celebrates the worst 10 names for sports arenas. Dear, oh dear.
The KitKat Crescent
York City's Bootham Crescent was renamed the KitKat Crescent in January 2005 after a rescue deal by Nestle Rowntree saved the Minstermen from collapse. Give us a break, will you?
Arnold Schwarzenegger Stadium
The home of Liebherr Grazer AK was named after Graz's most famous son in 1997, but the honour was revoked in 2005. Schwarzenegger, the governor of California, was roundly criticised in Austria for refusing to intervene in the case of an LA gang leader who faced the death penalty.
The Terminator (no pun intended) responded by asking his name to be removed from the 15,000-seater stadium, which is now known as the UPC Arena. 'Asta la Vista, baby.'
The Home Depot Center
The 'Center' incorporates a 27,000-seat 'soccer' stadium (the home of LA Galaxy), an 8,000-seat tennis stadium, which hosts the East West Bank Classic, an athletics track and an indoor velodrome. Plus the David Beckham Academy.But the name's still rubbish - the American equivalent of B&Q.
The Baseball Ground
The Rams moved to Ley's baseball ground in 1895, a sports facility built by Derby industrialist Sir Francis Ley, who is credited with 'introducing' baseball to England. Hence the odd name for Derby County's former ground, which apparently had no link with baseball other than, perhaps, Brian Clough penchant for belting the odd player round the ear 'ole.
Keepmoat Stadium
Not content with Belle Vue, Doncaster Rovers and Doncaster Belles moved to the Keepmoat Stadium in January 2007, which is also home to Doncaster Rugby League Football Club (The Dons).Keepmoat plc, a company which provides social housing, bagged the naming rights and now Rovers must refer to 'The Keepmoat' to give the stadium so degree of credibility. There's always hope.
Heinz Field
Oh yes. Not a stadium full of baked beans or tomato ketchup, but the home of NFL team the Pittsburgh Steelers. There's also a Coca-Cola Hall on site. The mind boggles.
Dick's Sporting Goods Park
Another pearler from across the pond - the home of MSL team the Colorado Rapids is called Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Comments on a postcard, please.
Gay Meadow
The former home of Shrewsbury Town, who now play at the (naff, but not as amusing) Prostar Stadium.The reasons for the name 'Gay Meadow' are unknown, but apparently relates to the land's original use as the venue for 'various entertainments'. I didn't say a thing...
Pizza Hut Park
American soccer team FC Dallas have achieved the unenviable feat of naming a sports stadium after a fast food chain. No wonder American has a problem with obesity.Pizza Hut Park also boasts the 'Texans Credit Union Walk of Fame' which, presumably, has nothing to do with Sir Allen Stanford.
Wankdorf Stadium
Enough said.
