Alfred McAlpine Stadium, Huddersfield, UK

Before the Alfred McAlpine Stadium opened in September 1994, much had already been said about it. Many were skeptical that the dream would ever get off the ground. Five years later, authors use words such as groundbreaking, unique and breathtaking to describe the stadium. In September 1998, the final grandstand was opened, providing the "jewel in the crown". The stadium has shown that good design can be cost effective, and that stadia do not have to be inhospitable places used only once every two weeks. Instead, they can serve the entire community, not only in terms of the facilities that they offer, but also through their appearance.