The Racecourse was first recorded as being used for horse racing in 1733; previously the site had been a smithy for the Prior of Durham. At its peak, the course had a stone grandstand and attracted 90,000 spectators for a two-day event in 1873. The Racecourse was also used for other sports in the Nineteenth Century, notably cricket and the Durham Regatta. The land is now owned by the University, which has used it as sports field since the nineteenth century. On 16–17 June 2012 the Racecourse hosted the Olympic torch as part of the London 2012 relay.
Durham Miners' Gala
Durham Miners' Gala was first held at the Racecourse in 1872, which was the gala's second edition. All editions of the gala have since been held at the Racecourse. The event is typically held in mid-July, though has on occasions been held in August. The Racecourse is the location of the speeches held at the culmination of the Gala march. At its peak, 250,000 people attended the Gala.
Cricket ground
The Racecourse's most significant facility is its cricket ground, which has been used by Durham University since 1843. It has a capacity of 8,500. The Racecourse had the honour of hosting Durham County Cricket Club's first match as a first-class county in 1992, against Leicestershire. Between 1992 and 1994, Durham CCC played seven games there in the County Championship, seven List A games and a three-day game against Australia, which was notable for being Ian Botham's last match as a professional cricketer. Since Durham CCC moved into The Riverside Ground, which was completed in 1995, the ground has continued to host Durham University and Durham MCC University matches, which have included 20 first-class matches against County sides as well as games in the MCC Universities Championship and BUCSPremier League. It was also used from 2000 - 2008 as the home for Durham CCC's Academy team, which played 50 North East Premier League matches on the ground. In 2007, it also hosted a game between the touring West Indies team and the MCC. The ground has hosted 29 first-class matches and 8 List A matches as of 26 March 2015. Game Information: Game Statistics: first-class: Game Statistics: one-day matches:
