On the evening of May 11, 2025, a fire broke out at Wrexham AFCās historic STÅK Cae Ras, also known as the Racecourse Ground, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit Welsh football community. The blaze, which erupted shortly after 7 PM, disrupted the serene atmosphere of the worldās oldest international football stadium, casting a pall over a club enjoying a meteoric rise under the ownership of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. While the full extent of the damage remains under investigation, the incident has sparked concern and unity among fans, players, and local authorities.
The fire reportedly originated near the temporary stand at the Kop End, a section of the stadium undergoing significant redevelopment as part of Wrexhamās ambitious expansion plans. Eyewitnesses described seeing flames and thick smoke billowing from the area, prompting a swift response from Wrexhamās fire and rescue services. Emergency crews arrived promptly, working to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to the main stands, including the recently upgraded Wrexham Lager Stand and Macron Stand. Thanks to their efforts, the fire was brought under control within two hours, though not before causing visible damage to the temporary structure.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, with early speculation pointing to electrical faults or construction-related materials stored near the Kop End. The temporary stand, installed in December 2023 to accommodate 2,309 fans, was part of a stopgap measure to boost capacity while the club awaits the completion of a new 5,500-seat Kop Stand, designed by renowned architects Populous. Scheduled for completion by summer 2026 to host the UEFA European Under-19 Championship, the ongoing construction work may complicate the investigation into the fireās origin.
No injuries were reported, a relief to the club and its supporters, as the stadium was empty at the time, with Wrexhamās final League One match of the season having been played away at Lincoln City on May 3. The club issued a statement expressing gratitude to the emergency services and reassuring fans that a thorough assessment of the damage would follow. āOur priority is the safety of our community and the preservation of this historic ground,ā the statement read, hinting at the emotional weight of the incident for a club deeply tied to Wrexhamās identity.
The fire comes at a pivotal moment for Wrexham AFC, fresh off a third consecutive promotion to the English Championship, a remarkable feat fueled by Reynolds and McElhenneyās investment and the global spotlight of the *Welcome to Wrexham* documentary. The clubās plans to expand the stadium to a potential 55,000 capacity, making it one of the UKās largest, underscore its soaring ambitions. However, this incident may delay progress on the Kop redevelopment and strain the clubās resources, already stretched by significant financial losses reported in 2024.
As investigations continue, the Wrexham community has rallied, with fans taking to social media to express solidarity and optimism. The fire, while a setback, is unlikely to dim the Red Dragonsā spirit, as the club and its supporters look to rebuild and continue their remarkable journey.
