Error code: %{errorCode}

Windsor Park: What do you need to know about the venue for Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan II?

DAZN
Crocker vs Donovan 11 - Saturday - live on DAZN

Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan roll it back for a second time this year on Saturday, September 13 - and the stakes are higher than ever between the pair, live on DAZN.

The former won their IBF welterweight eliminator back in March after the latter was disqualified in controversial circumstances - but now, the full prize itself is on the line.

It marks a historic occasion for both fighters as they return to contest a first world title fight between two men from the island of Ireland on home soil, at Belfast's Windsor Park.

But just what is the history behind this national venue, home to some major sporting memories for local fans in the city? DAZN News takes a look at all the details.

What is Windsor Park?

Crocker vs Donovan IIMark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing

Windsor Park is a 18,500-capacity multi-purpose sports venue located within the Balmoral district of Belfast, Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom.

The national stadium for Northern Ireland, and the permanent home of NIFL Premiership club Linfield, the stadium is one of the most recognised venues in the country.

It hosts domestic and international football venues on a regular basis all year round, and has also hosted a handful of other sporting events on occasion through the years.

When did Windsor Park open?

Watch on YouTube

Windsor Park opened in 1905, well over a century ago, having broken ground in 1903 - but it did not come to represent its current form until much later on.

Originally the home of Linfield, it began hosting the Northern Ireland football team in 1910, and gradually swelled with the introduction of new stands across the 20th century.

A 1996 redevelopment of the ground further moved it towards its current iteration, but it was not until a 2015 redevelopment that it achieved its current shape and capacity.

What boxing events has Windsor Park hosted?

Windsor Park has hosted boxing events in one form or another stretching back over a century, but just one major fight card in the past seventy years overall.

In 2018, it played host to a homecoming bout for Carl Frampton, who faced Luke Jackson in defence of his WBO interim featherweight title in front of a bumper crowd.

The home favourite ensured it would be a victorious night for Belfast and his fans, as he scored a ninth-round TKO victory to retain his strap.

What other events has Windsor Park hosted?

Watch on YouTube

Windsor Park is mostly occupied as a football ground, and serves as the home of Linfield FC, who have been its tenants since it opened its doors.

The club own the land the stadium is built upon, though the Irish Football Association actually own the stadium itself and can lease it for other uses.

In addition to Northern Ireland's home games, WIndsor Park hosted the 2021 UEFA Super Cup between Chelsea and Villarreal, and a game at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup.

Will Windsor Park host any other future fight cards?

Windsor Park is currently not scheduled to host any further boxing cards right now, but could yet play host to another major encounter if the stars align for one or two fighters.

As Crocker bids to bring more boxing history back home, a victory here could possibly tee up a trilogy with Donovan if he chooses to pursue a first full title defence against him.

Alternatively, the star could look for a unification title fight against an overseas rival, adding further spice to his place within the division and ensuring a bumper turnout.

Lewis Crocker vs. Paddy Donovan IIMatchroom Boxing

Watch Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan II on DAZN

Watch Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan II, plus the whole undercard from Belfast's Windsor Park, with a DAZN subscription this September.

For more information on how to sign up, click here.