1874 Scottish Cup MedalThe Scottish Football Museum
A history of grand finales
The ground has played host to many important finals. This winners’ medal marks the first ever Scottish Cup Final in 1874, won by Queen’s Park following their 2-0 victory over Clydesdale. Hampden continues to host Scotland's domestic cup final today.
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1903 Match BallThe Scottish Football Museum
A tale of three Hampdens
Named after neighbouring terraced housing which, unusually, honoured an English Civil War hero, there have been several Hampdens over the years. The modern stadium stands on the site of the 'Third and Greatest', opened in 1903 with a 1-0 win for Queen's Park over Celtic.
Scotland v England programme from the 1937 Home International ChampionshipThe Scottish Football Museum
Dates with 'Auld Enemies'
Millions have stood on Hampden's iconic slopes during its history. The 1937 Scotland vs England Home International Championship tie remains the record European and British attendance for a football match. An extraordinary 149,415 watched Scotland win 3-1.
Scottish Junior Cup Final winner's medal 1943The Scottish Football Museum
Junior glories
As well as hosting major finals, the ground has also been a venue for the Juniors' biggest date. The Scottish Junior Cup Final first began in 1886 and this medal dates from the 1943 game, where 15,697 spectators watched Rob Roy beat Benburb 3-1.
Great Britain v Europe, matchday programme 1947The Scottish Football Museum
Exhibitions and curiosities
Unique ties and one-off games have also taken place on the hallowed turf. In 1947 Great Britain took on Europe in a friendly match which marked the Home Nations’ return to the FIFA congress in the wake of World War II. Britain outplayed Europe’s best talent, winning 6-1.
1959 Scottish Cup Final ticketThe Scottish Football Museum
Saints go marching in
Hampden has seen exciting ties and shock results with provincial clubs drawing huge crowds to back them over the line. In 1959, St Mirren beat Celtic 4-0 in a Scottish Cup semi-final before lifting the trophy after securing a 3-1 win over Aberdeen in front of 108,591 fans.
1960 European Cup Final programmeThe Scottish Football Museum
One of the greatest games ever played
It has even seen one of the greatest European finals. In 1960, Real Madrid defeated Eintracht Frankfurt 7-3 in Glasgow. The scoresheet was graced with legends as Alfredo Di Stefano hitting a hat-trick while Ferenc Puskas scored the other four for the Spaniards.
Pele's ticket to Hampden, Scotland 1 Brazil 1, 1966The Scottish Football Museum
Hampden hails The King
Legends have walked there. In 1966, Pele and Brazil took on Scotland in a friendly as part of their preparations for that summer’s World Cup. 74,993 supporters watched on as Scotland opened the scoring band drew 1-1 with one of the greatest international teams of all time.
Celtic v Leeds United matchday programme, 1970The Scottish Football Museum
The Battle of Britain
In yet another record attendance, Hampden played host to Celtic v Leeds in the 1970 European Cup semi final. Dubbed the Battle of Britain, the match still stands as the record crowd for any UEFA competition with 136,505 onlookers in the stands. Celtic won 3-1 over two legs.
Scotland v Argentina, silver presentation plate 1979The Scottish Football Museum
A Golden Boy takes a bow
Hampden has also been graced by another sublime footballing talent. In the 1979 friendly between Scotland and Argentina in Glasgow, an 18-year-old Diego Maradona scored his first international goal. He would go onto score 34 goals in 91 appearances for Argentina.
2002 UEFA Champions League Final match ballThe Scottish Football Museum
Zizou's rocket
Hampden has also erupted to one of the greatest goals ever scored. The 2002 UEFA Champions League Final in Glasgow will forever be remembered for Zinedine Zidane’s scorching volley, which sealed a 2-1 win for Real Madrid against Bayern Leverkusen.
2012 Olympic Games Match BallThe Scottish Football Museum
Olympic feats
Hampden hosted four group games and one quarter-final match in the women’s football at the London 2012 Olympic Games. The match ball pictured is signed by the French side who were knocked out by Japan in the semi-finals. USA later defeated Japan to take home the gold medal.
Scotland v Spain, EURO 2013 play offThe Scottish Football Museum
Future glories
The Scottish FA recently announced that the women’s national team would play their home games at Hampden. Their debut appearance at the stadium was made in a EURO 2013 play-off against Spain. The Scots drew 1-1 in front of a then record attendance of 4058 for the women’s side.
Museum imagery by Jeff Holmes
Words: Scottish Football Museum / Frame Agency
