AJ Bell Stadium England women's Euro 2013 qualifying match against the Netherlands on 17 June 2012. AJ Bell Stadium Salford City Stadium (referred to as the AJ Bell Stadium for sponsorship purposes) is a rugby stadium in Barton-upon-Irwell, Salford, England, built to replace Salford rugby league club's ground the Willows for the 2012 season. Sale Sharks rugby union club have also played at the stadium since the 2012–13 season. In 2005, Salford City Council approved plans for the Reds to move from the Willows to the brownfield site at Barton. The stadium was originally to be developed by Red City Developments, with construction
City of Salford grew along with its textile industry. The former County Borough of Salford was granted city status in 1926. The city and its industries experienced decline throughout much of the 20th century. Since the 1990s, parts of Salford have undergone regeneration, especially Salford Quays, home of BBC North and Granada Television, and the area around the University of Salford. Salford Red Devils are a professional rugby league club in Super League and Salford City F.C. are a professional football club in the National League. Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, is in the Trafford section of the Salford Quays area.