Don Valley Stadium Demolition contractor Demex began the demolition on this date, estimating that the process would take approximately six months. The Liberal Democrat Party leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg opposed the stadium's closure, claiming the city council aimed to prevent the Save Don Valley Stadium group from obtaining central government grants in order to develop a business plan that would keep the venue open. The UK Independence Party also expressed opposition to the stadium's closure and stated their intention to put together a campaign to save the stadium. UKIP general secretary and Sheffield Branch chairman Jonathan Arnott commented that "there
Don Valley Stadium they were without a ground in Rotherham. Rugby league and American football were staged there, and the Channel 4 celebrity sports show "The Games" also used the stadium. Due to financial problems, the stadium was closed in September 2013. The site has since been redeveloped to include a research centre, sports centre and educational facilities for local universities. At the time of its closure, Don Valley Stadium was the second largest athletics stadium in the UK – with a seated capacity of 25,000 – behind the London Olympic Stadium. The whole of the running track and its infield was illuminated