Crystal Palace marked a new chapter in Selhurst Park’s history on 28 September 1953, when the stadium’s floodlights were officially opened for the first time.
The Glaziers had called Selhurst Park home since 1924, and the new lighting system was initially installed on poles along the Park Road terracing, on the side of what is now the Arthur Wait Stand, as well as on the roof of the Main Stand.
Palace chairman David Harris formally opened the lights ahead of a friendly against Chelsea. Despite Palace competing in the Third Division South at the time, they produced an impressive performance to draw 1-1 with the top-flight visitors.
The introduction came shortly after the Football Association lifted its ban on floodlit football, although clubs still required approval from their County FA and competition organisers to stage matches under the lights. Floodlit fixtures were already becoming an increasingly attractive feature of the game, with clubs arranging high-profile friendlies to showcase their new facilities.
Palace would wait nine years for their own glamour occasion. After the original system was replaced by modern pylons at each corner of Selhurst Park, Real Madrid visited South London shortly before facing Benfica in the European Cup final.
The floodlights were upgraded again in the early 1970s, bringing brighter illumination that was regarded as the strongest in the league. What began with a 1-1 draw against Chelsea became a lasting part of Selhurst Park’s identity.
