Bella Vue Greyhound Stadium in Manchester, England will close its doors. A lack of spectators due to Covid-19 has taken its toll. The facility will seek new homes for the racing dogs and continue financial support for unemployed trainers.

Arena Racing Company (ARC) has confirmed the closure of Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium.

The closure of the Manchester track is nothing unexpected since a Manchester Planning and Highways committee approved proposals to close the stadium and use the site for housing.

“The closure of Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium has been an incredibly difficult one to make, especially given the history associated with the stadium,” Director of ARC Racing Division Mark Spincer said.

The lockdown as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, coupled with racing without fans, proved too much for the historic stadium, according to SBC News.

“We will continue to provide welfare support payments to the remaining Belle Vue trainers not currently racing at other stadia until the end of September, and assist with any homing requirements during that time,” Spincer said.