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Wrexham have finalized the acquisition of The Turf pub, a venue that gained widespread recognition through the Welcome to Wrexham documentary series.
The Welsh club confirmed on Monday that contracts had been exchanged for the purchase of the iconic establishment in a transaction between the club's parent company, Wrexham Holdings, and Admiral Taverns.
The decision to acquire The Turf is considered a crucial element of the club's long-term vision, as it will also enable them to safeguard the rich history and heritage of the celebrated public house that is deeply intertwined with the Racecourse Ground and the club as a whole.
It is widely believed that the club was established at what was then known as the Turf Hotel back in October 1864, making the Red Dragons the third-oldest professional football club in the world.
Wrexham Buy The Turf Pub
Wrexham have stressed that the purchase of The Turf will have no impact on the pub's day-to-day operations, with well-loved landlord Wayne Jones set to continue in his position as normal.
Beyond its bustling matchday atmosphere, where it has become a notable tourist destination, the pub also serves as an important hub for the local community outside of football. It has welcomed a number of celebrities, including Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, along with fellow Hollywood names Paul Rudd, Channing Tatum and Will Ferrell. Prince William also paid a visit to the pub to celebrate St. David's Day in 2024.
In a statement issued following the announcement of the deal, landlord Jones reassured fans:
"As landlord of The Turf for the past 20 years and a lifelong Wrexham supporter, seeing the pub's future secured under Wrexham Holdings is wonderful news for every Wrexham fan.
"The Turf Tavern, as it was originally known, actually predates the Club itself, and historical records indicate that the Club was founded within these very walls. It has been a cornerstone of the Club's story ever since, with players even using the pub as a changing room before taking to the Racecourse Ground as recently as the 1940s, and it remains a central gathering point for supporters on matchdays and beyond.
"I'm excited to carry on running The Turf and delivering its one-of-a-kind blend of history, atmosphere and the occasional Hollywood glamour to the next generation of Wrexham fans and locals alike."
Those sentiments were shared by Wrexham minority investor Eric Allyn, who commented: "Ever since we became involved with Wrexham AFC, the town, the community and the football club have felt like a second home. Nowhere more so than The Turf, with Wayne Jones behind the bar and a crowd of locals and international visitors who come regularly — they've all become friends and have made us feel part of the Wrexham family.
"By bringing The Turf into the group, we are securing the long-term future of the pub and, in doing so, preserving both its own history and that of the Club."
Why Have Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney Bought The Turf?
Wrexham say the acquisition of The Turf will help preserve the historic venue by bringing it together with the club and Racecourse Ground under unified ownership and "ring-fencing" it to protect the club's future.
They also indicate it will open the door to greater investment in the supporter experience around matchdays and create opportunities to develop the existing fan zone and other fan-focused activities in the area surrounding the pub.
Planning permission has already been granted to replace The Turf's well-known catering trailer with a new, purpose-built shipping container, which will significantly improve its capacity to serve customers on matchdays.
Ultimately, the acquisition hands Wrexham full control over the property, which will greatly simplify matters when it comes to any future redevelopment plans for the stadium.