Despite the fact that Banisters Park had reduced in size it was still mainly open space unlike the southern and central parts of Southampton.

Lord D.L.Lawrence performed the opening ceremony and the first ever race at 3.00 pm was also the first of six heats forming the Southampton Cup over 500 yards and it went to Glengormley's Pride a 7–1 shot in 31.60secs.

[2] The stadium also had a dirt track ready for speedway and featured two large stands offering excellent viewing.

The Chairman of the company Mr.J.Morgan and two of the directors Ronald Prideaux and H Pearl addressed the 3,000 people that had turned out to watch the opening.

The track managed to race through the war years despite the town suffering considerable bomb damage, it had a lucky escape in 1940 when the ice rink was hit and burned down.

The 300 resident kennels could be found at Netley Marsh near Totton, six miles from the track and it was managed by the head trainer Thomas Appleby.

However the deal threatened to break down because the Rank Organisation wanted to build housing on the entire site including the Sportsdome.

The local council named the roads serving the housing Charles Knott Gardens in honour of his efforts for the town of Southampton.