The stadium was constructed in 1938 on the site of a 'flapping' (unregulated) track where owners could turn up and run their greyhounds around an oval on the days selected for racing.
A main grandstand building was erected and the stadium joined the regulatory governing body of the National Greyhound Racing Club (NGRC).
In 1941 Leslie Calcutt purchased Irish Grand National winner 'The Gunner' for £400 and the Jack Young trained hurdler won 11 successive open races, drawing in large crowds.
[5] In 1947 Calcutt was appointed as Director of Bristol Greyhound Racing Association Ltd and one year later Narrogar Ann won the Western Two-Year Old Produce Stakes.
In 1967 Oxford was one of the first four tracks to be awarded an inaugural BAGS (Bookmakers Afternoon Greyhound Service) contract along with Hackney, Kings Heath and Park Royal.
[3] Perth Pat trained by Jim Morgan brought the first ever classic race success to Oxford following her win in the 1970 Oaks.
In 1974 a new 'Outside Sumner' hare system was introduced but the following year Bristol Stadium Ltd agreed a deal worth £235,000 with the Oxford City Council housing committee.
Local MP Michael Heseltine called for a public meeting which gave SOS the chance to find a buyer.
The stadium closed on 31 December 1975 until further notice but reopened during March 1976 and eventually found a buyer in 1977 when Northern Sports purchased the track for £250,000.
In 1981 Careless Dragon trained by Jim Morgan won the Trafalgar Cup one year before Northern Sports announced plans to invest heavily into Oxford and sister track Ramsgate Stadium.
Mick Wheble arrived as Racing Manager in 1984, Joe Farrand retired after 45 years as a trainer and Arthur Hitch won the 1984 BBC TV Trophy with Weston Prelude.
[6] In 1987 Sandwinder trained by Vicky Holloway became the track champion and in 1988 the Pall Mall Stakes was switched from the closing Harringay Stadium to Oxford.
[23][24] A classic race called the Cesarewitch switched to Oxford from Catford in 2001 and the major competitions were screened live on SKY television.
[25] Angie Kibble won six trainers titles and traditional boxing day meetings continued to draw in a capacity attendance from the local population.
The racing continued for seven years until the GRA closed the stadium; the last greyhound meeting was held on 29 December 2012 in front of a capacity crowd, with the last winner being Moorstown Mystiq, trained by Richard Baker.