For the initial eighteen years of its existence, AFC Wimbledon played at Kingsmeadow Stadium, in the neighbouring London borough of Kingston.

Since its inception, AFC Wimbledon had stated that one of its primary aims was to return to Merton, with a new stadium close to what it regards as its "spiritual home" of the original Plough Lane.

In 2013 AFC Wimbledon announced that discussions were underway with Merton Council over a joint bid for the greyhound stadium and the surrounding land, in cooperation with developer Galliard Homes, to build a new football stadium, 600 residential properties and a range of community facilities.

[4] Construction proceeded with the permanent west stand initially, with main entry from the south off Plough Lane.

[7] A secondary entrance for home fans in the south and east stands is located on the easterly pedestrian-only street, Greyhound Parade.

In May 2020, the final remaining financing needed to sign all construction contracts was confirmed following key investment from local businessman Nick Robertson.

In December 2020, the Dons Trust announced that they were discussing a potential groundshare agreement with Rugby League side London Broncos.

[22] The first match to take place at the ground with a capacity crowd was AFC Wimbledon's 3–3 draw against Bolton Wanderers on 14 August 2021.

In September 2024, after the River Wandle burst its banks,[24] AFC Wimbledon's EFL Cup third round tie against Newcastle United had to be rescheduled from 24 September to 1 October 2024, and moved to Newcastle's St James' Park, due to flood damage to the Plough Lane pitch.

[27] Following the match, Wimbledon made an offer of a summer friendly at Plough Lane to Newcastle United.