The ground has four stands, the North Stand, the South Stand, the Spion Kop (east) and the West Stand (the Leppings Lane End). Away fans are seated in the Leppings Lane End. The stands are all of different design - the South Stand is the largest, originally built in 1914 it has been extensively rebuilt and raised to an imposing two tier structure in 1996, it seats 10,882 and also contains the media and hospitality boxes. The North Stand (built in 1961) was one of the first to have a cantilever roof and holds 9,100 seats. The Kop end was a traditional terrace, constructed in 1914 it was not until 1993 when it was finally converted into 11,210 seats. The West Stand was built for the World Cup matches in 1966 and was a terrace, following the Hillsborough disaster it was converted into a two tier structure holding 6,559 seats. Unlike more modern ground all but one corner of the stadium are open. The ground was last expanded prior to Euro '96.
The ground was built in 1899 and was originally called the Owlerton Stadium after the suburb, when the area became Hillsborough in 1914 so did the ground. The highest ever attendance was 72,841 in 1934 for an FA Cup game against Manchester City.