NEHL - Rugby and Football have been played at Hollows Drift since 1885, though it is worth noting 1850s maps show the site as enclosed, though may be private land. Durham City RFC were founded earlier in 1872 and had moved to this ground 13 years later. The 1890s Ordnance Survey shows the ground as a football ground - Newspapers show the ground was used for various ceremonial matches, such as an annual Durham City v Old Dunelmians match as well as regular Durham City matches. It may be the case it was noted as football but actually meant Rugby Football.

Durham Elvet Railway Station once occupied the northern end of Hollows Drift.