Stadium

History of the stadium:

The London Stadium, located in Stratford, East London, is a multi-purpose stadium that is home to West Ham United‘s first-team squad.

The stadium was originally for the 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. It was then known as the Olympic Stadium, was constructed in 2008 and opened in 2011.

Following the Olympics, the stadium was reconfigured to become a football stadium and became the new home of West Ham United in 2016. The conversion involved the installation of a new playing surface and the construction of additional seating, bringing the approved capacity for West Ham games to 62,500.

The new Hammers home

Since becoming the home of West Ham, the London Stadium has played host to a number of high-profile matches, including Premier League games, FA Cup matches and international fixtures.

The stadium has also hosted major sporting events such as the 2017 World Athletics Championships and the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

The London Stadium has not been without its controversies. Many fans and critics have criticized the stadium’s design. They argue that the large distance between the stands and the pitch creates a poor atmosphere during matches.

Additionally, there have been issues with the stadium’s retractable seating system. This has caused delays in matches and has been a source of frustration for fans.

History in the making

The final issue that specifically West Ham fans have with the stadium is their emotional attachment to their previous ground, Upton Park.

The ground had charisma and a rich history – which is something that the London Stadium is severely lacking.

Despite these issues, the London Stadium undoubtedly remains an important venue for sports and entertainment events in the UK. The stadium’s state-of-the-art facilities and prime location in the heart of East London make it a joy to go to.

The ground will likely be the London club’s ground for many, many years to come. So, it can make its own history in years to come, bearing in mind it was only built in the 21st century.

If you get the chance to go – do it! You won’t regret seeing this beautiful ground.

How to get to the London Stadium:

There are several ways to get to the London Stadium, which is located in the Stratford area of East London. The most popular and convenient way to get there is definitely via public transport.

The stadium is served by several major transportation hubs, including Stratford station, which is one of the largest transport interchanges in London.

Stratford station is served by the London Underground’s Central and Jubilee lines, the Docklands Light Railway and also National Rail services. From there, it is a short walk to the stadium.

In addition to Stratford station, there are several other nearby stations that serve the area, including Stratford International, Pudding Mill Lane, and Hackney Wick. These stations provide easy access to the stadium and are within short walking distance for Hammers fans.

There are also several bus routes that run close to the stadium, subsequently making it easy to reach by bus as well. Buses that serve the stadium include the 97, 108, 241, 339, and 388.

For those driving to the stadium, there are several car parks located nearby, including Westfield Stratford City and Stratford International Station Car Park.

Stadium tour and museum info:

The London Stadium offers stadium tours which provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the stadium and learn more about its history and features. The stadium tour takes approximately 75 minutes and is led by a knowledgeable guide.

During the tour, visitors will have access to a variety of areas within the stadium. This includes the players’ tunnel, the dugouts, and the press conference room. They will also have the chance to see the stadium from different angles, including from the upper tiers of the stands.

Additionally, the tour includes a visit to the West Ham United museum, where visitors can see memorabilia from the club’s history and learn more about the team’s achievements. There is also a chance to take photos with the World Cup and the Olympic Torch as a keepsake from your visit.

Tours of the London Stadium are available on select days throughout the year. This means that visitors are encouraged to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Address:

London Stadium: London E20 2ST