With a capacity of 90,000, Wembley Stadium is the third-largest stadium in the UK. First opened in 1923 and home to the English national team for almost a century, in 1966 England triumphed over West Germany in the World cup final. It was closed for renovations from early 2018 until 2021. The new-look stadium reopened on 1 March with a sold-out show by homecoming boy Justin Timberlake and will be the site of the final and semi-final matches of this year’s Rugby World Cup. The old stadium hosted some of the biggest sporting and music events ever seen in the UK, including England vs New Zealand (1924), The Beatles (1965), Michael Jackson (1993), and Harry Kane’s hat trick against Slovenia (2018). Here’s everything you need to know about London’s Wembley Stadium.
What’s happening at the new Wembley?
The new Wembley Stadium hosts a variety of sports and events throughout the year. The stadium’s 90,000 capacity is the second largest in the UK after the Principality Stadium in Cardiff but hosts more events due to its retractable pitch. It will remain the home of football in the UK, with both the national team and the English Football League playing there. The stadium is also the host to the 2019 Rugby World Cup final and semi-finals. The venue also hosts a wide range of music and entertainment events, as well as conferences and corporate events. This includes concerts by artists such as Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Coldplay, and One Direction, as well as other major sporting events, including the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships and the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Accessibility at Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium has an excellent reputation for being accessible to fans with disabilities, with one of the best safety and security records in the country. The stadium has been recognized by the Equality and Human Rights Commission for its excellent provision for disabled fans, as well as for its work in raising awareness of equality issues among staff and visitors. It was the first venue to be awarded the Top Employer mark from the Employers’ Forum on Disability and is a Disability Confident Leader. The ground has been fully accessible to wheelchair users for many years, with an excellent infrastructure off the pitch for their needs. On the pitch, there is full-size access for wheelchair users, with a dedicated team of officials aiming to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all fans. There is also a drop-off point outside the venue, with a designated drop-off space for those who cannot use the steps.
When is it open?
Wembley Stadium is open daily, except on event days when it closes one hour after the last person in the stadium has left the building. The stadium’s new visitor center, 90 Seconds at Wembley, is open seven days a week.
Where is it?
Wembley Stadium is located in northwest London, just outside the city center. The stadium is about an hour’s journey from London Bridge, or an hour and a quarter from both Heathrow and Gatwick airports. The stadium is served by several public transport options. Wembley Stadium is located on the Metropolitan Line and the London Overground.
Food and drink at Wembley Stadium
As with most stadiums, food and drink are expensive at Wembley Stadium. Hot and cold food is available to purchase at various points around the stadium and there are a couple of coffee shops in the concourses. Alcoholic beverages are only sold in the Wembley Park stadium, so you won’t find them inside the new Wembley Stadium. You can bring your own food and drink into the stadium, although you should check the specific event you are attending to see if there are any restrictions.
Tips for attending a game at Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium is an excellent venue for attending sports and music events, with wheelchair-accessible areas, disabled toilets, and an information desk for any questions you may have. Due to its size, the stadium can get extremely busy, so you should arrive as early as possible if you want to get a seat or a good view. You can find out more about attending an event at Wembley Stadium on their website. Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you are attending a football match the pitch is very large and the stands can get very busy. The stadium also gets very cold in winter, so it’s a good idea to bring a jacket. Finally, make sure you leave plenty of time to get to the stadium public transport during peak times is often very busy.
Conclusion
Wembley Stadium has hosted some of the biggest events ever held in the UK, including numerous football matches and an impressive list of music concerts. The new Wembley Stadium is now open, with a capacity of 90,000. The stadium hosts a wide range of events, including football matches, music concerts, and conferences.