A Football Lover’s Guide to Four of London’s Iconic Stadiums

 

Most people think of London as a city steeped in culture and history, but it is more than that; it is a bustling hub for football fans from far and wide. Seven Premier League teams play out of London, in addition to six Football League and four National League teams. The city is awash with football supporters each weekend of the season, meaning visitors will always have some soccer action.

 

Although every football club’s home stadium is special to its supporters, four London stadiums stand out for various reasons. Wembley Stadium, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Emirates Stadium, and Stamford Bridge are homes of the England national team, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and Chelsea, respectively, four teams the top rated online sportsbooks heavily feature and are household names worldwide. If you ever find yourself in the English capital and want to visit historic football grounds, you could do much worse than visiting these four stadiums.

 

Wembley Stadium - The Home of Football

 

Wembley Stadium is a national treasure and the home of the England national team. The original Wembley opened in 1923 and was famed for its twin towers. The new Wembley opened its doors to the football-loving public in 2007, with a distinctive 134-metre-tall arch dominating the skyline.

 

With a capacity of 90,000, Wembley is the largest football stadium in the United Kingdom and the second in Europe. It also boasts the largest non-supported roof of any stadium on the planet.

 

Wembley doesn’t only host football matches because it is a multipurpose stadium that has hosted a range of events, from the global superstars of the National Football League (NFL) to music concerts by Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and more.

 

Visiting Wembley is like taking a journey through football history. Book yourself on the Wembley Stadium Tour for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most iconic stadiums worldwide. Walk in the footsteps of legends and feast your eyes on the Royal Box, where you have the chance to lift a replica of the FA Cup.

 

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - A Modern Marvel

 

Tottenham Hotspur previously played its home games at White Hart Lane, its home from 1899 to 2017. However, the club’s owners wanted a stadium to match the team’s ambition and spent an astonishing £1 billion building the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

 

The new ground increased the capcity from 36,284 to 62,850, giving the team more revenue to improve the playing squad. Like Wembley, this stadium is multipurpose, although it takes that to the next level. As a certified host of NFL games, the football pitch is retractable, and an artificial American football field replaces it.

 

Tottenham built a stadium that caters for all, with everything you can think of under one roof, including the Tunnel Club, a fine dining eatery where fans can watch players as they walk onto the pitch.

 

The Tottenham Experience gives visitors an immersive tour of the iconic arena. They walk through the changing rooms, into the press room, and around the famous South South, a single-tier stand with a 17,500 capacity.

 

Weather permitting, you can book a Skywalk on top of the stadium, which affords stunning views of London.

 

Emirates Stadium - Arsenal’s Fortress

 

Arsenal called Highbury home from 1913 through 2016 before moving to the Emirates Stadium. Those visiting London from the North and stopping at London Kings Cross will pass the stadium on their left a few minutes before arriving in the capital.

 

Although most Arsenal fans were happy with their Highbury Stadium, the club’s management saw how much money rivals Manchester United were making from their 74,310-capacity Old Trafford home and knew they needed a new venue to match that, and the idea of the Emirates Stadium was born.

 

Despite “only” costing £390 million in 2004, the Emirates Stadium boasts a 60,704 capacity and all the mod cons a visiting football fan could wish for. Statues of Arsenal greats Tony Adams and Thierry Henry stand proudly outside the stadium, and memorabilia celebrating the club’s illustrious past adorn the interior.

 

Matchdays at the Emirates Stadium are somethign else, but getting hold of tickets is challenging. If you fail to obtain a ticket, consider the Arsenal Stadium Tour, which gives a comprehensive look at the inner workings of the venue. Head to the luxurious Directors’ Box, the players’ dressing rooms, and down the players’ tunnel. The tour ends with a visit to the Arsenal Museum, which is like taking a step down memory lane for Gunners fans.

 

Stamford Bridge - One of London’s Oldest Grounds

 

Chelsea FC has played its home fixtures at Stamford Bridge since 1877, making the ground one of the oldest in the United Kingdom. Although Stamford Bridge has undergone several renovations over the years, it has retained some of its old-school charm, making it a firm favourite among traditionalists.

 

When one heads to Stamford Bridge, one cannot help but feel they are stepping through football history. Few teams in football have experienced the lows and enjoyed the extreme highs more than Chelsea, and you can feel the atmosphere around the ground even when it is not a matchday.

 

Like other big clubs, Chelsea has the Chelsea FC Stadium Tour, which is interesting even if you are not a Chelsea supporter. Part of the tour takes you to the Chelsea Museum, which features exhibits on famous matches, legendary players, and the club’s packed trophy cabinet.

 

Conclusion

 

London’s football stadiums are cultural landmarks that tell a tale of the city’s love affair with football. No football fan’s trip to London is complete without a visit to Wembley Stadium, the home of football. Even if you are not a supporter of Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, or Chelsea, heading to their world-famous stadiums is something you should do because each offers a unique and unforgettable experience for every football fan.