The Premier League Tottenham Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Name: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Location: Tottenham, London, N17
Owner: Tottenham Hotspur
Operator: Tottenham Hotspur
Capacity: 62,850
Record attendance: 62,027 (Tottenham Hotspur vs. Arsenal, 12 May 2022)
Built: 2016–2019
Opened: 3 April 2019
Construction cost: £1 billion (entire project)
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the home of the Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, is located in North London. Replacing the White Hart Lane, this iconic venue has brought a new era to the club and the community it calls home.
With a seating capacity of 62,850, it ranks as the third-largest football stadium in England and the largest among club grounds in London. Designed to be a multi-purpose facility, its unique feature, a retractable football pitch, makes it the perfect stage not only for Tottenham Premier League matches but also for NFL London Games, concerts, and other events.
Tottenham Stadium History
The journey of Tottenham Hotspur began in 1882 when the club was formed. Its early matches were played on public land at Tottenham Marshes, but as the club’s popularity grew, they needed a proper enclosed ground to manage the influx of spectators.
In 1888, they rented a pitch at Asplins Farm before eventually moving to a location behind the White Hart pub on Tottenham High Road, which became known as White Hart Lane. The club acquired the freehold of the ground in 1905, and over the next few decades, it underwent multiple expansions and renovations.
Renovation of Tottenham Stadium
In the early 1980s, White Hart Lane began its transformation into an all-seater stadium to comply with safety recommendations. By 1998, the capacity had been reduced to around 36,000, making it smaller than many rival stadiums.
The club had different plans to increase capacity, including rebuilding the East Stand as a three-tier structure and relocating to different stadiums in different areas of London. None of these plans materialized until the Northumberland Development Project was conceived in 2007.
The project, announced in October 2008, aimed to create not just a new stadium but an entire development, including homes, shops, a club museum, and more. One of the most popular Premier League football clubs in the world, Tottenham initially planned to move into the new stadium partially in the 2012–13 season, but the project faced delays and revisions.
In the midst of planning, a major riot in Tottenham in August 2011 prompted Haringey Council to accelerate the project, understanding its economic importance to the community. The Northumberland Development Project then became a catalyst for a 20-year regeneration program designed by the council, promising new life to North Tottenham.
The project faced legal challenges and delays, particularly regarding the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to acquire properties in the redevelopment area. Finally, in March 2015, the remaining plots on Paxton Road were acquired, paving the way for construction.
Construction of the New Stadium
Building work on the Northumberland Development Project began in September 2012, but the actual construction of the stadium didn’t commence until 2015 due to the CPO dispute.
The stadium’s construction was divided into two main phases. The first phase involved building the northern section of the stadium, including the North, West, and East Stands. The South Stand construction began in the second phase after White Hart Lane was demolished.
Notably, parts of the old White Hart Lane were incorporated into the new stadium. The concrete foundation of White Hart Lane was mixed with new concrete for the concourse floor, and bricks from the East Stand were used for the Shelf Bar.
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium boasts a unique asymmetric bowl design. The South Stand, known as the ‘Home End,’ is a single-tier stand and the largest of its kind in the country, seating 17,500 fans. The North Stand has three tiers, while the East and West Stands each have four, including premium seating options. The stadium has provisions for safe standing, making it one of the first Premier League venues to incorporate rail seating.
Opening of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
The stadium’s opening was highly anticipated but faced delays due to safety system issues caused by faulty electrical wiring. Ultimately, it opened with a ceremony on April 3, 2019, ahead of its first Premier League match against Crystal Palace. The first official goal was scored by Son Heung-min.
More About the Stadium
The stadium’s standout feature is undoubtedly its retractable football pitch. It’s the world’s first to split into three sections before retracting. This innovative design allows the stadium to switch between a grass pitch for football and a synthetic turf for NFL games, concerts, and other events seamlessly.
The stadium’s architecture doesn’t just focus on functionality but also on creating an optimal atmosphere for fans. The design includes elements to enhance acoustics, creating a thunderous atmosphere on match days. The stadium’s roof is a cable net structure, and the pitch is lit by 324 LED floodlights.
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium offers top-notch facilities for both players and fans. There are separate facilities for football and NFL players, including changing rooms, medical facilities, and lounges. Fans can enjoy various bars and food outlets, with the stadium even housing a microbrewery.
Conclusion
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium stands as a testament to the club’s ambition and the community’s perseverance. From its turbulent history to its innovative design and world-class facilities, it represents a new era for both Tottenham Hotspur and North Tottenham. As fans continue to fill its stands, this iconic stadium remains a symbol of progress and excellence in the world of football.
