Wembley Stadium, also known as simply Wembley, is a multi-purpose stadium located in London, England. It is primarily used for association football matches, hosting the home games of the England national football team, as well as the finals of domestic club competitions. Additionally, it serves as the venue for major sports and entertainment events.
Opened on 9 March 2007, it replaced the original Wembley Stadium, which was demolished in 2003. The seating capacity of the new stadium is currently set at 90,000, making it the second-largest stadium in Europe and the largest in the United Kingdom. The stadium was designed by Foster and Partners and HOK Sport (now Populous) and had a construction cost of £798 million.
A UEFA category four stadium and one of the biggest stadiums by capacity in Europe, Wembley Stadium has hosted several prominent matches including the finals of the UEFA Champions League in 2011 and 2013. It also served as the venue for football matches during the 2012 Olympics. It was also the venue for the 50th anniversary of the UEFA European Championships in 2020. By its tenth anniversary, Wembley Stadium had welcomed more than 20 million spectators. The stadium is also one of the potential venues for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the United Kingdom is interested in bidding for.
While the previous Wembley stadium was also officially named 'Empire Stadium', both the old and the new stadia are invariably referred to by their unofficial name, Wembley. Wembley is the name of the area in which the stadium is located, in the London Borough of Brent, which itself derives its name from the old English words 'Wemba' and 'Lea', meaning 'Wemba's Meadow'. This unofficial name caught on soon after the original stadium's construction; the people of London used to simply call it Wembley. Therefore, the stadium's common name became 'Wembley Stadium', which is recognized worldwide. This name, however, could be argued to be not entirely accurate, since Wembley refers not to a specific meaning but to the original location of the stadium: Wembley, in Northwest London.
Wembley Stadium, known for its iconic twin towers in its original design, was first opened to the public in 1923. It was initially intended to be a British national stadium, hosting major football matches, the FA Cup Final, and international matches. It has also been a venue for significant cultural events, from the 1948 Olympic Games to world-famous music concerts.
In 2000, the old Wembley Stadium was demolished to make way for a new, state-of-the-art facility. The new Wembley Stadium, which opened in 2007, is notable for its distinctive arch, the longest single-span roof structure in the world. It has a seating capacity of 90,000, making it the largest stadium in the UK and the second-largest in Europe. The new design maintains the tradition of the original Wembley, serving as a venue for major sports and entertainment events. It has hosted numerous notable events, including the 2012 Olympic Games, the Champions League finals, and concerts by world-renowned artists.
Today, Wembley Stadium stands as an icon of British sports and culture, a testament to the country's love for football and its pivotal role in hosting major events. Its history, from its initial construction to its modern-day incarnation, is a story of innovation, tradition, and an enduring love for the beautiful game.
Wembley Stadium, located in the borough of Brent, London, is an iconic landmark in English football. The stadium is easily accessible and strategically located, providing plenty of room for future enhancements. The stadium's name is derived from the suburb of Wembley, where it is situated.
Ownership of the stadium has always been a point of discussion. The stadium was initially owned by the Football Association (FA), the governing body of football in England. However, in 2018, the FA considered selling the stadium to Shahid Khan, owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Fulham F.C., but the deal fell through.
The plans for the Wembley stadium were first conceived in the early 1920s, with construction commencing in 1922. The project, spearheaded by Sir Robert McAlpine, faced numerous challenges including strikes, a shortage of materials and adverse weather conditions. Despite these, the 'empire builders' as the workers were known, managed to complete the construction with their sheer dedication and commitment.
There was also a 'Buy a Brick for Wembley' campaign, where fans could purchase a brick with their name on it to be used in the construction of the stadium. This campaign, like many others, showcased the community's support for the stadium.
The construction of the new Wembley started on 30 September 2002, with the old stadium being completely demolished by 2003. The new Wembley, costing approximately £798 million, was officially opened on 19 May 2007, with a 90,000-capacity crowd filling the stadium for the FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester United.
Wembley Stadium (1923): Information about the original Wembley Stadium, its history and importance in the Football Association. https://www.thefa.com
Wembley Stadium (The Home of Football) – until 2000: Detailed history and specifications of the Wembley Stadium until its demolition in 2000. http://www.stadiumdb.com
Wembley: The Greatest Stage, Preface, Prime Books, 2003: Book about the history, significance and key events hosted at the Wembley Stadium. https://www.amazon.com
The Football Association 100 glorious years - The History 1, Edition and Content, S.A., 2003: Book about the 100 years history of the Football Association, featuring Wembley Stadium. https://www.amazon.com
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