Tottenham’s new stadium, the aptly named Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, was a mighty task of footballing construction. But since it’s opening, it has swiftly become one of the best respected and pleasant stadium experiences in the entirety of Europe. Here are 7 facts on the stadium:
The Past
Before the new stadium was constructed, Tottenham played their home games at White Hart Lane. However, unlike many new grounds, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is almost exactly built on the site of the former White Hart Lane. Despite a huge renovation change, the location of Tottenham’s home ground has largely remained the same since 1899.
Capacity
Tottenham’s stadium rebuilding saw a significant upgrade in the capacity. Previously and only in the later years of the occupancy of White Hart Lane was 36,284 people allowed to attend. The new stadium however can house 62,303 spectators, with its highest attendance being in 2019 in a match against Chelsea at 61,104.
Screens
There are four main LED video displays inside the stadium bowl totaling more than 1,000sq m, enough to fill both penalty areas. The two in the south stand each measure 325sq m and are the largest stadium screens in western Europe. There are more screens of a smaller nature with around 1,800 HD TVs throughout the concourse and premium areas.
The Player Luxuries
The players have their own restaurant with separate kitchen to prepare team food, a pre-match players’ lounge, creche, family lounge, hydrotherapy pool and warm-up area. There are also 23 lockers in the home changing room, each with an integrated screen and charging points.
Not Just the Footie
There will be a maximum of 16 non-football events maximum held per year at the stadium, which are likely to be six concerts and 10 other sporting events. It is the first and only stadium to be designed specially for NFL games outside of North America. The first game at the stadium took place on 6 October 2019 when the Chicago Bears played against the Oakland Raiders. A record crowd of 60,463 watched the Raiders win a close game 24–21.
South Stand
Holding 17,500 fans, the seating bowl has put fans closer to the action than at any other stadium in the UK. The front row is only five meters away from the touchline, and the stand ‘generates a wall of sound’ to boost the atmosphere. It’s been inspired by Borussia Dortmund’s Yellow Wall.
Unique Quirks
The arena holds the world’s first stadium micro-brewery. Its delivery system means that staff can pour 10,000 pints a minute and the brewery is allowed for the production of one million pints of craft beer a year. The stadium also has an in-house bakery. It makes artisan breads and pastries for all of the food outlets in the stadium, from general admission areas to the boxes.
