Taking a child to their first West Ham match should feel exciting, not like a military exercise involving mobile tickets, toilet queues and a missing packet of crisps.
London Stadium is generally a manageable ground for families. It has broad concourses, modern facilities and more space around it than most Premier League or Championship stadiums. The challenge is choosing seats that provide a good view without placing younger supporters in the middle of the loudest home section.
There is currently no permanent family stand at London Stadium. Families can buy seats across the available home areas, although some locations are better suited to children than others.
This guide explains where to sit, which areas may be too intense for a first visit and how to make the matchday journey easier.
London Stadium Family Seating at a Glance
| Seating choice | View | Atmosphere | Suitability for young children |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Stand upper tier | Excellent side-on overview | Usually balanced | One of the safest choices |
| Billy Bonds Stand upper tier | Broad view of the whole pitch | Lively without always being intense | Good for most families |
| Side-stand lower tier | Closer to the players | Louder, with more standing during attacks | Better for older children |
| Bobby Moore Stand | Behind-goal view | Among the strongest home atmosphere | Best for confident young supporters |
| Sir Trevor Brooking Stand | Behind-goal or corner view | Varies according to away allocation | Check the match seating plan carefully |
| Club London hospitality | Comfortable with additional facilities | More restrained | Good, but considerably more expensive |
Seat availability, away allocations and ticket categories can change between fixtures. Always check the current stadium plan during booking.
Is There a Family Stand at London Stadium?
London Stadium does not currently have a dedicated family stand.
This is worth making clear because some unofficial guides still refer to informal family areas. West Ham told its supporter representatives in April 2025 that families could choose seats throughout the stadium. The club has continued to discuss the possibility of creating a more defined family section, but no permanent enclosure has yet been introduced.
That means parents must judge seats according to their location, height, price and proximity to the more vocal sections.
For most first-time visitors, side-on seats in the upper tier provide the best balance.
Best London Stadium Seats for Families
West Stand Upper Tier
The West Stand upper tier is a strong choice for families attending their first match.
Its side-on position provides a clear view of both penalty areas and makes it easier for children to follow the shape of the game. The atmosphere remains unmistakably West Ham, but it is generally less concentrated than directly behind the goals.
Other advantages include:
- A complete view of the pitch
- Less chance of the goal frame obstructing play
- A more varied crowd, including families and occasional visitors
- Good access to concourse facilities
- Less persistent standing than in the most vocal sections
The main compromise is distance. London Stadium was designed for athletics, and upper-tier seats can feel removed from the pitch. Children who want to see individual players clearly may prefer a lower row or a lower-tier seat.
Billy Bonds Stand Upper Tier
The Billy Bonds Stand runs along the side of the pitch and offers another useful family option.
From the upper tier, the view is elevated but tactically excellent. Younger supporters can see attacks develop rather than spending half the match asking where the ball has gone.
The stand can become noisy during major matches, but the atmosphere is usually spread across a large area rather than concentrated into one singing section. Seats nearer the halfway line tend to offer the strongest view and usually cost more.
Side-Stand Lower Tiers
Lower-tier seats in the West or Billy Bonds stands bring children closer to the action. They can see player celebrations, challenges and warm-ups in far greater detail.
There are a few drawbacks:
- Adults may stand during attacks and block a child’s view
- Crowd noise feels much stronger
- Front rows are not always the best viewing position
- Rain protection can depend on the row and wind direction
For an older child who already enjoys football crowds, the lower tier may create the more memorable experience. For a very young child, the calmer overview from the upper tier can be easier.
Which Areas May Be Too Loud for Young Children?
Bobby Moore Stand
The Bobby Moore Stand is home to some of West Ham’s most vocal support. The atmosphere can be excellent, particularly for London derbies, important cup ties and evening matches.
It may not be the best introduction for a nervous child. Expect louder chanting, stronger language and more supporters standing during important passages of play.
That does not make the stand unsafe or unsuitable for every family. Plenty of children love the energy. Parents simply need to know what sort of experience they are buying.
Seats Close to Away Supporters
Away supporters are generally accommodated in the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand, although the precise allocation can change for cup matches. Larger cup allocations may lead to home season-ticket holders being moved from additional blocks.
Seats near the segregation line can be noisy and confrontational in atmosphere, even when stewarding is effective. For a first match, selecting a side-stand seat farther from the away section is usually more comfortable.
Check the live seating plan rather than relying on an old block guide. Cup configurations can differ considerably from Premier League arrangements.
Upper Tier or Lower Tier With Children?
There is no perfect answer, but the child’s age and familiarity with live football should guide the choice.
| Consideration | Upper tier | Lower tier |
|---|---|---|
| Overall view | Better view of the entire match | Better view of nearby players |
| Distance from pitch | Considerable in some sections | Noticeably closer |
| Standing spectators | Usually less disruptive | More likely to block a child’s view |
| Noise | Slightly less intense | Louder and more immediate |
| Steps and height | More stairs and escalator use | Generally easier to reach |
| Best suited to | First visits and younger children | Older children who want atmosphere |
If choosing the upper tier, look for seats in the lower rows when possible. They preserve the panoramic view without placing the family quite so far from the pitch.
Avoid assuming that the front row is automatically best. Barriers, camera positions or the angle of the seating deck can affect the view. Use the club’s seat-view information where available.
Finding Cheaper Junior Tickets
West Ham uses match categories and seating bands to set prices. Junior concessions are not necessarily available in every seating band for every Premier League fixture.
For higher-category games, family groups may find the most affordable concessionary seats in Bands 5 and 6. For other match categories, junior or under-18 concessions may be available more widely. The policy can change by season, so prices should always be checked through West Ham’s official ticketing pages.
The club also runs selected “Kids for a Quid” promotions. These tend to be attached to particular cup or league fixtures and can provide a far cheaper first visit than a high-demand Premier League match.
Useful ways to reduce the cost include:
- Choosing an early domestic cup tie
- Looking for lower-category league fixtures
- Checking for Kids for a Quid promotions
- Comparing different seating bands before selecting a block
- Using the official Ticket Exchange when a match is otherwise sold out
Avoid buying through unauthorised resale sites. Listings may not explain whether a seat is near the away allocation, high in the upper tier or subject to another restriction.
Best Match for a Child’s First Visit
The opposition matters almost as much as the seat.
A Saturday afternoon fixture against a less contentious opponent will usually be easier than a night match against Tottenham, Chelsea or another major rival. Evening games bring later travel, larger drinking crowds and a more intense atmosphere.
A domestic cup match can be a very good introduction because:
- Tickets are often cheaper
- More seats may reach general sale
- The crowd can feel less pressurised
- Junior promotions are more common
- Parents have greater freedom to select adjoining seats
The football may carry slightly less jeopardy, but most six-year-olds are primarily interested in bubbles, chips and whether the mascot can actually talk.
Arriving at London Stadium With Children
Aim to reach the stadium area at least 60 to 90 minutes before kick-off.
The walk from Stratford station is longer than it first appears, particularly with small children. Matchday routes may also direct supporters around barriers rather than along the most obvious path.
Arriving early gives families time to:
- Clear the security search without rushing
- Find the correct bridge and turnstile
- Visit the toilet before concourses become crowded
- Buy food before the busiest period
- Locate seats while the stadium is still relatively calm
- Watch the teams warm up
West Ham operates information points around the stadium. First-time young supporters can also ask staff about the club’s current junior activities and matchday materials. The official first-time fan guides should be checked before travelling.
Bags, Pushchairs and Security
London Stadium advises visitors not to bring bags unless necessary. Every bag is subject to search, large bags are prohibited and there are no left-luggage facilities at the venue.
If travelling with a baby or toddler, contact supporter services before matchday to confirm what can be brought inside. Do not arrive with a large pushchair and assume it can be stored somewhere. Storage options are limited and event rules can change.
Pack lightly. A small bag containing essential medication, wipes and suitable child-care items is far easier to manage through crowded search lanes and concourses.
The stadium’s current safety and bag guidance should be checked shortly before the match.
Food, Toilets and Concourse Facilities
London Stadium’s modern concourses are a considerable advantage for families. They are generally wider and less claustrophobic than those at older football grounds.
Food and drink are available inside, although queues become long during the final half-hour before kick-off and at half-time. Prices are typical of a major London venue, which is a tactful way of saying that feeding a family is unlikely to feel cheap.
A few practical tips help:
- Eat in Stratford or Westfield before entering the stadium
- Use the toilets shortly after arrival
- Buy drinks before the late pre-match rush
- Agree on a meeting point in case anyone becomes separated
- Photograph the block, row and seat details on an adult’s phone
Mobile reception can struggle when thousands of people attempt to connect at once, although free stadium Wi-Fi is available.
Accessibility and Sensory Support
London Stadium provides wheelchair viewing spaces, amenity and easy-access seating, lifts and additional assistance for disabled supporters.
West Ham also has a sensory room for supporters who may find the noise and visual intensity of a match difficult. Availability may be limited and should be discussed with the club before buying tickets.
Families requiring accessible seating or additional assistance should contact West Ham’s accessibility team rather than selecting standard tickets and trying to rearrange them later. The club provides stand-specific information through its accessibility guidance.
Ear defenders can help children who are sensitive to sudden noise. The loudest moments often arrive without warning, including the public-address system, pre-match music and goal celebrations.
Leaving London Stadium After the Match
The journey away from London Stadium is often more demanding than the arrival.
Stratford station handles very large crowds, but access may be controlled through managed walking routes and temporary queues. Small children can find the tightly packed flow of supporters tiring or intimidating.
Families have several options:
- Leave a few minutes before full time, although nobody enjoys missing a late winner
- Remain in the seating area briefly while the first crowd clears
- Stop for food around the Olympic Park or Westfield
- Consider Hackney Wick or another suitable station, depending on the route home
- Keep children close and establish what to do if separated
Check for engineering work before travelling. London transport has a remarkable instinct for scheduling disruption on the precise weekend you need it least.
Is London Stadium Good for Families?
Yes, provided the seats and fixture are chosen carefully.
The ground lacks the intimacy of West Ham’s former home at Upton Park, but its space, modern facilities and transport connections make it relatively approachable for families. Side-on upper-tier seating is the sensible starting point for younger children, while older children may prefer the atmosphere and proximity of the lower tier.
For the most comfortable first visit, choose a daytime game, arrive early and avoid seats immediately behind the goals or beside the away allocation. Once children know what to expect, they can decide whether they want a quieter panoramic view or the full Bobby Moore Stand experience.
Either way, they will probably remember the bubbles more clearly than the tactical shape.
London Stadium Family Seating FAQs
Does London Stadium have a family stand?
No. West Ham currently allows families to choose seats across the available home sections. A dedicated family area has been discussed but has not been permanently established.
Where should families sit at London Stadium?
The West Stand upper tier and Billy Bonds Stand upper tier usually provide the best balance of view, atmosphere and comfort. Lower rows in either upper tier can be particularly useful.
Which is the loudest home section?
The Bobby Moore Stand contains some of West Ham’s most vocal support. It can be an excellent experience, but may be overwhelming for very young or noise-sensitive children.
Are junior tickets available?
Junior and under-18 concessions are available for many fixtures, although qualifying seating bands and prices vary according to the match category. Check the official ticket listing for the specific game.
Can children use mobile tickets?
Ticket arrangements should be completed before reaching the turnstile. Younger children may need an accompanying adult to manage or add their ticket to a mobile wallet.
Can families take food into London Stadium?
Venue rules can change between events. Check the current prohibited-items and bag policy before travelling rather than relying on advice from a previous season.
How early should families arrive?
Reaching the stadium area 60 to 90 minutes before kick-off provides enough time for security, toilets, food and finding the correct seats without rushing.
About the Author
