Wembley Stadium has stood as a symbol of British sport, music, and national identity for over a century. Originally built in 1923 and later redeveloped in the early 2000s, Wembley has hosted everything from Olympic Games to royal events, from England’s greatest footballing triumphs to iconic concerts. Its history mirrors shifts in British culture, architecture, and global influence.
The Original Wembley (1923–2000)
The first Wembley Stadium, known formally as the Empire Stadium, was constructed in just 300 days to host the British Empire Exhibition. Designed by Sir John Simpson and Maxwell Ayrton, and engineered by Owen Williams, it opened in April 1923. The inaugural event, the FA Cup Final between Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United, drew a crowd estimated at over 200,000. Known as the “White Horse Final”, it famously required a mounted policeman to help clear the overcrowded pitch.
With its twin towers rising over the north-west London skyline, the original Wembley quickly became a landmark. It was never just a football ground. The stadium hosted greyhound racing, speedway, rugby league, American football, and even the 1948 Summer Olympics, dubbed the “Austerity Games” in post-war Britain. Its role in the 1966 FIFA World Cup, particularly England’s 4–2 win over West Germany in the final, solidified its legendary status.
Decline and Redevelopment
By the 1990s, the stadium’s infrastructure was dated. Sightlines were poor, facilities inadequate, and safety concerns mounting. While still capable of attracting major events like Euro 96, there was growing support for a complete rebuild rather than piecemeal refurbishment.
In 2000, the original stadium was closed. Its final football match was a World Cup qualifier between England and Germany, with Germany winning 1–0. Demolition began in 2002, and the famous twin towers were replaced by a modern design featuring a 133-metre high arch, now the stadium’s defining visual feature.
The New Wembley (2007–Present)
The new Wembley Stadium opened in 2007 after years of construction delays and budget overruns. Designed by Foster + Partners and Populous, and built by Multiplex, the stadium cost nearly £800 million. With a capacity of 90,000, it is the largest stadium in the UK and second largest in Europe.
The arch, which supports over 75% of the roof’s weight, is both a structural and symbolic statement. It replaced the towers as the stadium’s visual signature, visible across London and illuminated at night for major events.
Wembley continues to host the FA Cup Final, League Cup Final, and England’s home matches. It was a central venue during the 2012 London Olympics and hosted key games in the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament, including the final. The stadium has also become a major venue for music, with concerts by Queen, Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, and others continuing the legacy of Live Aid in 1985.
Cultural and Political Symbolism
Wembley’s significance extends beyond sport. The stadium has been a backdrop for political gestures, national mourning, and collective celebration. From hosting Nelson Mandela in 1990 to the minute’s silence after the Hillsborough disaster, Wembley has often served as a public forum for the nation.
Its use by the NFL and the increasing number of global events held there also point to the internationalisation of what was once a strictly British icon. The balance between tradition and innovation remains part of Wembley’s enduring story.
Architectural Features
- Capacity: 90,000 seats
- Height of Arch: 133 metres
- Span of Arch: 315 metres
- Roof: Partially retractable, covering all seats
- Surface: Desso GrassMaster hybrid pitch
The stadium was built with corporate hospitality in mind, including 166 executive boxes and numerous restaurants, suites, and lounges. Despite some early complaints about pitch quality and atmosphere, it is now regarded as one of the finest stadiums in the world.
Legacy and Future
Wembley represents continuity and change. While the physical structure has transformed entirely, its function as a national stadium and cultural hub remains. It continues to anchor English football while embracing new roles, from esports to boxing, from religious festivals to international showpieces.
As technology, crowd expectations, and broadcasting evolve, Wembley’s place in the sporting and cultural landscape looks secure. It stands not as a museum of past glories, but as a venue shaped by—and shaping—the history around it.