West Ham United has today (Wednesday) moved another step closer to having the biggest Premier League stadium in London after being granted planning permission to increase matchday capacity at its home.
With an extra 2,500 seats to be released once the safety certificate application has been completed, London Stadium is set to move from a capacity of 60,000 to 62,500. This will take West Ham beyond Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium (60,260) and just behind Tottenham Hotspur’s new home (62,850).
West Ham has had long-held ambitions to use the full capacity at London Stadium, with this being aided due to recent developments at the venue. London Stadium’s full capacity is now close to 67,000 due to the enhancements to the Bobby Moore and Sir Trevor Brooking stands.
A reconfiguration of the lower tier stands behind the goals was completed in August 2020. The Bobby Moore and Sir Trevor Brooking stands were brought closer to the pitch and squared-off in line with a more traditional football stadium configuration, with some seats moved as much as four metres forward.
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady said today: “The application to increase the matchday capacity will give an even greater number of our fans the opportunity to watch our exciting team in action in person.
“Since the regular return of supporters this year, we have seen a terrific response with every Premier League fixture so far this season sold out, and we thank them for their continued fantastic backing including breaking attendance records as part of regular capacity crowds at London Stadium.
“This is another great sign of progression during a hugely-positive time for the club.”
Image: Dan Poulton on Unsplash
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