London Stadium

London Stadium, the iconic centrepiece of the 2012 Olympic Games, has been West Ham United's home since 2016. With a capacity of 62,500, it stands as one of the largest club grounds in England. The stadium's conversion from athletics venue to football ground was controversial, yet the Olympic legacy lives on in this stunning East London venue. The sweeping design by Populous creates a modern amphitheatre that offers excellent sightlines throughout.

Located in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, London Stadium benefits from exceptional transport links and sits within a vibrant regenerated area. Whether experiencing Premier League action, exploring the Olympic Park, or enjoying the views from the upper tiers, London Stadium offers a distinctly modern football experience quite different from traditional English grounds like Emirates Stadium or Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Sitting alongside other Premier League grounds such as Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Selhurst Park.

London Stadium was built as the centrepiece of the 2012 Summer Olympics, hosting the opening and closing ceremonies plus all athletics events — including Mo Farah's two distance-running golds, Jessica Ennis-Hill's heptathlon, and Usain Bolt's 100m and 200m double on what Bolt himself called "the best track in the world." Designed by Populous with a focus on sustainability and legacy, the original 80,000-capacity venue was always intended for transformation after the Games.

West Ham's 112 Years at the Boleyn

The story leading West Ham to the Olympic Park began in 1895, when dock workers at the Thames Ironworks shipbuilding yard formed a football club that would, three years later, become West Ham United. The club moved to the Boleyn Ground in Upton Park in 1904 and stayed for 112 years. The Boleyn produced England's three World Cup-winning heroes of 1966 — Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters — and saw FA Cup wins in 1964, 1975 and 1980 under managers Ron Greenwood and John Lyall. The closing match against Manchester United on 10 May 2016 was an emotional night, ending with a 3-2 home win and supporters carrying turf from the centre circle.

Post-Olympic Conversion and Move-In

Following the 2012 Olympics, a lengthy and contentious process saw West Ham United selected as the anchor tenant. The conversion, completed in 2016, involved adding a roof, lowering the field, and installing retractable seating to reduce the gap between fans and pitch. The transformation cost significantly more than initially planned, becoming a source of political controversy that lingered for years. West Ham — under co-owners David Sullivan, David Gold and Karren Brady — moved in for the 2016-17 season on terms widely seen as advantageous to the club.

The Moyes Era and Conference League Glory

The early years at the new ground were difficult — supporter protests, marches on the directors' box, and a parade of managers (Bilić, Moyes I, Pellegrini, Moyes II). But under David Moyes the club found stability and, in June 2023, ended a 43-year wait for a major trophy by winning the UEFA Europa Conference League in Prague — Jarrod Bowen's 90th-minute winner against Fiorentina, the first European trophy in West Ham history since the 1965 Cup Winners' Cup. Captain Declan Rice lifted the cup; Bowen, Lucas Paquetá, and Tomáš Souček became the heroes of an East-End European night.

Lopetegui, Potter and a New Era

David Gold passed away in 2023 and David Sullivan in 2024; Sullivan's stake passed to his sons. Moyes left in 2024 and Julen Lopetegui was appointed, only to be dismissed in January 2025 amid a difficult Premier League start. Graham Potter was appointed in January 2025 and tasked with rebuilding the squad sustainably. The Sullivan-family ownership has signalled continued investment in the academy — the Bobby Moore Academy on the Olympic Park itself continues to produce Conor Gallagher-tier prospects — and in the longer-term goal of completing West Ham's tenancy of the stadium, with talks ongoing about an extended lease and possible naming-rights renewal.

How to Get West Ham United Tickets

There are three main ways to attend a West Ham United match at London Stadium:

1. Official Club Tickets (Best Value)

Purchase directly from whufc.com when tickets go on sale. General sale typically occurs 2-4 weeks before matches, following priority windows for members and season ticket holders. Prices range from £40 (Upper Tier ends) to £80+ (Lower Tier central). Claret Membership provides priority access.

⚠️ Important: The large capacity means tickets are generally more available than at smaller grounds, though big matches against top clubs sell out.

2. Official Hospitality (Guaranteed Access)

West Ham United offers extensive hospitality packages:

• Matchday Hospitality - Premium dining from £200
• Executive Boxes - Private suite experience from £500+ per person
• The Forge - Modern hospitality experience

Book through whufc.com/hospitality for guaranteed access.

3. Third-Party Platforms (Sold-Out Matches)

When official tickets sell out, established platforms offer alternatives:

• LiveFootballTickets - Premier League specialists
• SeatPick - Price comparison platform

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Stadium Tours

The London Stadium Tour offers behind-the-scenes access to this Olympic legacy venue.

What You'll See

• Home dressing room where West Ham players prepare
• The tunnel walking towards the pitch
• Pitch-side and dugout experiencing the manager's view
• Press conference room where managers face the media
• Directors' box with panoramic views
• Olympic legacy areas celebrating 2012

Practical Details

• Duration: Approximately 60-75 minutes
• Schedule: Tours run regularly on non-matchdays
• Price: Adults from £20, concessions available
• Languages: Tours in English
• Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible

Booking

• Book directly through West Ham United official site
• GetYourGuide - Alternative booking
• Viator - Experience packages

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Quick Tips

• Larger capacity: Tickets more available than many Premier League grounds
• Big matches: Still sell out - book early for top-six fixtures
• Transport: Exceptional links make arrival easy
• Olympic Park: Arrive early to explore the area
• Bubbles: The pre-match bubble display is a unique experience

Best Seats at London Stadium

London Stadium's bowl design offers good views throughout, though the converted athletics stadium means fans are further from the pitch than at purpose-built football grounds. Here's the complete breakdown.

West Stand (Sir Trevor Brooking Stand)

The main stand housing the most passionate West Ham supporters. Lower Tier provides the best atmosphere and closest views (£55-80), whilst Upper Tier offers panoramic views across the pitch (£45-65). This is where the singing sections are located - recommended for atmosphere.

East Stand (Bobby Moore Stand)

Named after the legendary captain, this stand provides excellent side-on views. Lower Tier £55-75, Upper Tier £45-65. Contains the directors' box, press facilities, and main hospitality areas. Good sightlines throughout.

North Stand (Billy Bonds Stand)

Behind the goal at the north end. Home supporters in designated sections, with some areas for away fans. Lower Tier £45-60, Upper Tier £40-55. Further from the action but atmospheric when full.

South Stand

Opposite end to the Billy Bonds Stand. Houses away supporters in one section, with home fans in the remainder. Lower Tier £45-60, Upper Tier £40-55. Good views despite distance from pitch.

VIP & Hospitality

London Stadium offers extensive hospitality options in the Bobby Moore Stand. Packages range from £200 for matchday dining to £500+ for premium executive experiences. The modern facilities provide excellent hospitality environments. Book through West Ham United's official hospitality service.

Accessibility

Excellent accessible facilities throughout as a modern venue designed with accessibility in mind. Wheelchair platforms in all stands, accessible toilets, dedicated entrances, and lifts to all levels. Sensory rooms and audio-descriptive commentary available. Contact West Ham's accessibility team when booking.

Pro Tips

• Best atmosphere: West Stand (Sir Trevor Brooking) Lower Tier
• Best views: Bobby Moore Stand Lower Tier central sections
• Best value: Upper Tier ends offer good views at lower prices
• Away fans: Sections of the South Stand
• Note: Arrive early to explore the Olympic Park before the match

A matchday at London Stadium combines modern Premier League facilities with the Olympic Park's unique atmosphere and excellent accessibility. The pre-match walk from Stratford station, across the Westfield bridge and through the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park — past Anish Kapoor's ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture — is one of the most architecturally striking approaches in English football, even if it's the polar opposite of the cramped Upton Park backstreets it replaced.

What to Bring

West Ham operates standard Premier League security. Bags larger than A4 size (21cm x 30cm) are not permitted — bring only essentials. Prohibited items include large backpacks, umbrellas, professional cameras, selfie sticks, and alcohol. Recommended items: match ticket (mobile via West Ham app preferred), phone, wallet, layers for variable weather. Arrive 60-90 minutes early for security and to enjoy the Olympic Park.

Pre-Match (2-3 hours before)

The Olympic Park area offers a different pre-match experience to traditional English grounds. Westfield Stratford City has numerous restaurants and bars — The Cow is the closest brewpub-style option, Tap East in the centre is the cult craft-beer destination among traveling supporters, and the food halls offer everything from Vietnamese to Brazilian. Podium in the park itself serves drinks and snacks. The Tap House on Park Lane (Stratford) and The Stratford Tavern further from the park are the slightly more traditional pre-match pubs. Many older Hammers still travel to Upton Park's Boleyn Tavern — five tube stops away in Upton Park — for the heritage atmosphere before getting the tube back to Stratford. The ArcelorMittal Orbit tower offers Slide tickets if you're traveling with children; the Olympic Park playgrounds are excellent.

Inside the Stadium

Gates open 2 hours before kickoff. The concourses are spacious and modern. 'I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles' — West Ham's anthem since the 1920s, taken from a popular 1919 song — fills the stadium pre-match with thousands of bubbles released from machines mounted on the West Stand roof, a tradition transferred wholesale from Upton Park. The atmosphere builds through fan chants in the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand; the Conference League win has added a new bank of European-night songs to the repertoire.

Food & Drink

Stadium concourses offer varied food options reflecting the modern venue — beyond standard pies and burgers, there are international cuisines and healthier options including a noted Asian food kiosk and craft-beer pours from East London Brewery. Prices are typical Premier League (£5-8 for food, £5-6 for drinks). Multiple bars and kiosks reduce queuing.

After the Match

Westfield Stratford City is the natural post-match destination, with numerous restaurants and bars staying open later. The excellent transport links mean rapid departure — but consider staying for a meal and to let the rush clear. The Cow and Tap East stay busy into the evening. The journey back to central London via the Elizabeth Line or Jubilee Line is quick and easy.

International Visitor Tips: London Stadium has exceptional transport links — Stratford station connects to the Underground (Jubilee, Central lines), DLR, Elizabeth Line, London Overground, and National Rail. Westfield Stratford City is one of Europe's largest shopping centres. The Olympic Park is worth exploring — the Velodrome, Aquatics Centre (now open to the public for swimming), ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide, and the surrounding canal-side walks are all five minutes from the stadium.

Where to Stay for London Stadium

Near the Stadium

Search hotels near London Stadium

Stratford has transformed since the Olympics, with numerous hotels within walking distance of London Stadium and the best matchday-logistics options anywhere in London for a Premier League ground.

Hyatt Place London Stratford (Olympic Park, 10-minute walk)

Modern hotel right in the Olympic Park with excellent facilities. Perfect location for matchday with stadium views from some rooms. Contemporary design and reliable quality. The default matchday weekend hotel.

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Holiday Inn Express Stratford (Westfield, 12-minute walk)

Convenient location adjacent to Westfield shopping centre. Good value with modern rooms. Easy access to transport and numerous dining options.

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Staybridge Suites Stratford (Olympic Park, 8-minute walk)

Apartment-style accommodation ideal for families or longer stays. Kitchen facilities, comfortable spaces, and excellent location within the Olympic Park.

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Premier Inn London Stratford (Westfield, 10-minute walk)

The reliable budget pick directly attached to Westfield, putting you at the food court for pre-match and the tube station for transport — no walking necessary in the rain.

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Moxy London Stratford (12-minute walk)

Marriott's design-led budget brand in a striking modern building. Particularly popular with younger weekenders.

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Central London (Alternative)

Search hotels in Central London

With exceptional transport links, staying in Central London is viable. The Elizabeth Line reaches Stratford in 8-12 minutes from Liverpool Street, Tottenham Court Road, and Paddington.

The Hoxton Shoreditch (Shoreditch, 25 minutes to stadium)

Trendy boutique hotel in vibrant Shoreditch. Excellent restaurants and bars nearby. Quick journey to Stratford via Overground or Central Line.

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Andaz Liverpool Street (City, 20 minutes to stadium)

Luxury hotel above Liverpool Street station. Direct Central Line or Elizabeth Line to Stratford. Excellent facilities and central location for exploring London.

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One Hundred Shoreditch (Shoreditch, 25 minutes to stadium)

Former Curtain Hotel, recently refurbished. Stylish rooftop bar with City views and a strong Sunday brunch — a good fit for a weekend that includes the match.

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Our Recommendation

For matchday convenience, stay in Stratford — the Hyatt Place offers the best combination of proximity and quality, and the Premier Inn is the dependable budget choice. For a broader London experience, Shoreditch hotels provide trendy East London atmosphere with easy stadium access via the Elizabeth or Central Line.

The excellent transport links mean you can stay almost anywhere in London — the Elizabeth Line has transformed connectivity to Stratford, with central London just 8-12 minutes away.