Get the double-sided 92 Club & National League map poster

The Most Famous Stadium You Don't Know Everything About Yet

The Most Famous Stadium You Don't Know Everything About Yet

Every country has its own sports arena, which the locals often consider to be the best in the world. And even if, for objective reasons, this is not the case, there is no way to condemn love and devotion to their sports arena. In England, premier league football clubs have their home stadiums, each of which is fervently loved by fans and has its own unique history and traditions. To learn more about the football traditions of different teams, you can turn to a paper writing service where an experienced writer will help you to choose the right topic and facts to get a fascinating paper.

Despite the devotion of fans of different teams to their stadiums, according to polls, Wembley Stadium ranks first among the many lists of the most famous and iconic football stadiums in the sport's history. Remarkably, its history goes far beyond football, and the arena is famous for many other iconic events that took place there. However, for football fans, Wembley will forever remain a football arena with a rich history.

The Old Wembley Open and the White Horse Final

The history of Wembley Stadium dates back to 1923 when the first version of the stadium was opened. The old Wembley was built for the 1924-25 British Imperial Exhibition. The event aimed to strengthen ties between the metropolis and the colonies. The first major event at the arena was the 1923 FA Cup final between Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United. It went down in history as the "White Horse Final." The previous final, held at Stamford Bridge Stadium, attracted 53 thousand spectators, and nothing foreshadowed the situation that had developed at the football match. According to the historical data collected, more than 120 thousand people could buy tickets for the match, and tens of thousands more could get inside because the police could not cope with the influx of people.

The situation was threatening, and if things got out of control, there could have been a crush. Still, because the match was attended personally by King George V of Great Britain, people behaved sensibly. The match is called the final of the white horse of the London constable George Schori, who, on his white horse, dispersed spectators from the field before the match. The final started with an hour delay, and the spectators crowded into the arena, placing themselves tightly right up against the field line and lining the goalposts. One of the goals failed to score because the ball hit the foot of a spectator who literally stood near the goalkeeper, and the Londoners missed another goal. After all, the defender could not get out of the crowd after throwing the ball from the sideline and did not have time to return to the defence. As a result, that match ended 2-0 in favour of Bolton Wanderers.

Later, the stadium hosted many more football matches. But the most famous is still considered to be the final of the World Cup in 1966, when the hosts became World Champions for the first and, so far, only time. Jeff Hurst's legendary goal in the 101st minute of overtime, when the ball went over the goal line off the crossbar, became one of the most controversial moments in the history of football, which is still being discussed today.

By the end of the 20th century, the old stadium had become obsolete, and construction of the new Wembley began in 2002. The modern version of the stadium was opened in 2007, and it is now one of the most technologically advanced arenas in the world.

Architectural Features of the New Wembley

However, the most distinctive signature of the new Wembley is its famous arch, which is towering over the top of the stadium and visible from miles away. One hundred thirty-three metres high and 315 metres long, the arch is not just a symbol of the new Wembley. Originally, the arch was not considered an aesthetic detail but a structural element that would replace the supports obstructing views.

The modern Wembley seats 90,000 spectators, making it the largest stadium in the UK and the second largest in Europe. Wembley is also home to more than 160 VIP boxes, which companies often rent for business meetings during matches and concerts.

Legendary Moments at the New Wembley

Many historical moments have also been witnessed in the new Wembley. The highlights included the UEFA Champions League final in 2011 when Barcelona defeated Manchester United 3-1. That match brought out the greatness of Lionel Messi, who was in blinding form on the pitch. Wembley has hosted various concerts for many international stars. This included one of the biggest shows, which was the concert by Lady Gaga as part of her Born This Way Ball tour. During the 2012 Olympics, the stadium hosted the Olympic football tournament games.

Little-Known Facts About Wembley

Despite the worldwide fame of Wembley, not so many interesting details are noticed. For instance, not everyone knows this stadium has special zone systems, which will allow you to accurately measure the stand's noise level. Moreover, the arena has one of the best acoustics for the players. Even when the stands are crowded, the players on the field manage to hear each other well. Another curious fact is the roof of this stadium.

Although it can be extended, it does not completely cover all the stands. This is because the creators wanted to preserve an open stadium's natural atmosphere while protecting the field from unfavourable weather conditions.

Conclusion

Wembley Stadium is still considered one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the world. Playing on the new Wembley field is a dream for any professional footballer. Still, everyone can touch the greatness of the arena. The stadium organises open tours for tourists. You can personally visit the birthplace of football and touch the place where history was made.




More articles from Football Ground Map...

The World's Barmiest Football Fan?

The World's Barmiest Football Fan?

Tony Incenzo has been to over 2,000 football grounds - is he the world's barmiest football fan? Read about his love for Non-League football and groundhopping obsession, including watching a match in prison!

Surviving football boredom - a football fans' guide

Surviving football boredom - a football fans' guide

23 interesting things to do to pass the time until the football season restarts


Football Grounds To Visit While You Still Can

Football Grounds To Visit While You Still Can

All good things have to come to an end, and the same unfortunately has to be said for football stadiums too. This article looks at the grounds which are soon to host their last match, the stadiums whose days are numbered and where fans will be watching their football from next.

The biggest football attendances ever recorded

The biggest football attendances ever recorded

An in-depth look at the biggest football attendances ever recorded, from the 1950 World Cup to pre-season friendlies in the States and the Scottish ground with dozens of 100,000+ attendances



Get the double-sided 92 Club & National League map poster
Football posters and wall charts