London Stadium

London Stadium was conceived as the flagship venue for the 2012 London Olympics, designed by global sports architecture firm Populous. Opened in 2012, it hosted up to 80,000 spectators during the Olympic Games before undergoing conversion into a permanent multi-use venue.

Construction and opening

Construction began around 2007 as part of the wider regeneration of a brownfield site in Stratford. Populous designed a striking steel structure with an inflatable roof canopy over the seating tiers, while the central field retained flexibility for multiple configurations during the Olympic period.

During the London 2012 Games, the stadium served as the primary athletics arena, witnessing gold-medal performances from Usain Bolt in the 100 m and 200 m sprints. After the Games, the legacy plan envisaged a long-term home for both football and athletics.

Major renovations

A major conversion project took place between 2014 and 2016 to adapt the stadium for Premier League football. Capacity was reduced to 62,500, and the seating bowl was brought closer to the pitch. West Ham United moved in from the start of the 2016/17 season, completing the transformation from Olympic venue to football home.

Notable moments

The defining moment in the stadium's history remains the 2012 Olympic athletics programme, including Bolt's sprint doubles. The venue subsequently hosted the 2017 World Athletics Championships, cementing its status as a world-class athletics arena. Since West Ham's arrival, it has been the stage for numerous memorable Premier League and European nights.

The atmosphere at London Stadium carries a distinctive duality - blending Olympic heritage with the passion of Premier League football. West Ham United supporters, known as the Hammers, bring vocal backing to the modern arena, though the expansive bowl initially presented acoustic challenges compared to the club's intimate former home.

Fan culture

West Ham United's fanbase is deeply rooted in the history of Upton Park (the Boleyn Ground), where the club played for over a century. The 2016 move to London Stadium was accompanied by debate about whether a large multi-use arena could replicate the intensity of a dedicated football ground. Over time, supporters have made the stadium their own, with the end sections generating genuine noise on matchdays.

The club's anthem 'I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles' echoes around the stadium before every home match and remains one of the most recognisable traditions in English football. West Ham's fan culture carries a strong east London identity that travels with the club wherever it plays.

Big matches

The stadium's Premier League debut season in 2016/17 marked a new chapter for the club. European evenings in the UEFA Europa League and Europa Conference League have brought continental atmosphere to Stratford. England national team fixtures have also occasionally been held here, giving the venue an international dimension beyond club football.

London Stadium is exceptionally well connected by public transport from across London. Arriving early is strongly recommended on Premier League matchdays, when full-capacity crowds of over 60,000 are expected.

How to get there

• Underground (Tube): Stratford station on the Central, Jubilee and DLR lines - around 10 minutes walk through the park
• Rail: Stratford International (Javelin services from St Pancras) or Stratford (Overground)
• Bus: multiple routes serve Stratford Bus Station, directly adjacent to the park entrance
• Cycling: cycle paths run throughout the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park; Santander Cycles docking stations are nearby
• Car: parking around the stadium is very limited on matchdays and is not recommended - park-and-ride options are available

Tickets and tours

Tickets for West Ham United matches are available via the club's official website. Prices range from approximately 35 GBP for standard seats to premium options in hospitality areas. For athletics events, tickets are sold through World Athletics or UK Athletics platforms.

Behind-the-scenes stadium tours are available on non-matchdays, covering the dressing rooms, tunnel, pitch-side areas and VIP suites. Advance booking through the official website is recommended.

Visitor tips

• Arrival: aim to arrive at least 45 minutes before kick-off - queues at entry gates can be lengthy
• Footwear: the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is extensive; comfortable walking shoes are advised
• Food and drink: a wide range of options is available inside (burgers, beer, coffee) but prices are high - a snack outside beforehand is a good idea
• Families: the stadium is family-friendly, with dedicated family zones offering shorter queues and a calmer environment