BetWright Stadium
London, England
London Stadium
London England
London Stadium, situated in the heart of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, is one of the most versatile and iconic multi-purpose venues in the United Kingdom. Originally constructed as the centerpiece for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it has since been reimagined as a premier sporting and entertainment hub. Now serving as the home of West Ham United FC, the stadium boasts a seated capacity of 62,500 for football, making it one of the largest club grounds in England. Beyond the Premier League, it continues to host world-class athletics, Major League Baseball, and global concert tours, maintaining its status as a cornerstone of London’s modern sporting landscape.
Arne Müseler / www.arne-mueseler.com, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE, via Wikimedia Commons
Capacity
62.500
History of the stadium
Construction on the stadium began in 2008, with the venue serving as the primary athletics stage and the site of the legendary Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Olympics. Following the Games, a substantial multi-million-pound conversion project was undertaken to adapt the venue for football while retaining its athletics heritage. West Ham United became the anchor tenant in August 2016, moving from their historic Boleyn Ground in Upton Park. Since then, the stadium has hosted the 2017 World Athletics Championships and high-profile international events, bridging the gap between Olympic legacy and professional league sports.
Architecture and design
The stadium’s design is a marvel of adaptable engineering. To convert it from an Olympic venue to a football stadium, a new cantilevered roof—the largest of its kind in the world—was installed to cover every seat. One of its most innovative features is the retractable seating system in the lower tier, which can be moved forward to bring football fans closer to the pitch or pushed back to reveal the Mondotrack athletics circuit. The exterior is wrapped in a massive digital screen facade, and the stadium is surrounded by five bridges that connect the « island » site to the wider park.
Atmosphere and matchday experience
The matchday experience is defined by its scale and the vibrant atmosphere of East London. Before kickoff, the stadium resonates with the club’s anthem, « I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles, » accompanied by actual bubble machines. The wide concourses and modern facilities offer a spacious feel compared to older traditional grounds. Fans can enjoy stable, high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the bowl and a variety of hospitality lounges. The vast open spaces of the Olympic Park provide a unique pre-match environment where fans of all ages can gather long before the turnstiles open.
Location and accessibility
Located in the Stratford district of East London, the stadium is arguably the best-connected venue in the city. It is served by Stratford Station, a major hub for the London Underground (Central and Jubilee lines), London Overground, DLR, and National Rail. The Elizabeth Line provides a direct link to Heathrow Airport and the West End. For those coming from Europe, Stratford International is just a short walk away. The park is designed to be fully accessible, with step-free access across all bridges and dedicated shuttle services for supporters with limited mobility.
Origin of the stadium name
Originally known simply as the « Olympic Stadium » during the 2012 Games, it was renamed London Stadium upon its reopening in 2016 to reflect its role as a civic asset for the entire capital. While the surrounding area is often referred to as the Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the name « London Stadium » emphasizes its position as a global destination. Despite various discussions regarding commercial naming rights over the years, the venue has largely retained its geographical name, keeping its identity firmly rooted in its home city.
Who's play in London Stadium
How to get to London Stadium
The most efficient way to reach the stadium is via Stratford Station or Stratford International. From central London, the Elizabeth Line or the Central Line will get you there in under 20 minutes. Once at the station, follow the signposted « London Stadium » routes through the Westfield Stratford City shopping center or the Olympic Park; the walk takes approximately 15–20 minutes. Pudding Mill Lane (DLR) and Hackney Wick (Overground) are excellent alternatives that are often less crowded on matchdays.
Best seats, view and atmosphere
For the best panoramic view of the action, seats in the mid-tier of the West Stand (the Billy Bonds Stand) provide excellent sightlines and proximity to the VIP and media facilities. To be in the heart of the most vocal home support, the « Bobby Moore » and « Sir Trevor Brooking » stands behind the goals are the places to be. If you prefer a view that balances the atmosphere with a tactical perspective, the upper tiers offer a clear view of the entire pitch and the impressive roof structure.
London Stadium Tour & Behind the Scenes
Guided tours are available on non-event days. Visitors can explore the players’ tunnel, dressing rooms, pitchside, and media zones, with commentary on the Olympic heritage and transformation. Tours are wheelchair accessible and bookable via the official site or partner services.
Where to eat and drink near London Stadium
The stadium is adjacent to Westfield Stratford City, which offers hundreds of dining options ranging from quick bites to sit-down restaurants like « Berberè Pizzeria. » For a more traditional fan experience, « The Carpenter’s Arms » is a classic West Ham pub nearby, while « The Cow » provides a more modern gastropub atmosphere. Hackney Wick, just a short walk across the canal, is home to « Crate Brewery » and various independent cafes that are popular for a more « alternative » pre-match vibe.
Good to know
London Stadium operates a strict bag policy; only bags smaller than A4 size are generally permitted, and all visitors must pass through security screening at the bridges before reaching the turnstiles. The venue is completely cashless, so ensure you have a card or mobile payment method ready for concessions. For those attending high-capacity events, it is highly recommended to plan your departure route in advance, as the station entry systems at Stratford can be subject to « stop-and-go » management to ensure passenger safety.
