London Stadium – stadium description

Why was London Stadium built?

London Stadium was built for the 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, serving as an athletics venue and the site of the opening and closing ceremonies. The United Kingdom had bid for the Games three times between 1992 and 2000, including unsuccessful bids from Manchester and Birmingham. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) stated that if the UK was serious about hosting the Games, London’s proposal would be considered.

In 1997, the British Olympic Committee appointed David Luckes to prepare a feasibility study for hosting the Games. By 2000, two location proposals were developed: one in west London around Wembley Stadium, and the other in east London – from Isle of Dogs through Stratford to the Lower Lee Valley. Ultimately, east London was chosen, allowing for the creation of a full Olympic Park and the regeneration of neglected urban areas.

Although other locations, such as Picketts Lock, were initially considered, strategic decisions and the need to revitalize east London determined the stadium’s construction in Stratford. The project was approved by the UK government in 2003, submitted to the IOC in 2004, and in July 2005, London officially secured the right to host the 2012 Summer Olympics.

How did the construction works for London Stadium progress?

During London’s bid, promotional materials showed a stadium with a roof wrapping around the venue like muscles supporting the body. The government preferred an athletics stadium design, which after the Games would be partially dismantled, leaving the lower tier as a permanent athletics facility, replacing the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.

On 13 October 2006, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) selected Sir Robert McAlpine and Populous to negotiate a design-and-build contract, after no other company met the tender requirements. The stadium design was officially presented on 7 November 2007.

The design received mixed reactions – ranging from magnificent to the critical pudding bowl. The stadium was promoted as an example of “sustainable development,” though some critics questioned its aesthetic value and status as a national icon compared to Beijing National Stadium. The simplicity and functionality were praised, while the visual impact and “wow factor” were seen as limited.

Despite the controversy, the stadium was recognized as a model of economical and functional design, costing £486 million. London Stadium was nominated for the Stirling Prize in 2012 but ultimately lost to the Sainsbury Laboratory at the University of Cambridge.

How was London Stadium constructed?

Construction began in May 2008, after excavating the stadium bowl and clearing the site. The main stadium was completed in March 2011, on schedule and below budget, and the athletics track was installed in October 2011. The athletics arena was built with soft clay, and permanent stands for 25,000 spectators were made from concrete rakers. The natural slope of the terrain was used in the design, with warm-up and changing areas partially underground. Spectators entered at podium level, aligned with the top of the permanent stands. A lightweight, removable upper tier made of steel and precast concrete was installed above the lower bowl, accommodating an additional 55,000 spectators.

The lower tier used low-CO₂ concrete, producing 40% less carbon than traditional concrete, on foundations supported by 5,000 piles up to 20 m deep. The upper tier measured 315 × 256 m, 60 m high, and used just 10,700 tons of steel – less than a quarter of that used in Beijing National Stadium. High-strength pipes from North Sea gas pipelines and recycled granite were also used, with most materials transported by rail and barges.

The stadium roof, initially scrapped in 2010, was reinstated in 2011 to minimize wind gusts. The polyester and polyethylene roof, funded by Dow Chemical, measured 900 m long and 20 m high, attached to tension cables. The roof covered two-thirds of the stands, including 14 lighting towers with 532 lamps of 2 kW each. Lights were switched on in December 2010 by Prime Minister David Cameron and Mayor Boris Johnson. During the Games, towers were additionally equipped with ceremony lighting and four large temporary video screens. South of the Greenway, a temporary athletics warm-up track was built specifically for the 2012 Olympics.

What did the original London Stadium look like?

The stadium had a nine-lane, 400 m Mondo athletics track. Turf came from Scunthorpe and was a mix of perennial ryegrass, meadow fescue, and bluegrass seed, installed in 360 rolls in March 2011. The track was made by Italian company Mondo (Mondotrack FTX model) – 13.5 mm thick, two layers of vulcanized rubber, with a diamond-cell shock-absorbing underlay allowing flexible deformation in all directions.

The stadium had 80,000 seats arranged in a black-and-white fragments motif, matching LOCOG’s London 2012 visual identity. Stand lines focused on the track finish line. Seats were manufactured in Luton and installed from May to December 2010.

During the Games, stands were equipped with a Tait Technologies lighting system enabling video content across the stadium (Landscape video), with 70,500 individual panels, each with 9 LED pixels, centrally controlled.

When was London Stadium inaugurated?

The stadium inauguration took place on 27 July 2012 during the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics. The show combined history, culture, and modern technology, with giant LED screens, lighting effects, and fireworks. The presentation highlighted British history, culture, and music, including performances by Paul McCartney, industrial and literary scenes, and pop culture. Delegations marched and the Olympic flame was lit. The ceremony was positively received and recognized as one of the most creative Olympic openings in history.

How did the post-Olympic redevelopment of London Stadium proceed?

The reopening was initially planned for 2014, but in November 2012, Dennis Hone (LLDC CEO) revealed it was postponed to August 2015. The redevelopment was overseen by E20 LLP, transforming the stadium into the UK’s only venue with UEFA Category 4 and World Athletics Category 1, seating 66,000 spectators. West Ham United contributed £15 million, Newham Council £40 million, and the rest came from LLDC and the UK government. The redevelopment included a new 45,000 m² roof, sponsor areas, toilets, concessions, and retractable stands.

Work began on 13 August 2013 by removing 25,000 seats and the pitch. The track was covered with a 75-cm layer of recycled concrete. In November 2013, 14 lighting panels were dismantled as part of the £200 million redevelopment. Installation of 14 new towers began in March 2015; each was 18 m high, weighed 45 tons, and was suspended 30 m above the pitch. A steel structure surrounding the stadium was completed, containing 96 gates, concessions, and toilets.

In 2024, 6,500 m² of solar panels were installed on the roof as part of the LLDC Solar Membrane project, funded by the Mayor of London’s Green Finance Fund at £4.35 million, allowing the stadium to generate energy for major events.

In May 2016, the original Mondotrack FTX track was replaced with a new Mondotrack/WS surface. The pitch was extended at the ends for rugby, and post-Olympics a hybrid Desso GrassMaster turf (105 × 68 m) with heating was installed.

The original black-and-white seats were replaced with white, blue, and claret patterns, adding West Ham branding on the East Kop Stand and crossed hammers on the lower tiers. In 2016, the stadium became West Ham’s home, adding club colors and jersey displays, and on 23 June, a club shop and café opened.

In April 2019, a claret pitch surround was installed, ending disputes between the club and LLDC. The East Stand was named after Billy Bonds, and in 2021 a West Ham United’s European Champions monument was installed. In February 2020, new lower stands were announced, and in March 2020 a sensory room for fans opened. On 6 April 2022, stadium capacity was increased to 62,500 for football matches, with West Lower Stand reconfiguration raising total capacity to 68,013.

How was London Stadium used after the Olympics?

Post-Games, the stadium was intended as an athletics venue for 25,000–30,000 spectators, with a training, scientific, and medical center. In 2006, the need for a world-class athletics stadium was emphasized, as Crystal Palace required major investment, and Wembley was unsuitable. Football or rugby club usage was considered, provided athletics events were preserved.

Before the Games were awarded, West Ham United or Tottenham Hotspur were considered as tenants, but Mayor Ken Livingstone initially excluded football, planning a 25,000-seat capacity. Later, negotiations allowed West Ham use, and Tottenham withdrew due to the track. Other potential stadium locations included Thames Ironworks and the West Ham station site.

In 2009, it was warned that the stadium might be financially unviable, and the decision to reduce capacity was considered flawed. In 2010, Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) was formed to select a post-Games tenant, with criteria for cost-effective, flexible, and symbolic use. After tendering, Tottenham with AEG and West Ham with Newham Council were selected for negotiation. Tottenham wanted football only; West Ham also athletics and other events.

Ultimately, West Ham was selected in 2011, but the decision was annulled for legal reasons. A new process began in 2011, retaining the track and 60,000 capacity. In February 2012, 16 bidders applied; West Ham was chosen as the main tenant.

In December 2012, LLDC announced West Ham as the preferred tenant, with a 99-year lease and £2.5 million annual rent, retaining community and sporting access. The club used the stadium from the 2016–17 season, and UK Athletics has access annually from late June to late July. Legal disputes over lease terms were settled with agreements and adjustments. Since then, the stadium has primarily hosted West Ham while maintaining athletics and other sports functions.

What problems occurred at London Stadium and how were they resolved?

Issues mainly involved event organization and spectator safety. During matches such as Samoa vs Barbarians and West Ham vs Bournemouth, complaints were made about lack of Wi-Fi, alcohol, long queues, poor visibility, and seat allocation errors. The stadium’s design was also criticized for placing fans too far from the pitch.

At the start of the 2016/17 season, West Ham matches were disrupted by fan incidents, e.g., against Bournemouth, Watford, and Middlesbrough. The club requested E20 to ensure police presence, but police cited insufficient radio systems. Further issues arose during matches vs Sunderland and Chelsea, despite increased security.

Permanent safety measures were implemented: increased distance between rival fans, reinforced barriers, better segregation in stadium and on the Island, and stewards equipped with cameras. In March 2018, protests against West Ham owner David Sullivan occurred during the Burnley match, including pitch invasions and Sullivan being hit in the head by a coin. Additional board member protection measures were implemented at £60,000.

In June 2018, West Ham was fined by the FA for incidents vs Burnley, and in January 2019, fined £100,000. Investigations revealed serious failings by LS185, the stadium operator, including insufficient stewards, poor training, and inadequate response to pitch invasions. The club sought to share the fine with the company. Problems were resolved by infrastructure improvements, stronger security, better organization, and staff training.

What sporting events have taken place at London Stadium?

London Stadium hosted numerous sporting events. In 2012, it hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games, including opening and closing ceremonies and athletics events, with many world and Olympic records set. Post-Games, it hosted the 2017 World Athletics Championships, London Anniversary Games, IPC Grand Prix, and road races such as the Great Newham London Run and Athletics World Cup.

In football, the stadium has been West Ham United’s home since the 2016–17 season, and has also hosted National League play-off matches, international fixtures, and charity events such as Soccer Aid and the Sidemen Charity Match.

In baseball, London Stadium hosted the MLB London Series featuring teams such as the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, and St. Louis Cardinals.

In motorsport, it hosted the Race of Champions and Monster Jam, and in 2025 it will host the FIM World Supercross Championship.

Rugby league events included England vs New Zealand and Australia matches, as well as the Four Nations tournament. Rugby union events included the 2015 Rugby World Cup group stage and bronze medal match. Premiership Rugby appeared in 2018 when Saracens played Harlequins. London Stadium functions as a multi-purpose venue for athletics, football, baseball, motorsport, and rugby at both national and international levels.

What non-sporting events have taken place at London Stadium?

Since 2016, London Stadium has also hosted numerous non-sporting events, primarily concerts. The first post-Olympics concert was by the Australian band AC/DC in June 2016 as part of their Rock or Bust World Tour. Subsequent performers included Depeche Mode, Guns N’ Roses, Robbie Williams, The Rolling Stones, Florence and the Machine, Beyoncé & Jay-Z, Foo Fighters, Green Day, Red Hot Chili Peppers, A$AP Rocky, Burna Boy, The Weeknd, Courtney Barnett, Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Pantera.,/p>

These performances included world tours and one-off shows, attracting audiences from tens of thousands up to over 120,000, including a record-breaking attendance for Beyoncé & Jay-Z.

How London Stadium compares to other Premier League venues?