Wembley Stadium

The national football stadium is known for hosting the most distinguished sporting action around. It is the home of the FA Cup Final, alongside events from many other sport genres, and is currently the UK’s largest stadium and Europe’s second largest. Wembley’s magnificence and world-class programme of events makes it a treasured stadium among locals and a top tourist attraction of London.

Constructed on the site of the former Wembley Stadium that was demolished four years earlier, the venue opened in 2007 with the 126th FA Cup Final. Chelsea took on Manchester United in a thrilling 1-0 win over the Red Devils, thanks to Didier Drogba’s goal in extra time. The game attracted almost 90,000 football fans, reaching near full capacity for the brand new arena. Due to the design, Wembley is a great place to view all the action, where the famous Wembley Arch rids the need to use pillars to hold up the roof. The Arch, which is recognised as one of the landmarks of the London cityscape, and partially retractable roof were both designed by Sir Norman Foster.

Over the years, Wembley has continued to host many important games, alongside England’s home games and temporarily Tottenham Hotspurs. The UEFA Champions League Finals were played there in 2011 and 2013 as well as the football tournament of the 2012 Olympic Games, and Wembley will host the final of UEFA Euro 2020. Beyond football, Wembley welcomed rugby players at the Rugby League Challenge Cup final, alongside boxing events such as Ricky Hatton Vs. Juan Lazcano in 2008.

The stadium’s large capacity and first-rate facilities have meant Wembley is used for many musical events too. Many high-profile artists have performed there, including The Killers, Take That, Beyonce, Metallica, Madonna, Oasis, and the late George Michael. Take That’s tour there broke records being the fastest selling tour in UK history to date.