London Stadium, Multi-sport stadium in Stratford, England
London Stadium is a multi-purpose arena in Stratford, East London, that has served as home to West Ham United football club since 2016. The oval structure holds a retractable roof made of PVC fabric and encloses a running track that frames the playing field.
The structure opened in May 2012 as the main venue for the London Olympics, where athletes set several world records. After the Games, the building was reconfigured to accommodate football and other sports, and West Ham United moved in as tenants in 2016.
The song 'Forever Blowing Bubbles' plays before each West Ham United home match, and fans blow soap bubbles across the stands. This tradition connects supporters with the club's past and creates a shared gesture across generations.
The entrance sits within walking distance of Stratford Station, which provides connections to the Underground, Overground, and Elizabeth Line. Guided tours of the facility run several times daily, more frequently on weekends than weekdays, and allow access to behind-the-scenes areas.
The seating capacity was reduced from 80,000 to around 62,500 after the Olympics by removing sections of the upper tiers. The playing surface can slide away to make room for a concert stage or other events, which makes the venue easier to adapt for different purposes.
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