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| Wembley 2: the New “Temple” of Football
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March 16, 2007
Wembley Stadium opens tomorrow with a demonstrative game organised to test the structure’s functioning. The first official game will be played next Saturday (March 24) between the Under-21 teams of England and Italy, while the real inauguration will be held in May, with the final of the English Cup. In a few days, the first concert will also be held: singer George Michael, ex “Wham!” performing on stage.
The first Wembley Stadium, built in 1924 and considered the “temple” of European football, was demolished in 2002 to make way for this new futuristic complex designed by Sir Norman Foster with HOK Sport. Characterised by the large arch that supports the roof, the structure cost 757 million pounds, and at maximum capacity (football and rugby games) will count on a covered seating capacity of 90,000.
It will also be one of the principal venues for the Olympic games of 2012.
In addition to inheriting the name and football tradition of the old installation, the new stadium with the steel arch that surmounts it (133 metres high and a development of 315 metres) also proposes itself as one of London’s new landmarks. |
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