Tottenham Hotspur have unveiled their plans for a new stadium to replace their existing ground at White Hart Lane. With a capacity of 61,000 it would be the largest Premiership ground in London. A retractable pitch would allow it to switch from grass for football to artificial turf for NFL matches.
Tottenham Hotspur have unveiled their plans for a new stadium to replace their existing ground at White Hart Lane. With a capacity of 61,000 it would be the largest Premiership ground in London. A retractable pitch would allow it to switch from grass for football to artificial turf for NFL matches.
The NFL says that it wants to host more games at different venues in London. Totttenham would offer greater availability on dates because Wembley stages other events and needs about nine days to be converted for NFL. With the retractable pitch Spurs could play at home on Saturday and then stage a NFL game on Sunday.
The plans include one tier holding 17,000 fans and also provision for supporters to walk on the roof of the stadium. There would also be more housing and a hotel, but historic and listed properties would have to be demolished, so securing planning permission may not be straightforward.
The development will cost around £450m and at present the club does not have funding. They say that it will be funded by a combination of a bank loan, the sale of naming rights and property developments. Joe Lewis, who effectively owns the club, is not willing to fund the stadium.
Spurs are insisting that Wembley should accommodate both Chelsea and Spurs while their stadiums are being rebuilt. However, that could be difficult to fit in around other events. Not only have Chelsea offered a higher rent, the FA may not be happy about Spurs trying to beat Wembley to a NFL franchise. Wembley is said to make £1m profit from each game.