Legendary Wembley Stadium: Highlights, lounges, and insider tips

When it comes to legendary sports and music events, there’s one venue that stands out: Wembley Stadium in London. Whether you’re heading to a football match, concert, or major event, here’s everything you need to ensure your visit to Wembley is smooth and unforgettable!

Jump to:

• History of the Stadium
• Facts and figures
• How to get to Wembley Stadium
• Events at Wembley Stadium
• The best lounges

History of the Stadium

Wembley isn’t just any venue – it’s a British icon. The original “Empire Stadium,” opened in 1923 and hosted historic moments, like the “Wembley Goal” in the 1966 FIFA World Cup.

In 1985, Wembley was home to Live Aid, one of the greatest benefit concerts in history, organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure. The show brought together the world’s biggest Rock and Pop stars, including Queen, U2, and David Bowie. Queen’s performance at Live Aid is still regarded as one of the best live performances of all time, making the event unforgettable.

Rebuilt and reopened in 2007, the new Wembley is marked by its iconic 133-meter-tall arch that rises over London’s skyline.

The biggest moments

• 1923 – FA Cup Final: The first match at Wembley Stadium between Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United, famous for the crowds flooding the pitch.
• 2021 – UEFA EURO = Final: England vs Italy in a thrilling penalty shootout.
• 1948 – Olympic Games: After World War II, Wembley hosted the Olympic Games and was one of the few venues for the Olympic football finals.
• 1966 – World Cup Final: England’s win against Germany featuring the “Wembley Goal.”
• 1985 – Live Aid: The iconic benefit concert that made music history.
• 2007 – NFL International Series: Since 2007, Wembley has been a major venue for American football games outside the USA.
• 2008 – Queen + Paul Rodgers Concert: A memorable moment when Queen returned to Wembley’s stage for the first time since Live Aid, this time with Paul Rodgers.
• 2011 – Take That Reunion Tour: Four sold-out nights with over 266,000 fans made this the biggest concert ever held at the new Wembley Stadium.
• 2011 – Champions League Final: Barcelona defeated Manchester United 3-1 in one of the best-played finals of the competition.
• 2017 – Boxing: Anthony Joshua vs. Wladimir Klitschko: An epic heavyweight world title fight, where Anthony Joshua triumphed in front of 90,000 fans.
• These moments have made Wembley a unique place where history is continuously written. Will Oasis’ reunion tour dethrone the Take That Reunion Tour next year?

Facts and figures

• Opened: 2007 (after reconstruction)
• Capacity: 90,000 seats, all with anunobstructed view
• Arch: With 133 meters tall, 315 meters long, and capable of displaying millions of colors makes it the world’s longest unsupported roof structure
• Biggest concert: Take That, 2011, with 266,000 fans across four nights
• Cost of reconstruction: Approximately 1.2 billion euros
• The pitch: A person mowing the pitch covers about 19 kilometers
• Lighting: The stadium’s advanced lighting system is capable of synchronizing light and sound for events
• Food & Drink: 34 bars, 8 restaurants, 688 service points

Events at Wembley Stadium

Wembley Stadium is home to more than football – it’s a global hotspot for concerts and shows. From FA Cup Finals to NFL games, Beyoncé to Ed Sheeran, and the Foo Fighters, Wembley’s stage is diverse as it gets.

Fun Fact: Wembley is the largest stadium in the UK, with room for 90,000 fans!