Spurs new stadium | Loses NFL for 2020 but gains appearance in Gangs of London £££

[GlastonSpur]

More from Paul Hayward (Chief Sports Writer for Daily Telegraph):

"... 28,987 Spurs fans who came up lucky in a ballot swooned over the luxury feel of a spaceship moored where the old White Hart Lane used to be ...

Premier League stadium building is now an arms race and Tottenham’s 62,062-seat mansion is an escalation. So rapid are the consumer-experience upgrades and technological leaps that good new stadiums can quickly be made to seem, well, not dated exactly but certainly overtaken. Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium remains magnificent, but Tottenham’s new ground is a further architectural jump, with a microbrewery, separate NFL entrance and retractable grass playing surface so that gridiron and football can co-exist without turf wars. In London, Chelsea, who appear hemmed in by Stamford Bridge, will be the most envious of the capital’s clubs …"

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/footbal...-ground-eclipses-north-london-rivalsemirates/

 

[Zlaatan]

Your comment was in response my saying that our new stadium is intended, not least with all the huge varieties of food and drink outlets, to be more of day out experience.

Yet, after just an U-18s match:

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You might want to revisit this in a few years though. I'm not saying that it won't be like this in the future but I don't think even the most cynical anti-Tottenham member on here thought that the place would be empty on opening day. You'll have a better understanding of how popular all the pre&post game activities are after the new stadium smell wears off.

 

[ClaytonBlackmoorLeftPeg]

Your comment was in response my saying that our new stadium is intended, not least with all the huge varieties of food and drink outlets, to be more of day out experience.

Yet, after just an U-18s match:

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— Twitter API (@user) date

How old is that quote? That’s pretty mental.

Let’s see how long the euphoria lasts. I remember the first time I went to Wembley, or OT, I was there hours. Now I aim to get to my seat 5 mins before the match starts - like everyone else who has been to a stadium multiple times.

I even went to Man City’s ground early to see the atmosphere, and they have/ has a band and food stalls, this was prior to a European game. I wouldn’t do it again.

 

[GlastonSpur]

How old is that quote? That’s pretty mental.

Let’s see how long the euphoria lasts. I remember the first time I went to Wembley, or OT, I was there hours. Now I aim to get to my seat 5 mins before the match starts - like everyone else who has been to a stadium multiple times.

I even went to Man City’s ground early to see the atmosphere, and they have/ has a band and food stalls, this was prior to a European game. I wouldn’t do it again.

It's not really about "euphoria". Instead it's about the fact the stadium complex contains so many facilities and features - some of which aren't even open yet - to attract fans into going early and staying afterwards.

This is coupled with open-access that allows Spurs fans to wander at will throughout all areas (except the away section of course). It would take 8 hours just to walk around it all, with places to eat, drink, dance, watch earlier or later football matches on HD TV (etc.) all over. It's pretty clear to me that a great many fans will spend a lot more time in the stadium, which in turn will translate to additional club income.

The experiences you cite are those of fan not at their home ground and not at stadiums which have even remotely the same number, variety and quality of facilities as those available at Spurs new stadium.

The approach that Spurs have taken in this vein will be a game changer … and soon every club will be wishing they could follow suit IMO.

 

[Eboue]

with places to eat, drink, dance,

 

[SirAF]

Lingard likes this.

 

[Eboue]

unais at the wheel

 

[ClaytonBlackmoorLeftPeg]

It's not really about "euphoria". Instead it's about the fact the stadium complex contains so many facilities and features - some of which aren't even open yet - to attract fans into going early and staying afterwards.

This is coupled with open-access that allows Spurs fans to wander at will throughout all areas (except the away section of course). It would take 8 hours just to walk around it all, with places to eat, drink, dance, watch earlier or later football matches on HD TV (etc.) all over. It's pretty clear to me that a great many fans will spend a lot more time in the stadium, which in turn will translate to additional club income.

The experiences you cite are those of fan not at their home ground and not at stadiums which have even remotely the same number, variety and quality of facilities as those available at Spurs new stadium.

The approach that Spurs have taken in this vein will be a game changer … and soon every club will be wishing they could follow suit IMO.

I’m sure I’ve asked you this before, but I assume you don’t even live in London do you?

The most important thing in London is transport, and minimising the time it takes to get to the match and home again. That’s why half the fans will be leaving before the final whistle.

Let’s see what happens.

 

[Castia]

The stadium is brilliant there’s no doubting that, The fans must be buzzing.

I’m not convinced of this ‘all in one’ experience they’re trying to sell though especially after a bad result or sticky patch of form. Ive always found at large events (not only football) people generally want to get in and out ASAP not hang around in a area crammed with 70k people.

Maybe I’m completely wrong and spurs start a new trend though, I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

 

[GlastonSpur]

I’m sure I’ve asked you this before, but I assume you don’t even live in London do you?

The most important thing in London is transport, and minimising the time it takes to get to the match and home again. That’s why half the fans will be leaving before the final whistle.

Let’s see what happens.

Yes, let's see what happens.

But on the transport aspect, see http://new-stadium.tottenhamhotspur.com/transport/ … which outlines a great many current, in-progress or planned changes.

In 2003, over 60% of fans came by car to WHL. By 2014, that figure had reduced down to 42% for weekend fixtures and the club plans to bring that number down to a maximum of 23% in the future.

 

[Kag]

One can only imagine people lathering themselves in cheese while doing the jive. Jesus.

Like every proper football supporter in the land, they’ll turn up five minutes before kick off and leave as quickly as possible. They’ll get pissed at the pub before they go. They won’t dance because they’re at a football match.

 

[Classical Mechanic]

If anything this stadium is the final nail in the coffin of football’s soul. The cosmopolitan hipster wankers have completely taken over.

 

[GlastonSpur]

The stadium is brilliant there’s no doubting that, The fans must be buzzing.

I’m not convinced of this ‘all in one’ experience they’re trying to sell though especially after a bad result or sticky patch of form. Ive always found at large events (not only football) people generally want to get in and out ASAP not hang around in a area crammed with 70k people.

Maybe I’m completely wrong and spurs start a new trend though, I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

People won't be "crammed" in - there's loads of space all over. And not just inside the stadium: as part of the stadium complex there is a space just outside the south stand that's larger than Trafalgar square and will offer a range of activity zones and spaces for fan-themed events.

 

[andyox]

Looks like a great stadium, no doubt. I live in the US at the moment for work and the spacious concourse levels and bar areas in particular look a lot like the big stadiums over here.

In the US I've been to plenty of NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS games (and college games) in various cities and stadiums and those concourses are busy immediately before game (not for hours beforehand) and also during games too (due to all the stoppages in US sports). But I've never seen anyone hang around after games, it's a mass exodus to the turnstiles just like at UK football games. Time will tell I guess but I don't think it's the culture in the UK really, we like to get in and out as soon as we can, so I don't really see it being a massive game-changer in terms of increased revenue.

 

[GlastonSpur]

If anything this stadium is the final nail in the coffin of football’s soul. The cosmopolitan hipster wankers have completely taken over.

Yeah … better seats, better acoustics, huge video screens, better sight lines, better sound system, live bands, DJs, craft beer, good food, variety of choices to suit all palates, universal wifi, safe standing in the both the single tier stand and in the away section … it's all a terrible burden for the average fan to have to suffer.

But then I guess the cracking atmosphere pitch-side will offer some small compensation.

 

[SquishyMcSquish]

If anything this stadium is the final nail in the coffin of football’s soul. The cosmopolitan hipster wankers have completely taken over.

In fairness I genuinely have sympathy for this view. The stadium looks great, the facilities are obviously amazing but .. oh man, it's basically a big ol' shrine to capitalism and the prawn sandwich brigade.

I'm sure it's all going to be amazing, but with all those extra facilities there is a danger that the fact it's meant to be a football stadium kinda gets lost behind. It's why I said earlier that I do have an appreciation for the older stadiums like Anfield or OT, sure they're a bit run down but they have soul, history and football is the priority when you're there.

Modern stadiums do have a feeling of being a bit too sanitised and I don't know .. American? Like the food, the shopping, the 'hype' is all more important than what is happening on the pitch. I'm not necessarily saying that will be the case here and I'm sure the atmosphere will be great, but I do worry about it a little. And I do worry about the future of being a football fan in general.

 

[haram]

Are there halal food options inside the stadium?

 

[SquishyMcSquish]

Yeah … better seats, better acoustics, huge video screens, better sight lines, better sound system, live bands, DJs, craft beer, good food, variety of choices to suit all palates, universal wifi, safe standing in the both the single tier stand and in the away section … it's all a terrible burden for the average fan to have to suffer.

But then I guess the cracking atmosphere pitch-side will offer some small compensation.

He's talking about football's soul and you're hitting him back with brags about live bands and arsey beer, come on Glaston .

Also I dread to think what all that variety of food is going to cost. I'm going to go ahead and say with the prices of football tickets in 2019 (especially at a London stadium) not many 'average' fans will be able to afford a ticket and then a meal at the stadium and some craft beer.

 

[balaks]

Hoping to get over to see the Everton match all being well - will be my first time over in 2 seasons and incredibly excited to see the new stadium.

 

[balaks]

If anything this stadium is the final nail in the coffin of football’s soul. The cosmopolitan hipster wankers have completely taken over.

Tis the way of the world - they just don't make stadiums like the old WHL anymore. Personally I think it looks fantastic.

 

[SalfordRed18]

Looks a great stadium. Be interesting how popular all other stuff they have at the stadium is in a years time.

 

[adexkola]

Levy's World

 

[wolvored]

Are there halal food options inside the stadium?

No its all Kosha

 

[GlastonSpur]

He's talking about football's soul and you're hitting him back with brags about live bands and arsey beer, come on Glaston .

Also I dread to think what all that variety of food is going to cost. I'm going to go ahead and say with the prices of football tickets in 2019 (especially at a London stadium) not many 'average' fans will be able to afford a ticket and then a meal at the stadium and some craft beer.

Football's soul resides a lot in the atmosphere at matches. I've no doubt at all, that with 62k+ fans packed in, including the 17k single tier stand, and with the specially engineered acoustics, the atmosphere will be second to none.

"But the best news is that this feels like a real football ground, a cauldron: imposing and extravagant, yes, but still true to Tottenham Hotspur’s spirit and raison d'être." The Daily Telegraph.

As for food and drink prices, these don't seem too bad to me: https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/news/new-tottenham-stadium-how-much-16008978

For example: Pint of Heineken £4.50. Is it cheaper anywhere else in London?

 

[SalfordRed18]

Football's soul resides a lot in the atmosphere at matches. I've no doubt at all, that with 62k+ fans packed in, including the 17k single tier stand, and with the specially engineered acoustics, the atmosphere will be second to none.

"But the best news is that this feels like a real football ground, a cauldron: imposing and extravagant, yes, but still true to Tottenham Hotspur’s spirit and raison d'être." The Daily Telegraph.

As for food and drink prices, these don't seem too bad to me: https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/news/new-tottenham-stadium-how-much-16008978

For example: Pint of Heineken £4.50. Is it cheaper anywhere else in London?

Just glanced over that menu and I don't get it, is this eat on the go food or proper restaurant seating? Those prices are what you'd expect to pay at low end restaurants/pubs. Seems a bit excessive. Though the prices of pints at that one bar are completely fine, that Beaverton bar is certainly priced highly. And sausage rolls were something like £3.50? Crisps I think £1.50, and bags of chocolate £3.50, theyre certainly not cheap.

 

[Eboue]

what is a bag of chocolate

 

[GlastonSpur]

Just glanced over that menu and I don't get it, is this eat on the go food or proper restaurant seating? Those prices are what you'd expect to pay at low end restaurants/pubs. Seems a bit excessive. Though the prices of pints at that one bar are completely fine, that Beaverton bar is certainly priced highly. And sausage rolls were something like £3.50? Crisps I think £1.50, and bags of chocolate £3.50, theyre certainly not cheap.

It's mostly eat on the go prices as far as I can see. It's not a comprehensive list as there are other places inside the stadium with restaurant seating too. All together there are 60 food and drink outlets.

 

[SalfordRed18]

what is a bag of chocolate

I'm assuming it's the bags you can buy at Sainsbury's or Tesco's for a quid.

It's mostly eat on the go prices as far as I can see. It's not a comprehensive list as there are other places inside the stadium with restaurant seating too. All together there are 60 food and drink outlets.

As said be interesting to see how popular they all are in a years time. I think more interactive fanzone experiences would be more worth while but they could be there already? I don't know. Seems excessive as all.

 

[Eboue]

what is a quid

 

[SalfordRed18]

what is a quid

£1.

 

[Lennon7]

But whereas Old Trafford, which reached its present capacity in 2007, is looking a bit frayed around the edges, the wonderful Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as it will be called until the club concludes a naming rights deal, is state of the art.

The beeb are frayed around the edges, more like. Got ‘em

Seriously though the whole article reeks of an arse licking job, so much so it’s hard to believe they haven’t been paid to promote the new stadium. Or have they?

(https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47687411)

 

[awop]

We will read back this thread in a few years and have a right good laugh. Cheese room, dancing, chocolate bags... Lord have mercy.

 

[Billy Blaggs]

That looks amazing tbf.

 

[sglowrider]

Just glanced over that menu and I don't get it, is this eat on the go food or proper restaurant seating? Those prices are what you'd expect to pay at low end restaurants/pubs. Seems a bit excessive. Though the prices of pints at that one bar are completely fine, that Beaverton bar is certainly priced highly. And sausage rolls were something like £3.50? Crisps I think £1.50, and bags of chocolate £3.50, theyre certainly not cheap.

These prices make me feel old. I remember paying 8p for a bag of crisps.

 

[Dec9003]

I couldn't imagine myself wanting to hang around after a football match to have cheese or a jig, but maybe that's just me.
It's a nice looking stadium, but I don't see why the facilities would be so exciting if you've ever been to a shopping centre before.

 

[ErranMorad]

It's weird reading the village idiot jizz all over because of a fecking stadium. It's looks like a nice modern stadium, but still....it's a fecking stadium.

And who fecking stays post game at a stadium to party? You look for the first exit.

 

[SalfordRed18]

It's weird reading the village idiot jizz all over because of a fecking stadium. It's looks like a nice modern stadium, but still....it's a fecking stadium.

And who fecking stays post game at a stadium to party? You look for the first exit.

I mean, it is a beautiful stadium.
Can imagine people would hang around after a big European win (you know, if they havent got work in the morning). Cant see them sticking around after 0-0 draw to stoke on sunday lunchtime kick off mind.

Nah feck it, dafuq is the point of all that? No ones gonna want that!

 

[ErranMorad]

I mean, it is a beautiful stadium.
Can imagine people would hang around after a big European win (you know, if they havent got work in the morning). Cant see them sticking around after 0-0 draw to stoke on sunday lunchtime kick off mind.

Nah feck it, dafuq is the point of all that? No ones gonna want that!

Yeah. Never been to a shit game or a concert and came out thinking, at least the $20 beer & the $15 sandwich were worth it in this beautiful arena. Think I am going to stick around a bit longer and dance.

 

[Scroto Baggins]

Does it have a shooting range and ten pin alley Glaston? I know when I go to watch a match I like to have my $10 craft beer, do some ten pin bowling, then practice my pistol accuracy. Followed up by some cheese hand crafted in the Sicilian countryside and michelin chef meals crafted from the crocus plants growing on the slopes of mt Ararat. After which I can go dancing and shop for a new rolex.

It's a football stadium, why does it need all these facilities? Surely they have to be relevant to the event at hand. It's like organising a SCUBA diving tour and they include flame thrower operation and use classes, Malaysian basket weaving presentation and an MLG Starcraft tournament.

People want to attend the event, then as soon as the game is over be on their way home. Food is good to have but who wants to pay $50 for a Michelin star meal? Punters will be happy with a $5 pie and a local beer. I will grant some things I do agree with, connectivity is convenient, the engineering of the acoustics adds directly to the atmosphere. Toilets are also handy to have and ease of egress and ingress into the stadium, sufficient parking and thoroughfares etc. But dancing, cheese rooms?

 

[simonhch]

It’s a modern sporting venue, with all the ancillary amenities and attractions you get as standard in American sporting venues. Places where 80% of the crowd go for the socializing, and 20% are purely there for the game. It’s all very well put together, commercial, smoothly run, and....superficial. It all makes sense given it’ll be an NFL venue.

But it’s not a football stadium in the way we’ve traditionally thought of football stadiums. It’s a multi purpose sporting and event venue, that hosts a football team. Is it a better stadium than Old Trafford? Definitely, in so many ways. It’s brand new. OT is about a hundred years old. Do I wish United had a stadium venue just like it (obviously bigger though)? Definitely not. It’s a charmless place that speaks to every overly saturated commercial trend of modern life, without having any revolutionary architectural innovations. Obviously a club gains a lot when they do this, but you also loose something too. Something important.

If United end up building a new stadium, I hope it is purpose and purely built as a football stadium. Not as a bowling alley, entertainment plaza, and NFL venue. Very few stadium rebuilds get this right. I think Bayern did it with the Allianz arena. I’m struggling to think of others. Obviously Spurs are attempting to make themselves as commercially relevant as possible, and get a seat at the high table. And adding all the tacky glam, and diluting partnerships is part of that strategy. But the stakes are different for United. United’s reputation and legend is leagues above, and the club shouldn’t do anything to dilute that core message.