Stamford Bridge (Chelsea FC stadium)

Information

Name: Stamford Bridge
Club: Chelsea FC
Inauguration: 28 April 1877
Capacity: 42,500 seats
Address: Fulham Road, London, SW6 1HS

Stadium Pictures

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History

Stamford Bridge is a football stadium in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham that is home to Chelsea Football Club. The capacity is 42,449, making it the largest league ground in London until Arsenal's new Emirates Stadium opens in 2006.

The stadium was opened in 1877, and was used as an athletics track until 1904, when it was acquired by new owners who wanted to attract a professional football club. It was initially offered to Fulham, but they turned it down. Instead, Chelsea was formed as a new club and were given entry to The Football League for the 1905-06 season.

The capacity was originally planned to be 100,000, making it the second largest ground in England after The Crystal Palace, the FA Cup final venue. Stamford Bridge itself hosted the cup final for three years from 1920 to 1922, after which it was replaced by Wembley.

The stadium was also the 'home' stadium for the London XI team that played in the original Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, which is today called the UEFA Cup. The team reached the two-legged final, and played their home leg at Stamford Bridge.

Stands

Matthew Harding Stand

Capacity: 10,933

The Matthew Harding Stand, previously known as the North Stand, is along the north edge of the pitch. It is named for Chelsea director Matthew Harding, who transformed the club in the early 1990s before his death in a helicopter accident in October 22, 1996. The stand has two tiers.

East Stand

Capacity: 11,253

The East Stand is located along the east side of the pitch. Away supporters are seated in this stand. The stand has three tiers.

Umbro Stand

Capacity: 6,831

The Umbro Stand, previously known as the Shed End or the South Stand, is located along the south side of the pitch. The stand has two tiers.

West Stand

Capacity: 13,432

The West Stand, recently updated, is located along the west side of the pitch. It has three tiers, in addition to a row of executive boxes that streches the length of the stand.