Wembley Stadium’s Hidden Secret: An Incredible Feature That’s Been Unused Since 2007
Wembley Stadium is one of the most iconic venues in the world, hosting the likes of World Cup and Champions League finals, massive music concerts, and countless other major events. But did you know that beneath its legendary status lies a hidden secret that’s been unused since the stadium’s re-opening in 2007?
As you may know, Wembley Stadium underwent a major redevelopment from 2001 to 2006, with the old stadium being demolished to make way for the new one. During this process, the FA ensured that Wembley Stadium would not only be suitable for football but also athletics. That’s right – the world’s most iconic football stadium has a secret: a hidden athletics track!
When the stadium reopened in 2007, the platform on top of the playing field was not used. The plan was to have a temporary platform installed, reducing the stadium’s capacity from 90,000 to 60,000 during athletics events. However, the London 2012 Olympics had a different plan in store for the British capital. Instead of converting Wembley Stadium for athletics, a new venue was built in Stratford, and Wembley was left without a need for its secret athletics feature.
So, what exactly is this secret feature, and why is it hidden? The stadium’s design allows for the installation of a running track on top of the existing playing field. This was done by incorporating a flexible track and field bowl that can accommodate a running track when required. The stadium’s capacity would temporarily be reduced by around 30,000 to make way for the platform and track installation.
With the London Stadium in Stratford serving as the official athletics venue during the 2012 Olympics, the need for Wembley’s secret athletics feature vanished. While the stadium still has the infrastructure in place to host athletics events, the cost of converting it would be prohibitively high, and it would require weeks of planning and setup.
So, there you have it – Wembley Stadium’s hidden secret: an incredible feature that’s been unused since the stadium’s re-opening in 2007. This fascinating piece of history offers a glimpse into the venue’s versatility and adaptability, making it an iconic stadium like no other.
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