Tottenham Hotspur will play their Champions League games at Wembley next season.
This morning on Tottenham’s official website, a deal was confirmed which will see Spurs use the national stadium for big European matches while White Hart Lane’s capacity is reduced by 4,000 to facilitate reconstruction work.
Spurs also have the option to use Wembley for all home fixtures in the 2017-18 season, before moving into their own ground once it has been rebuilt.
This looks like a great deal for Spurs, because:
- It gives more fans the chance to watch the team – Spurs currently have 50,000 people on their season-ticket waiting list.
- Spurs can stay in London, instead of temporarily relocating to Milton Keynes, ala Wimbledon (RIP).
- Playing at a bigger stadium will increase revenue through ticket sales and matchday income.
However, it’s not all good news:
- They will effectively play all of their Champions League games away from home.
- Official away teams will raise their game and visiting clubs will bring more fans, because playing at Wembley is a rare opportunity.
- Arsenal’s CL record when they played ‘home’ games at Wembley was awful – W2 D1 L3, including defeats to Lens and Fiorentina.
- Spurs will never have another big European night at their famous old ground (unless they get knocked into the Europa League).
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