Wembley Stadium

Wembley Stadium is, after Camp Nou, the second biggest football ground in Europe and the principal match venue for the English national side. It also hosts the annual League Cup final, FA Cup final, and the Community Shield.

Wembley Stadium took the place of the former ground with the same name that had stood in its place since 1923 and had been host to many cup finals. The old Wembley Stadium was torn down in 2003, after that Building work on the new arena started. Following repeated delays, postponing the opening of the ground for almost two years, the ground ultimately was finished in 2007.

Wembley Stadium was formally inaugurated on the 19th of May 2007 with the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester United (1-0). Earlier other official fixtures had already been played, of which a match between the English and Italian U21 sides was the proper first.

The new arena was planned by architecture firms Foster and Partners and Populous and reportedly cost a total of £757 million. Most recognizable feature of the ground is its 133 metre tall arch, that, with its span of 315 metres, is the longest single span roof structure in the world.

Wembley Stadium in addition has a sliding roof that sits 52 metres above the pitch. Even though the roof does not completely close, it does cover every seat in the ground, which makes Wembley the largest all-seater covered arena worldwide.

The ground staged the 2011 UEFA Champions League final between Barcelona and Manchester United (3-1), and two years later the 2013 Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund (2-1).

Wembley Stadium lies in the northwest of London, about 6 miles from Paddington station, 7 miles from Marylebone station, and 8 miles from Kings Cross St Pancras and Euston station.

Underground rail is the most practical option. Wembley Park Underground station, a 5-minute walk from the ground, is served by the Jubilee and Metropolitan tube lines. Both lines connect the ground with London's downtown area, though the Metropolitan line does so with fewer stops.

The ground is also within a short walk (10 to 15 minutes) from Wembley Central metro station, which is served by the Bakerloo line and the London Overground metro.

Alternatively, it is possible to reach the ground by train from London Marylebone station. The journey to Wembley Stadium station takes about 8 minutes, but trains only run every 30 minutes.

Ultimately, local buses 18, 83, 92, and 224 connect the ground with local destinations as well as other parts of the city.

Driving is discouraged on match days, or only if parking is booked in advance.

On non-matchdays the ground is reachable by car via the A406, which connects with the M1 a little farther north. The exits toward the ground are signposted from the A406.

From downtown London the ground is accessible by driving up Harrow Road (A404) in north-western direction. Harrow Road branches off the A40 at the altitude of Paddington station. At Wembley Rail Station turn right onto Wembley Hill Road to reach the ground (follow the signs).

Address: Wembley, London HA9 0WS

Wembley Stadium sits in a calm residential neighbourhood with some offices mixed in. The few pubs and eating options, for example near Wembley Park Underground station, become packed on match days, and it may be a better idea to dine and drink in central London.

A handful of hotels sit close to the ground for those that like to avoid a crowded tube ride. Most of the hotels are of the well-known hotel chains such as a Premier Inn, Ibis, Holiday Inn, and Hilton. They cover several price points. To browse hotels near Wembley Stadium use the linked guides.

If you book a hotel in central London, consider choosing a hotel close to the Metropolitan or Jubilee line to ease the journey. For example, there are many affordable options near Paddington Station, which is near tube stop Baker Street. To browse hotels in central London check the linked listings.

If you are driving, you may prefer a hotel further up one of the two metro lines so that you avoid the crowd that comes from downtown London. It will be easier to park as well.

Admission for the English national side go through the FA. Tickets are sold online, or by phone +44 (0) 844 847 2010.

Admission for FA Cup and other finals can only be bought through the clubs involved.

If you need Wembley concert tickets, or Admission for events like the NFL International series or the odd boxing match, Ticketmaster tends to be the official primary seller.

Wembley Stadium offers guided venue tours behind the scenes that cover the changing rooms, press room, players' tunnel, and royal box. The tours run for around 75 minutes.

Tours run daily from 10:00 a.m. To 4:00 p.m., at minimum hourly, but frequently twice an hour. Tours do not run on days of significant events or several public holidays.

Same-day walk-in visits are permitted but subject to availability. Tickets can be booked online, or by calling +44 (0) 844 800 2755. The tour is priced at £15.00.

Further details are available by email at tours@wembleystadium.com.