History of Wembley Stadium

Wembley Stadium is really the"Venue of Legends". Wembley Stadium is one of the world's most renowned football stadia. Wembley Stadium is England's national stadium for football. Because of the geographical origins of the game of football Wembley Stadium was often referred to as "The Home of Football". The old Wembley Stadium hosted the European Cup (now the UEFA Champions League) final a record five times, and is one of seventeen stadia to have held a FIFA World Cup final.

Since 1929 The Rugby League Challenge Cup Final had been held at the old Wembley stadium which was also known as the Empire Stadium. The old Wembley Stadium's distinctive Twin Towers became its trademark. Also well known at the old Wembley Stadium were the thirty nine steps needed to be climbed to reach the Royal box and collect a trophy. Wembley was the first pitch to be referred to as "Hallowed Turf", with many stadia around the world borrowing this phrase. The stadium's first turf was cut by King George V and it was first opened to the public on 28 April 1923.

The old Wembley Stadium became a musical venue in August 1972 with an all-star rock 'n' roll concert called the London Rock and Roll Show. The old Wembley stadium played host to a number of concerts and events. Most notably the British leg of Live Aid, which featured such acts as David Bowie, Queen, Paul McCartney, The Who, Dire Straits and U2, was held at the stadium on 13 July 1985. The list of artists who have played at the old Wembley stadium is studded with superstars such as The Rolling Stones, U2, Bob Dylan, Oasis, Genesis, Prince, Bon Jovi, Madonna, Elton John, and many more.

In 2000 the old Wembley Stadium was closed and in 2003 the stadium was demolished. On the grounds of the old Wembley Stadium, the current Wembley stadium was erected to continue the legacy that the old Wembley Stadium began.

In 2007 The Rugby League Challenge Cup Final returned to its traditional home at the current Wembley Stadium on the grounds of the old Wembley Stadium.

On October 28, 2007, the New York Giants defeated the Miami Dolphins by a score of 13-10 in the first NFL regular-season game to be played outside of North America at Wembley Stadium. On October 15, 2007, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said that someday in the future, Wembley Stadium could host the Super Bowl. On October 26, 2008, the New Orleans Saints are scheduled to play host to the San Diego Chargers.

Wembley Stadium can be configured to hold major concerts and continues to host musical legends on its grounds. George Michael became the first artist to perform at the new Wembley Stadium on June 9, 2007 and June 10, 2007. Muse became the first band to perform at the new Wembley on June 16, 2007 and June 17, 2007. Both Muse shows were sold out to a Wembley record of 134,457 fans. The Concert for Diana, a memorial concert ten years after the death of the Princess of Wales, took place on July 1, 2007. Metallica performed at the stadium on 7 July 2007 as part of the Live Earth concerts, and again the following day on 8 July.

With 90,000 seats the stadium has the second largest capacity in Europe (after the Camp Nou), and the largest in the world with every seat under cover. Immediately following its opening, the Wembley Stadium was often referred to as the "new Wembley Stadium" to distinguish it from the original stadium. The stadium is also the most expensive stadium ever built.

From http://www.theonlineticketshop.com