It was six years in the making and millions of pounds over budget but the new Wembley still cuts in impressive figure on the London skyline.
Last month it hosted its third FA Cup final between Everton and Chelsea. To mark the occasion, and the fact I actually had a ticket, I thought I would give my opinion on the new Wembley Experience.
One thing that hasn’t changed is the drive down to London from the north. My journey began at 7am to factor in any delays on the motorways (it is England after all) and to add the excitement of the day as we got closer to the capital more and more cars were adorned with flags and scarves in the Blue of Everton. Us Toffees had waited a long tome for this so we were going to make the most of it!
On arrival n London the advantage of the new Wembley is the giant arch that pierces the bright blue sky, making it visible for miles around. I have to admit I was sad to see the twin towers go – I thought they could have factored them into the new ground in some way. But I have to admit the arch is quickly becoming as iconic and makes it instantly recognisable from any other ‘modern’ stadium in the world.
The presence of Wembley way – now Olympic way – is still another piece of FA Cup folklore that has remained. The magic walk up towards the ground is part of the tradition of Cup final day and the atmosphere was fantastic and, thankfully, good natured.
Only when you actually reach the ground you realise the size of it –it’s massive. Especially if like me you are used to the rickety wooden stands of Goodison Park. Once inside you are presented with wide open concourses obviously designed to cope with large crowds. I have to admit it was nice not have to queue for anything - they have done their homework in that respect.
But if you wanted anything more than a pint you will probably have to re-mortgage your house, Pie? Six quid, Slice of Pizza? Seven quid. I did get the impression that the FA are desperately trying to claw back as much money as possible after spiralling wildly over budget when building the thing.
A nice touch was the large murals above the food stalls, featuring past cup finals and other major events held at Wembley Stadium, it gave you a reminder that an older historical ground once sat on this site.
A walk out onto to your seat I have to admit will take your breath away. It is huge. Luckily my seat was in the lower tier, though anyone who was sat up in the upper level may have needed binoculars. However wherever you are sat in the stadium you will have a decent view, though I would find some of the seats near the front to be very low and wouldn’t offer a full view of the whole pitch.
Atmosphere wise the high roof does let sound escape into the London sky but given the determination of Blues to make a noise that didn’t appear to be a problem. It was the Chelsea fans who struggled to make a sound, though given their success in recent years an FA Cup final perhaps no longer carries the excitement it once did for them ten years ago. The organisers also did their best to make it an occasion, with the tradition of Abide with me to balls of flame shooting into the air as the players came onto the pitch(as if it wasn’t hot enough already?!).
With the sun beating down the heat did rise quickly inside the stadium; the lack of ventilation is a problem and explains why there have been so many pitch problems since it was re-built.
Another welcome return is the steps up to the Royal box, something we didn’t have at Cardiff. That said it is a strange layout whereby the players disappear out of view for a second when they reach the top of the steps before re-appearing to collect their medals – why didn’t they just design it like the old Wembley?
Unfortunately I didn’t have the chance to hang around and celebrate an Everton win, meaning once I had applauded both teams I had to make my way out. Despite the large number of people leaving the organisation on Wembley way was first class, holding people in sections until the tube station was cleared. Once again research in crowd control has been done and well executed. Result aside it was a great day. I know it has had it’s detractors but I think the new Wembley is a great stadium. People will say it doesn’t have the atmosphere of the old ground but no modern stadium has, it is they way they have to be nowadays. Given time the stadium will build up a history and tradition of its own.
My only gripe would be the price of food and drink, surely paying upwards of £50 is enough? But apart from that, the new home of football gets the thumbs up from me.
By Tom Mallows - Everton fan. Photos to come soon via Flickr…..
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