Stamford Bridge

Stamford Bridge is one of the most famous stadiums in Great Britain. In this article, we will tell you about its history, capacity, and the most important events that have taken place there.

History

Stamford Bridge was opened on 28 April 1877. Initially, the sports arena was intended for athletics competitions. The site was built on the site of former meadows and a stream. In its early years, the stadium was mainly used for athletics and was a trapezoidal structure with running tracks around the field.

In 1904, brothers Henry Augustus ‘Gus’ Mears and Joseph Theophilus Mears purchased the site with the intention of using it for football. They offered the arena to Fulham FC, but after the club declined, they created their own team, Chelsea Football Club, which began playing its home matches at Stamford Bridge in 1905.

The arena was one of the largest in Great Britain, officially seating around 100,000 people, second only to The Crystal Palace. It hosted important matches, including FA Cup finals in the early 20th century.

Throughout the 20th century, the stadium was rebuilt several times, and the east and famous south stands were constructed, the latter named for its resemblance to a barn. After the Hillsborough tragedy and the introduction of mandatory seating rules, the arena was renovated in the 1990s, after which a modern west stand was built, bringing the total number of stands to four.

Currently, Chelsea Stadium, as it is often called, is home to Chelsea FC and is one of the oldest football stadiums in Great Britain. However, the club periodically considers options for expansion or relocation due to limited space within London.

Where is Stamford Bridge located?

Stamford Bridge stadium is located in the west of the capital of Great Britain, in the Fulham district, at Fulham Road, London SW6 1HS, England.

Chelsea soccer stadium is conveniently located near several underground stations: Fulham Broadway (District Line) is about a 5-minute walk away. There are several bus routes nearby connecting it to other areas of London. There are access roads from nearby streets for private cars and taxis, but traffic can be severely congested on match days.

Stamford Bridge Seating Plan

Stamford Bridge has four main stands, each with its own name and characteristics:

1. West Stand – the most modern stand in the stadium, built in the 1990s. It includes VIP boxes, a press centre, conference rooms, a club shop and the Chelsea FC museum. Most of the seats are seated. Its capacity is approximately 13,000 fans.
2. East Stand – designed in the first half of the 20th century, located opposite the West Stand, it has been renovated several times. Its capacity is approximately 11,000 fans. The main fan sectors for guests are located here.
3. The Shed End is famous for its unusual roof, which resembles a shed. Traditionally, the most active and loyal Chelsea fans gather here. This stand has a very lively atmosphere during matches. It has a capacity of 7,000 fans.
4. Matthew Harding Stand – named after legendary Chelsea fan and investor Matthew Harding. This sector is popular with families and young people and includes VIP seats and comfortable seating. It has a capacity of around 9,000 spectators.

The stadium plan also shows a standard football pitch measuring 105×68 m, covered with natural grass.

Stamford Bridge capacity

Stamford Bridge has a capacity of 40,312 spectators. The West Stand can accommodate 13,000 spectators, the East Stand 11,000, the Matthew Harding Stand 9,000, and the Shed End 7,000.

After the renovation carried out in the 1990s, all seats in the arena became fully seated. It meets the safety requirements introduced after the Hillsborough tragedy. The VIP and press areas are located in the West Stand.

Stamford Bridge is not as large as a number of other stadiums in Great Britain, such as Old Trafford or Wembley, but it is very cosy and atmospheric, largely thanks to its active fans.

How to get to Stamford Bridge

Stamford Bridge can be reached by various modes of transport: by underground, bus, car and even on foot from neighbouring areas of London.

Underground

The nearest station to the stadium is Fulham Broadway underground station (District Line), a 5-minute walk away. Alternative stations: Parsons Green and West Brompton are a little further away, about a 15-20 minute walk.

Bus

The stadium is easily accessible by bus routes 14, 190, 211, 414, and 430, which run along Fulham Road. The nearest stop is called ‘Fulham Broadway’.

Car

Access to the stadium is provided from Fulham Road and side streets. On match days, parking spaces may be limited, so please take this into account when planning your visit. Look for private parking in advance.

You can get to the sports arena not only by car, but also by taxi. Or you can walk from the neighbouring areas: Fulham, Chelsea, Earl's Court.

Events at Stamford Bridge

Stamford Bridge regularly hosts major sporting events. Since 1905, it has been the home ground of Chelsea FC for Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League matches.

The stadium hosted the FA Cup finals in 1970, 1982 and 1997 (it temporarily hosted the finals until Wembley was rebuilt). In addition, Stamford Bridge has hosted European club finals:

1. UEFA Cup Winners' Cup Final — in 1971 and 1998 (Chelsea vs. Benfica).
2. UEFA Europa League — Chelsea has participated in several final matches hosted at the stadium.
3. National team matches and friendly games

The stadium has sometimes been used by the England national team for friendly games and preparatory matches ahead of major tournaments.

The arena also hosts concerts and cultural events. In the 1980s and 1990s, it welcomed such famous performers as The Rolling Stones, U2 and Elton John. The stadium serves as a venue for various shows and charity events.

Information for visitors

Before planning a visit to Stamford Bridge, it is advisable to find out where the nearest hotels, restaurants and car parks are located.

Hotels near Stamford Bridge

Among the best hotels in the vicinity of Stamford Bridge are:

1. The Harwood Arms — a small, cosy hotel and pub near Fulham Road.
2. Holiday Inn Express London - Earl's Court — located 10-15 minutes' walk from the stadium, convenient for fans.
3. Ibis London Earls Court — a budget option, next to the underground.
4. Millennium & Copthorne Hotels at Chelsea Football Club — a hotel offering modern rooms and amenities.

Restaurants near Stamford Bridge

There are several good restaurants near Stamford Bridge:

1. The Butcher’s Hook — a pub serving traditional British cuisine.
2. Bluebird Chelsea is a restaurant offering European cuisine and is a popular spot among tourists.
3. Cafe Kick is a small café where fans often gather before matches.
4. The Botanist is a modern restaurant with a cosy atmosphere, located a 5-10 minute walk from the stadium.

Parking

There is a car park with limited spaces near Fulham Road. It is recommended to use nearby private car parks or public transport. The closest car parks to Stamford Bridge are:

1. Fulham Broadway — a car park next to Fulham Broadway, within walking distance of the stadium.
2. Car Park Fulham Broadway - London (APCOA) is another car park on Fulham Road where advance booking is available.
3. Chelsea London Car Park is a covered car park on Edith Grove. It is a little further than Fulham Broadway, but also within walking distance.
4. Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Public Parking is a large car park at the hospital, from which you can walk to the stadium. This is a good option when the streets are closed during matches.
5. Imperial Wharf Car Park is a car park on Imperial Wharf, a little further west. It is about a 15-20 minute walk from the stadium.
6. YourParkingSpace is a car park within walking distance that can be booked in advance.

There are bicycle parking facilities next to the sports arena.

Contact details and postcode

Address: Fulham Road, London SW6 1HS, England

Telephone: +44 20 7344 4300

Website

Frequently asked questions