| London Stadium – Quick Guide | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Tenant(s) | West Ham United (Premier League); major concerts & international events |
| Opened | 2012 (renovated for football use in 2016) |
| Capacity | Football: ~62,500 · Athletics: ~60,000 |
| Best Value Seats | Upper-tier sideline sections for full-pitch views at lower prices |
| Premium Seating | Executive Boxes, West Ham hospitality lounges, premium club seating |
| Food & Drink | Traditional pies, street food stalls, craft beer |
| Nearby Bars/Eats | Stratford pubs, Westfield Stratford City dining |
| Closest Hotels | Hyatt Regency Stratford, Staybridge Suites London Stratford, Holiday Inn |
| Transit Access | Stratford Station (Tube, Overground, DLR, Elizabeth Line, National Rail) |
| Unique Highlights | Built for the 2012 Olympics; convertible design; one of the largest stadiums in the Premier League |
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Best Seats at London Stadium
London Stadium sits in Stratford, East London—originally built for the 2012 Olympics and converted for football, which means you’re sitting further from the pitch than traditional English grounds like Upton Park. The atmosphere splits between die-hard West Ham fans who miss the intimacy of the old Boleyn Ground and newer supporters who appreciate the modern facilities and Olympic legacy venue. The reality: this is a multi-purpose stadium designed for athletics first and football second, so sightlines aren’t perfect, the distance from pitch to seats is noticeable, and some longtime supporters still resent the move from Upton Park.
Seating Guide
London Stadium holds 62,500 for West Ham matches across four main stands: the Betway Stand (West), Billy Bonds Stand (East), Bobby Moore Stand (North), and Sir Trevor Brooking Stand (South). Because it was built for the 2012 Olympics, the bowl wraps around an athletics track. This means even the front rows sit significantly further back from the pitch than at traditional English grounds.
The Sweet Spots: Best Overall Views
Betway Stand (West Stand) Lower Tier, Blocks 110-116 (Midfield): This is the consensus best overall viewing experience at London Stadium. You get central positioning along the touchline, placing you directly behind the dugouts and parallel to the play. The absolute sweet spot is Rows 20-30—these give you enough elevation to see over the pitch-side advertising boards while keeping you close enough to read tactical formations.
The Catch: London Stadium’s bowl was built for the 2012 Olympics, not football. Because it wraps around a former athletics track, even these “premium” lower-tier seats sit significantly further back from the pitch than at purpose-built grounds. You are getting the best sightlines available, but the distance is noticeable. Prices run £40-£100+ depending on the opponent.
The Atmosphere: Behind the Goals
Bobby Moore Lower (North) & Sir Trevor Brooking Lower (South): If you want the traditional, rowdy West Ham atmosphere, this is where you go. The Bobby Moore Lower is where the most vocal home supporters congregate, meaning you will be standing and singing for all 90 minutes. The Sir Trevor Brooking Lower (specifically Blocks 114 and 124) is equally intense because it sits directly adjacent to the away fans, creating loud, constant banter.
The Tradeoff: You are sitting behind the goal and across a running track. Your depth perception for action at the far end of the pitch will be poor, and you are watching most plays develop from 50–80 yards away. You sit here for the electric energy, not perfect tactical sightlines.
Best Value / Budget Option
Upper Tier Midfield (Billy Bonds Stand, Blocks 235-237): These are the value sweet spots at London Stadium, often priced around £60 for Premier League matches. The front rows (Rows 1-10) deliver surprisingly excellent sightlines for the price. As a bonus, many of these seats feature padded “premium” style cushions despite being sold as standard tickets. You are elevated enough to see the entire pitch clearly, and these blocks sit centrally on the East Side, offering quick exits to Stratford station post-match.
What to Avoid: You are high up, so proximity to the players is non-existent. Make sure you avoid the extreme upper corners (Blocks 242-246 and 226-230) where the viewing angle becomes warped and you end up watching the big screens more than the pitch.
Weather & Shade Reality
London Stadium is open-air, but it features a massive cantilevered roof (the largest of its kind in the world) that protects most seats from the rain. However, if the wind is swirling—which is common in East London from October through March—the front rows of the lower tier can still get wet. The upper tiers (200-level) offer much better, consistent roof coverage.
Sun Exposure: The stadium runs roughly north-south. For afternoon matches, the Betway Stand (West) gets shade first, while the Billy Bonds Stand (East) catches the afternoon sun right in the face. While London sun isn’t usually brutal, it’s highly recommended to bring a hat and sunglasses if you’re on the East side for an early-season or late-season fixture.
What to Avoid
Upper Tier Corners (Blocks 201-202, 211-216, 226-230, 242-246): You’re far from the pitch with extreme angles that make following play difficult, especially given the stadium’s athletics track creating extra distance. These are the cheapest seats for a reason—you’re watching on the big screen more than watching the actual pitch.
Back rows of any section: The stadium’s athletics track legacy means even “good” sections have you sitting further from the pitch than traditional football stadiums. Going to the very back rows of upper tiers puts you genuinely far from the action.
Lower tier behind the goals (Bobby Moore Lower, Sir Trevor Brooking Lower) if you want to sit: These sections are standing areas where supporters stand and sing the entire match. If you want to sit and watch football comfortably, avoid these—you’ll be asked to stand or won’t see anything.
Premium Seating
Because London Stadium was originally built to host global VIPs for the 2012 Olympics, its premium footprint is massive. West Ham operates all of its hospitality under the banner of Club London, located entirely within the Betway Stand (West Stand).
The premium experience here is distinctly modern—you get massive, climate-controlled lounges with floor-to-ceiling windows, which is a massive upgrade in comfort compared to the cramped hospitality spaces at older, traditional English grounds.
The Fine Dining Tier (Highest Level)
If you want the ultimate VIP treatment, look for packages in Arnold Hills, Royal East, or The Forge. These are the flagship, glass-fronted lounges located right on the halfway line.
Price Range: £250–£400+ per person for West Ham matches, depending on the opponent (Arsenal/Spurs/Chelsea will push this much higher).
What’s Included: A three-course à la carte or premium buffet meal, complimentary drinks (beer, wine, and soft drinks), halftime refreshments, and padded VIP seats in the middle tier directly behind the dugouts. You also get appearances by West Ham legends.
The Reality Check: You are paying 4x to 5x the cost of a standard ticket. The actual view of the pitch is fantastic, but you are paying for the unlimited food, booze, and escaping the English weather. Best for corporate entertaining or a major bucket-list trip.
The Sports Bar Tier (The “Sweet Spot”)
If you don’t want a stuffy, sit-down corporate meal but still want to escape the chaotic concourses, look for packages in The Boleyn, The Londoner, or BM6.
Price Range: £150–£250+ per match.
What’s Included: Guaranteed access to a private, uncrowded sports bar/lounge for 2.5 hours before kickoff. You get premium padded seats in the West Stand.
The Vibe: This is the best mid-tier value. You pay for your own drinks and street-food style meals at the private bar, which keeps the upfront ticket package much cheaper than the fine-dining tier. It feels like a high-end pub filled with actual supporters rather than a corporate networking event.
The “Secret Premium” Value Hack
Sections 235-237 in the Upper Tier (Billy Bonds Stand / East Side) are sold as Standard Admission tickets, but they have a massive secret: the seats are padded.
The Deal: Because of how the Olympic seating was configured, the first 5-10 rows of these specific upper-tier blocks feature padded cushions and extra legroom. You pay standard Premier League prices (roughly £60–£80) but get a comfort upgrade.
Note: You do not get access to the Club London lounges with these tickets. You use the standard concourse, but you get a phenomenally comfortable seat with a central, tactical view of the pitch.
Executive Boxes
London Stadium offers traditional private suites holding 10 to 15 guests. These wrap around the West Stand and include five-star catering options, a dedicated host, and a private balcony with padded seats. These are almost exclusively leased by corporations on a seasonal basis, though they can be rented on a match-by-match basis directly through the club’s hospitality team for major events.
London Stadium Seating Chart
London Stadium has a seating capacity of 60,000 for West Ham United matches. Understanding the London Stadium seating chart helps you strategically choose your seats for optimal sightlines—particularly important given the stadium’s conversion from Olympic athletics venue to football ground.
Plan ahead for matches against top-six Premier League opponents (Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester clubs) as these sell out quickly to season ticket holders. Here is a link to the London Stadium Seating Chart from the great View from my seat blog.
West Ham United Tickets
Securing tickets to West Ham matches at London Stadium depends heavily on the opponent. Here are the best ways to acquire tickets for West Ham United games:
Secondary Market Platforms: StubHub UK, Viagogo, and SeatPick offer tickets for sold-out matches, though prices run above face value for high-demand fixtures. These platforms provide buyer protection and verified tickets, making them safer than purchasing from individuals.
Official West Ham Website: The West Ham United official website is the primary source for purchasing tickets directly. They release tickets to club members first, then general sale for less popular fixtures. Priority booking windows benefit members, so consider joining the club database for better access.
Twickets: The UK’s most trusted face-value ticket resale platform where fans sell tickets they can’t use at original price. This is safer than general resale sites and ensures you’re not paying inflated prices. Particularly useful for sold-out matches against top opponents.
Official Hospitality Packages: If standard tickets sell out, hospitality packages through London Stadium often have better availability. These include premium seating with lounge access and are ideal for special occasions or corporate entertainment, with prices ranging from £150-400+ depending on opponent and package level.
London Stadium Bag Policy
London Stadium enforces a strict bag policy: only bags smaller than A4 size (around 30cm x 21cm) are allowed. All bags will be thoroughly searched, so it’s wise to refrain from bringing one if possible, as left-luggage facilities are not available. Backpacks, holdalls, and similarly large bags are typically prohibited, with only small essentials allowed; however, even these must be prepared for a comprehensive inspection, including potential X-ray screening, to ensure entry.
Other Key Policies
The stadium is cashless—card or mobile payment only throughout. Some external concession stands may accept cash, but assume you need cards for everything
No re-entry: This is Standard across UK football stadiums.
No alcohol in view of pitch: You can buy beer at concessions and drink in concourse areas, but cannot bring it to your seat. FA regulation across English football.
Here is a full list of London Stadium Policies
Getting to London Stadium
Stratford station is one of London’s best-connected transport hubs, making the stadium exceptionally accessible by public transit from anywhere in London or Southeast England. Driving and parking are genuinely terrible options due to limited parking and East London traffic—take public transport.
Tube (London Underground): Stratford station serves Jubilee Line and Central Line with step-free access via lifts to all platforms. From central London (Leicester Square, Oxford Circus, Bond Street), take Central Line directly to Stratford (about 20 to 25 minutes). From Westminster, Waterloo, or London Bridge, take Jubilee Line to Stratford (25 to 30 minutes). Stratford Station can be a nightmare so Pudding Mill Station can be an option as well.
The stadium sits 10-15 minute walk from Stratford station through Westfield Stratford City shopping centre and across Olympic Park—well signposted and easy to follow crowds. Stratford International station (closer to the stadium) serves Southeastern trains and DLR.
Cost: Standard Tube fare with Oyster Card or contactless payment (£2.50-3.50 depending on zones and time of travel).
The Hackney Wick Pre-Match Strategy: Instead of arriving at Stratford station with 50,000 other fans 90 minutes before kickoff and fighting through crowds at Westfield or standing in expensive stadium concession queues, walk 10-15 minutes to Hackney Wick. This neighborhood sits just northwest of Olympic Park with multiple pubs (Crate Brewery, White Post Lane, etc.) that fill with West Ham fans pre-match but remain far less crowded than Stratford-area options
DLR (Docklands Light Railway): DLR serves both Stratford and Stratford International stations connecting East London, Canary Wharf, and Greenwich. Particularly useful if you’re staying in Docklands or East London. Same Oyster/contactless pricing as Tube.
National Rail: Stratford is a major National Rail hub serving Greater Anglia, C2C, TfL Rail (Elizabeth Line), and London Overground. Trains from Liverpool Street (7 minutes), Cambridge, Chelmsford, and Essex all terminate or stop at Stratford. Elizabeth Line provides fast connections from Heathrow Airport, Paddington, and West London directly to Stratford.
Walking/Cycling: Olympic Park has excellent walking and cycling paths if you’re staying in East London. Santander Cycle hire stations scatter throughout the area—rent a bike, cycle to the stadium area, dock it, and walk the final stretch.
Driving & Parking: Don’t drive unless absolutely necessary. Limited parking exists at Westfield Stratford City (expensive, fills early for matches). Blue badge holders can access designated drop-off areas at Westfield entrances. Black cab rank operates at Stratford North Bus Station on Montfichet Road outside Northern Ticket Hall, with temporary post-match rank on Pool Street.
Uber/taxi drop-off works at Westfield or nearby streets, but post-match pickup is chaos with 60,000 people requesting rides simultaneously. Walk 15-20 minutes away from the stadium before requesting pickup to avoid surge pricing and delays.
London Stadium Insider Tips
London Stadium’s conversion from Olympic athletics venue to football ground creates unique quirks around sightlines, atmosphere, and access that distinguish it from purpose-built football stadiums.
Gate Entry & Stadium Access
Check your ticket for designated entry gate—the stadium uses lettered gates (A, B, C, D, etc.) around the perimeter, and using the correct one speeds entry significantly. Away supporters use Gate D on the south-west corner. The stadium has no re-entry policy standard across UK football—once you leave, you’re done for the day.
Security screening is thorough but moves reasonably fast if you follow bag policy. Arrive with extra time for major matches when queues extend significantly.
Food & Drink Strategy
The Rib Man (Hackney Wick): Skip the generic stadium pies and take the Overground to Hackney Wick station. Mark, the legendary “Rib Man” of West Ham, sets up his stall right outside the station on matchdays. His massive pulled-pork rib rolls smothered in his homemade “Holy F***” hot sauce are widely considered the best matchday food in London.
The Cow (Westfield): Located inside the Westfield Stratford City shopping centre, this modern, multi-level pub is incredibly convenient if you are taking the Tube into Stratford. It gets packed with Hammers fans before kickoff, making it a great, lively spot to grab a burger and a pint before making the 10-minute walk to the turnstiles. (Note: Once you enter the stadium, there is no re-entry, so finish your drinks here before heading to the gates!)
The Carpenters Arms (Stratford): Located on Carpenters Road, this is one of the true, authentic West Ham strongholds near the new stadium. It carries the history and passion of longtime supporters who made the transition from Upton Park. Arrive early, as it fills quickly with fans who want a proper, traditional English pub atmosphere rather than a shiny shopping centre bar.
Pubs around Stratford and particularly Hackney Wick (10-15 minute walk) offer pre-match atmosphere with West Ham fans—consider arriving 2-3 hours early to experience proper matchday culture at a local pub before heading to the stadium.
Arrival & Access Timing
Gates typically open 90 minutes before kickoff for Premier League matches. Stratford station gets absolutely mobbed 60-90 minutes before kickoff as 60,000 fans converge—arrive earlier if you want to avoid the worst crowds and explore the stadium area.
Giveaways for promotional matches run out quickly—if it’s a scarf day or special item, arrive when gates open to ensure availability.
Stadium Traditions & Culture
West Ham fans are known for singing “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles” before kickoff and during matches—bubbles literally float through the stadium during this tradition, creating a distinctive visual. The Bobby Moore Lower (north end) and Sir Trevor Brooking Lower (south end, nearest away fans) are the standing and singing sections where atmosphere is loudest. Blocks 216, 217, 221, and 222 are known for standing and singing throughout matches, though technically all-seater stadiums require sitting. The atmosphere varies significantly based on opponent, kickoff time, and how the team is performing—weeknight matches against mid-table sides can feel flat, whilst rivalry games generate proper noise.
Instagrammable Spots & Photo Ops
The exterior of London Stadium with the distinctive angled roof and Olympic architecture provides striking photos, especially from Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park approaches. The ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture (the twisting red tower visible from the stadium) sits adjacent in Olympic Park and offers observation deck views over the stadium and East London—£15.50 adults, worth considering for architectural photography.
Inside the stadium, upper-tier concourses provide views over Olympic Park and East London cityscape. The West Stand upper tier offers the best panoramic positioning for wide-angle stadium shots.
Post-match Hack: Walk to Hackney Wick while everyone else jams Stratford station, have a post-match pint while discussing the game, then take the Overground from Hackney Wick station back to central London after crowds disperse. Locals use this strategy constantly—tourists queue at Stratford for 45 minutes while you’re relaxing with a beer.
Hotels Near London Stadium
Stratford is where you want to base yourself—the area sits adjacent to London Stadium and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with exceptional transport links to central London via Tube, DLR, Overground, and National Rail. Staying in Stratford means you’re within 1km of the stadium on foot through Olympic Park or Westfield, close to dozens of restaurants and pubs, and you can reach Leicester Square or Covent Garden in under 30 minutes on the Central or Jubilee Line. The alternative is staying in Canary Wharf or Shoreditch (both 3-5km away with good DLR/Overground connections), but Stratford offers better value and proximity whilst keeping you connected to the rest of London for sightseeing.
The Gantry London, Curio Collection by Hilton: Located at 40 Celebration Avenue, just 600 metres from London Stadium and adjacent to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Stylish upscale option with rooftop terrace, on-site restaurant and bar, and direct access to Stratford transport hub.
Hyatt Regency London Stratford & Hyatt House London Stratford: Both properties sit inside Westfield Stratford City at Chestnut Plaza, near the stadium. The Regency offers full-service whilst Hyatt House provides apartment-style rooms with kitchenettes. You’re inside a massive shopping centre with restaurants and cinema, plus a short walk through Olympic Park to the ground.
The Stratford Hotel: At 20 International Way in Olympic Park, 1km or so from London Stadium with brasserie, bar, and modern atmosphere. Gets consistent recommendations for proximity to both the stadium and Westfield, plus the on-site dining means you can eat before walking to the match if you prefer convenience over local pubs.
Holiday Inn Express London – Stratford: Located at 196 High Street, about 1km from the stadium with free breakfast included. Reliable mid-range chain option for travellers wanting predictable quality without paying boutique hotel prices. Walking distance to Stratford International station, Westfield, and the ground.
Mama Shelter London Shoreditch: At 437 Hackney Road in Shoreditch, a bit further from London Stadium. Four-star boutique hotel in one of East London’s trendiest neighbourhoods. You’re farther from the stadium but embedded in Shoreditch’s bar and restaurant scene, with the Overground providing quick access to Hackney Wick and on to Stratford.
Bars/Restaurants Near The Stadium
Hackney Wick is the locals’ move—this neighbourhood sits about 1.5km northwest of London Stadium with 30+ pubs, breweries, and food spots that fill with West Ham fans pre-match but avoid the corporate atmosphere of Westfield. You’re getting proper football culture with actual pubs serving reasonably priced food and pints (versus inflated stadium pricing), and the walk through Olympic Park to the stadium afterwards is straightforward and well-travelled. Stratford itself offers convenience with Westfield shopping centre restaurants and Tap East brewery inside, but Hackney Wick delivers the authentic pre-match experience that separates tourists from supporters.
Crate Brewery (Hackney Wick): Pizza and craft beer in Queens Yard—one of the most popular pre-match spots for West Ham fans wanting quality food in a relaxed brewery atmosphere. The outdoor seating area fills early on match days, so arrive 2-3 hours before kickoff if you want a table. Walk here after the match as well to wait out the train queues.
Howling Hops Tank Bar (Hackney Wick): Ten big tanks pouring ten different beers directly from the source at this Hackney Wick brewery. The beer enthusiast’s destination with constantly rotating taps and knowledgeable staff. Food trucks often park outside on match days serving burgers and BBQ.
The Cow (Near Stratford): Just a short walk from London Stadium, this two-level pub serves burgers and steaks with fans turning up even during halftime for quick pints. Unpretentious atmosphere and close enough that some supporters pop in mid-match, making it convenient for pre-game drinks without trekking to Hackney Wick.
Tap East (Inside Westfield Stratford City): Modern pub with its own brewery inside Westfield shopping centre, about 1km from London Stadium. They brew their own ales plus serve beers from other breweries, with particular recommendations for their Brown Ale. This is the move if you’re staying at a Westfield hotel or want convenience—drink and eat inside the shopping centre, then walk straight to the ground.
The Queen’s Head: Walls covered in West Ham scarves, dark wood furniture, generous bar, and proper English pub atmosphere serving classic pub fare and ample beer. Located 2km from the stadium, this embodies quintessential matchday pub culture. Arrive early as it fills with supporters meeting before heading to the ground.
Fabwick (Hackney Wick): Burgers, BBQ, beer, and cocktails in Queens Yard. More of a restaurant-bar hybrid than traditional pub, offering quality food if you want something substantial before the match. The cocktails are a nice touch if you’re not doing the standard lager-before-football routine.
The Carpenter’s Arm & The Boleyn Tavern: Both mentioned frequently by locals as West Ham strongholds with proper atmosphere and fans who’ve supported the club since the Upton Park days. These pubs carry the history and passion of longtime supporters, making them authentic destinations if you want to experience West Ham culture beyond just watching a match.
Post-match strategy: Most pubs in Hackney Wick and Stratford stay open after matches for fans to decompress, discuss the game, and wait out the Stratford station crush. Heading back to a pub for 60 to 90 minutes post-match whilst crowds disperse is standard practice among locals—you’re having a pint and socialising instead of standing in packed Tube stations.
Why You Should Go
London Stadium offers Premier League football in the heart of Olympic Park with exceptional public transport access and the opportunity to experience West Ham’s passionate fanbase singing “Bubbles” before kickoff. The stadium itself is controversial among football purists due to athletics-track sightlines that keep fans farther from the pitch than traditional grounds, but for visitors combining London tourism with a match, the Stratford location makes it easily accessible and the atmosphere during big matches is genuinely electric. You’re watching top-tier English football in a venue with Olympic legacy and architectural interest—just manage expectations around sightlines and arrive early to experience proper pub culture in Hackney Wick before kickoff.
If you’re looking for other Premier League guides, here are some places to start:
Tottenham and Emirates Stadium
Stamford Bridge and our Wimbledon Guide
Written by Brad Richards, Founder of Gameday Guides. This guide includes insights from personal visits as well as updated info from team sources, fan forums, and stadium policies. We aim to help you plan with confidence — enjoy your gameday.