White Hart Lane
White Hart Lane is the home ground of Tottenham Hotspur FC. It has a current capacity of 36,240 seats.
The stadium opened on the 4th of September 1899 with a match against Notts County which Tottenham won 4-1. The initially small ground was quickly expanded, and after major developments early in the early 20th century it could hold 50,000 spectators.
Further improvements to the ground increased the capacity to almost 80,000 and on the 5th of March 1938 a record attendance of 75,038 visited a match between Tottenham and Sunderland. The introduction of seats reduced the capacity in the 60s and 70s, and the stadium obtained its current shape in the 80s and early 90s with the refurbishments of all stands, coming to a completion in 1998 with a new upper tier for the Paxton Road Members Stand.
White Hart Lane has hosted several England international matches, however was never venue at the World Cup and European Championship tournaments that England organised, mainly due to the competition of other London stadiums, most notably Wembley.
In recent years the club has feverishly tried to either rebuild the stadium or move to a different site as capacity and facilities have not been able to cope with the club’s growth. Among several plans was a move to the 2012 Olympic Stadium, however West Ham United won a first tender to rent the stadium (a re-tender is currently considered after irregularities in the first one). The club therefore currently continues with plans to build a new 56,250 stadium adjacent to the current one.
Getting there
White Hart Lane is located in the north of London, approximately 7 miles from the centre of the city. The Tottenham area is one of the most ethnically diverse in Britain, however is also marked by a higher-than-average crime rate.
The stadium lies on Tottenham High Road. It is easily reached from the A406, which connects with the M11 in the east and the A10 slightly west (which in turn connects with the M25 in the north). Exit the A406 toward Tottenham/Edmonton/A1010, and take the A1010 south. After a mile the stadium will show up on your right.
From the city follow the A10 north. Turn onto Tottenham High Road at Bruce Grove.
The best choice by public transport is going to White Hart Lane rail station, which is an app. 20 minutes train ride from Liverpool Street Station, or a short ride from Seven Sisters tube station on the Victoria Line. The stadium is also at walking distance from Northumberland mainline train station.
Address: 748 High Road, Tottenham, London, N17 0AP
Tickets
Tickets for Tottenham Hotspur matches can be bought online, by telephone 0844 844 0102 (from the UK) or +44 207 998 1068 (from outside the UK), or in person at the club’s ticket office. Tickets are available for purchase first by One Hotspur card members, and next for general sale. Check the official website for dates.
If tickets remain available they can be bought at the ticket office before the match. Most Spurs games sell out though. Note that several seats on the East Stand may have their view restricted by pillars.
Ticket prices depend on the level of the opponent. They range from £47.00 to £80.00 for category A matches, and £31.00 to £47.00 for category C matches.
Stadium tours
Tottenham Hotspur offers behind-the-scenes stadium tours, that include the players’ tunnel, dressing rooms, dugouts, and the directors’ box. Tickets cost £16.00, and can be bought online or by calling the ticket office.
Tours start at 11:30 am and 2:00 pm during the week and run various times during the weekend, starting at 10:00 am on Saturdays, and 11:00 am on Sundays. No tours run on matchdays, and it is advised to book in advance. No extra places are offered if the tour is sold out. Check online for the exact hours and availability.
Relevant Internet links:
Tottenhamhotspur.com – Official website of Tottenham Hotspur FC.
Visitlondon.com – Official London city guide.
Tfl.gov.uk – Website of the London Underground and other London public transport.
Journeyplanner.org – Plan your journey around London (public transport).
Nationalrail.co.uk – Check train times and fares.
