New Tottenham stadium given the go-ahead

Tottenham Hotspur may now begin building work on a new 58,000 capacity stadium. The club have been in the process of clearing land next to current stadium White Hart Lane for two years, and may now move ahead to constructing the arena after local government approved the plans. Spurs hope to open the stadium in 2017.

Spurs, founded in 1882, spent their first six years playing on public fields in Tottenham Marshes. They then moved to Northumberland Park for one year, before taking up residence at White Hart Lane in 1889.

The original White Hart Lane had one stand, which could hold 2,500 people. That’s changed, of course, but the ground’s capacity remains small. At 36,230, current capacity is not the smallest in the Premier League, but there are nine top-division stadiums that hold more fans (as well as two lower-division grounds in Hillsborough and Elland Road).

Plans made the new stadium envision a 56,250 - strong crowd, which would help absorb the more than 20,000 that are currently on the waiting list for Tottenham season tickets. The new venue would be larger than St. James Park but smaller than the Emirates, home to rivals Arsenal. Old Trafford boasts the biggest capacity, holding 76,212.

With the ability to hold 20,000 more fans, Spurs will be able to boost revenues. In doing, they hope to be in a better position to challenge both for the Premier League title and the chance to play in the Champions League.

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