Tottenham Legends fell to Inter Forever 5-4, but this match was just one part of the experience of the new Spurs stadium. The second of two test events, the stadium was opened at 45,000 capacity. All in all, it was a brilliant occasion with so much happening on and off the pitch.
Tottenham Legends Light Up Stunning New Spurs Stadium
Old and New
On approaching the stadium and indeed, when inside, there has been a clear focus on continuity between the old and new White Hart Lane. After all, the stadium is still on the High Road with supporters able to visit all their haunts before the match. From the outside, the architecture is entirely modernised and a total upgrade.
The facilities are greatly improved for all the fans. However, the most important part is that once in the seat, the stadium still feels like White Hart Lane. This is partly due to the use of the mottoes on the signage in the ground. But, the proximity to the pitch- especially when compared to Wembley-makes it comparable to White Hart Lane. There is still the bouncing Park Lane and Shelf Side and the perhaps more quiet Paxton end.
Furthermore, with the under-18’s match and this Legend’s match, the club have signified their intent in bringing together the old and the new. And to price these matches at a maximum of £10 is a really positive move. Any fan that attended was well rewarded with a whole host of stars from down the years.
Indeed, it was bizarre to see Jürgen Klinsmann linking up with Rafael van der Vaart, or see Paul Gascoigne and Dimitar Berbatov exchanging passes. In a way, it enacts that continuity in this stadium transition. The recent history is transferred across with the Legends taking to the new field.
Van der Vaart’s Class
Rafael van der Vaart still shone as he used to during the old White Hart Lane days. He made a sublime chip to play a part in the third goal. He delighted the crowd with his flicks and tricks. At half-time he spoke in earnest about his love for the club, expressing how much he misses his time at Spurs.
Gascoigne’s Return
Midway through the second half, Paul Gascoigne made what was an emotional yet brief appearance at the new stadium. He had been training for weeks for this event, but he sadly suffered an achilles injury. However, the ground shook with the songs, chants and then applause for this legend of the club. After his battles with alcoholism, it must have been a wonderful moment for the fan favourite.
Atmosphere and Capacity
Even with the stadium running at less than full capacity, the opening few minutes at the new ground were ecstatic. A multitude of songs boomed out especially from the huge Park Lane South Stand. This is promising considering this was an exhibition match. In the second half, with certain fans leaving early, and with the old legs on the pitch growing even more tired, the atmosphere inevitably died down.
The stadium is well constructed to allow for a raucous culmination of voices. It will be interesting to see just how loud and proud the Spurs faithful can get when it comes to the opening Premier League game against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.
The concourse was incredibly busy before, after and during the half-time break. Many fans stayed ten minutes after the second half had started to sing songs. The proliferation of bars and eateries is astounding. There is thought given to people with all kinds of dietary needs. The ‘Marketplace’ is located in the South Stand and it was packed full of fans.
Stewards had to marshall the crowd when it was getting too busy. Eventually, the concourse had to be contained since it just became too busy in this area. Some teething issues remain for the club to sort out before the full capacity match on Wednesday.
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