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West Ham United FC
Boleyn Ground
The Ground
On one side of the ground is
the impressive looking Dr Martens Stand that
was opened in 2001. This large two tiered
stand (which is reputedly the largest league ground
stand in London), has a capacity of 15,000. Its most striking feature can
only be seen externally, where an elaborate facade comprising
of two castle turrets has been built around the reception area
entrance. The turrets have been modelled on
those appearing on the club crest. It is
nice to see a Club actually trying to instil some character into a
new stand. Opposite is the smaller two tiered East Stand, which was opened in 1969. Both ends are
large, smart, two tiered stands. In the North East and South West corners there
are video screens installed as well as an electronic score board in
the South West corner. There is also a Digital Clock above The Bobby
Moore Stand.
Just outside the ground near the Boleyn Pub, is the handsome
statue of England Captain Bobby Moore, holding aloft the World Cup
Trophy which England won in 1966. The statue shows Moore being
hoisted aloft by fellow West Ham players Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters
with Everton defender Ray Wilson.
Future
Ground Developments
The Club at
some point were looking to build a new East Stand plus add
extensions to the existing Bobby Moore & Sir Trevor
Brooking Stands, which would have taken the capacity to 40,500.
However, the Clubs' new owners have nowexpressed interest in moving
to the new Olympic Stadium, which is being currently built for the
2012 Olympics in nearby Stratford. It remains to be seem whether a
deal can be agreed to allow this to happen.
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