Stamford Bridge
- See also: Stamford Bridge, East Yorkshire
Stamford Bridge is a football stadium in London that is home to Chelsea Football Club. The capacity is 42,449.
The stadium was opened in 1877, and was used as an athletics track until 1904, when it was acquired by new owners who wanted to attract a professional football club. It was initially offered to Fulham, but they turned it down. Instead, Chelsea was formed as a new club and were given entry to the Football League for the 1905-06 season.
The capacity was originally planned to be 100,000, making it the second largest ground in England after The Crystal Palace, the FA Cup final venue. Stamford Bridge itself hosted the cup final for three years from 1920 to 1922, when it was replaced by Wembley.
Stands
Matthew Harding Stand
Capacity: 10,933
The Matthew Harding Stand, previously known as the North Stand, is along the north edge of the pitch. It is named for Chelsea director Matthew Harding, who transformed the club in the early 1990s before his death in a helicopter accident in October 22, 1996. The stand has two tiers.
East Stand
Capacity: 11,253
The East Stand is located along the east side of the pitch. Away supporters are seated in this stand. The stand has three tiers.
Umbro Stand
Capacity: 6,831
The December 11, 1909 - England Amateurs 9-1 Netherlands
