The Construction Process

A huge project like the construction of Wembley stadium involves a variety of separate tasks and stages. Here is a guide to the main elements of this considerable project, alongside an approximate timetable.  

September 2002

The old stadium is demolished and the site is flattened using mechanical shears, nicknamed Goliath. This vehicle, with a reach of 35 metres, is the largest machine of it’s kind in the world. Following the demolition process, as many materials as possible are recycled.

October 2002

Piling begins as soon as sufficient space is cleared. The piles, which form the foundations for the concrete raft upon which the new stadium sits, run 35m deep. This, incidentally, is the height of the old Twin Towers!  The pitch area is excavated with the new pitch level set at 4m below the old one.

Mid 2003

Assembly of the steel Arch that forms the skeleton of the stadium begins on the southern side of the site. The Arch weighs 1, 650 tonnes and serves the crucial function of supporting the 7,000 tonne roof. Work on the south side is restricted until the 133 metre by 315 metre iconic structure is raised.

Late 2003

With much of the substructure in place, work begins on the steel frame that forms the skeleton of the new stadium.

Early 2004

The terracing supports and terracing units start to be erected.

Mid 2004

The arch is rotated into place using a jack and mast system and held in place with temporary cables. The raising of the Arch allows the work to be completed on the southern side of the stadium and the roof structure to be put in place.

Mechanical, electrical and block-work is also substantially progressed.

All this activity leads to the site’s busiest time with approximately 1, 500 people working at the same time.

Meanwhile, the cultivation of Wembley’s famous grass gets underway at an off-site location.

To find out more about the Arch click here.

Late 2004

The fit out of the stadium gets substantially underway with materials for changing rooms, toilets and restaurants all arriving on site.

Mid/Late 2005

The construction of the roof is completed. The sliding roof panels are installed to allow the Southern roof to partially retract. The Arch is depropped from the supports and fixed to the roof. Internal fit-out progresses with the changing rooms being completed and players’ tunnel beginning to take shape. The bridge link to Olympic Way is also rebuilt.

Late 2005/Early 2006

With the roof completed, the pitch is constructed. Under-pitch heating and drainage systems are installed and the famous Wembley turf is laid. The goal posts and corner flags are also added.

Spring 2006

With construction now completed the Stadium will officially open with The FA Cup Final on 13 May 2006. This will be the first of many glorious events to be staged at Wembley over future years.

On Friday 31st March 2006 Wembley Stadium announced that all events scheduled to be held at the Stadium in 2006 were cancelled. For the Wembley Stadium statement click here

Remaining construction work (as of 31/03/06):

Finish sliding roof

Complete internal fit out

Finish pitch and install turf

Complete Stadium bowl including seats and scoreboards