TIMELINE of the HAMMERS

West Ham United’s journey to securing the lease for the London Stadium is a story of ambition, controversy, and transformation. Originally constructed for the 2012 London Olympics, the stadium in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was designed as a center-piece for international sport. After the Games, the question of its legacy loomed large, and West Ham saw an opportunity to elevate their status by relocating from their historic Boleyn Ground to a modern, world-class venue.

In March 2013, West Ham were granted a 99-year tenancy agreement by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), the body responsible for repurposing Olympic infrastructure. This concessionaire agreement allowed the club to lease the stadium from E20 Stadium LLP, a subsidiary of LLDC, under terms that included an annual rent initially set at £2.5 million. The deal was index-linked to the Retail Price Index and included provisions for additional payments based on capacity increases and advertising rights. Over time, these fees rose to approximately £4 million annually, though reports suggest this still fell short of covering the stadium’s operating costs.

The move was not without its detractors. Critics questioned the financial viability and fairness of the deal, especially given the public investment in the stadium’s redevelopment. Nonetheless, West Ham pressed forward, overseeing a major refurbishment to tailor the venue to Premier League standards. This included installing a new roof, reconfiguring seating to reflect the club’s claret and blue identity, and adding tributes to legendary players throughout the concourse.