London Stadium To Be Mothballed

Perhaps the good weather that coincided with the gradual reduction of the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic gave supporters false hope that they would be able to attend Barclays Premier League matches soon, if not at full capacity at least 30%. Unfortunately those hopes have been dashed by the government's latest directive that has pushed the chance of attending games way past the beginning of the new year.

Like all the other top flight stadia, the London Stadium is eerily quiet when games are played behind closed doors, but the 'bowl of misery' as it is often called by Hammers' fans is a huge place, as is Old Trafford, The Emirates and White Hart Lane, but the B.O.M because of it's flawed design as a football venue seems even more empty!

With the latest information just available today, the LDC have called an emergency meeting with regards as to how to limit the financial damage caused by keeping the London Stadium open, as West Ham United are only anchor tenants, the vast majority of the fiscal burden lies with the landlords who are obviously keen to avoid further financial embarrassment and encumbrance.

One of the propositions to be discussed at the emergency 'zoomed' meeting is the 'mothballing' of large parts of the Stadium, given the fact that there is no way fans can possibly return before the new year this does make sense, it has been suggested that all the walkways and ALL of the seating be hermetically sealed off only to be reopened when crowds can return, this means there is every likelihood that it will be early spring before the 'covers' can be removed. It is thought this action will save £100,000 per week, which ironically is what West Ham pay Jack Wilshere!

The Irons are not alone when it comes to match day revenue loss, but the club doesn't depend on it as much as Manchester United and Tottenham, the latter having to take out huge loans to offset the loss of not only football, but also American football and other lucrative non football entertainment, the revenues from which were essential parts of the plan to build a new stadium that was self financing from the get go, alas for Daniel Levy it was not to be, mind you he still found the wedge to finance the Bale deal and other incomings.

The West Ham board and club hierarchy will have heard today's announcement with mixed feelings, on the one hand they will continue to lose match day revenue and will have to keep rebating season ticket holders, on the other hand there will be no discontented crowds in attendance voicing their opinions straight at the directors box. - Ed