West Ham United co-owner David Gold has claimed that the atmosphere in the opening three games at the London Stadium is better than Upton Park.
The 54,000-capacity converted athletics stadium is different to Upton Park, West Ham’s iconic home for 112 years.
Many have voiced their concerns that their new home is soulless and will lack the same atmosphere which was generated three miles down the road at the Boleyn Ground.
Upton Park gate – West Ham
Speaking on talkSPORT, Gold expressed his delight with their new home and claimed that the atmosphere has been superior in their opening three games.
On the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, he said: “As you walk into the stadium, as you take your seat, there is a big feeling about the stadium.
“People were worried about the atmosphere, saying it is going to be soulless, we remember Upton Park, we could touch the players, all of those things. Well, so far, I would say the atmosphere is better than Upton Park, particularly under lights. Under lights, it is just an amazing experience.
“It it almost like walking down Wembley Way to the stadium. You get the exciting feeling it is something, and it is.”
It will be difficult to replicate the noise which was produced at Upton Park, moving from a home the club have been at for 112 years will take some getting used to.
In the lead up to the Bournemouth game, the club issued a statement encouraging supporters to remain seated throughout the match, but sections of the London Stadium stood for the duration.
West Ham’s Olympic Stadium v Domizale
Sunday’s match-winner Michail Antonio defended the atmosphere created by the West Ham fans.
“There were so many gaps at the Boleyn Ground. But here the archways come over the stands and brings it onto the pitch,” he told Bleacher Report, as quoted by the London Evening Standard.
“Especially when I scored – the roar was outrageous.
“It’s a new ground, it’s a new feel – we’re trying to turn it into a fortress.
“Every game we’ve played competitively here we’ve won so it looks like we can do it,” he added.
West Ham United’s Michail Antonio celebrates scoring their first goal
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