West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady has revealed what is in store for unsightly concrete block areas at the London Stadium.
West Ham’s new stadium
The Hammers brought the curtain down on 112 years of history at their beloved Boleyn Ground at the end of last season with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Manchester United.
All eyes since have been on the big move to the 60,000 seater Olympic Stadium down the road in Stratford.
The iconic ground has come a long way since Usain Bolt and Team GB’s athletes made history there back in 2012.
The London Stadium – as it is now officially called – has undergone an extensive West Ham-ification process.
As with any stadium migration of this magnitude – and with 52,000 season ticket holders to boot – there have been the inevitable teething problems as many Hammers fans voiced their displeasure with certain aspects.
Fans in the ground
Many were not happy with the bright green covering over the running track around the pitch.
The orange athletics track was covered at the beginning of August using a light green astroturf which jars in contrast to the dark green pitch.
Not only does it accentuate the gaps around the pitch to the stands it looks sore too.
The biggest digital screen in Europe was meant to adorn the outside of the stadium but has been delayed until October while stewarding has also been a hot issue.
Brady has been discussing plans for the concrete block areas either side of the big screens
While every effort has been made to make the ground feel like West Ham’s home, another niggle for supporters has been the large grey concrete block areas either side of the giant TV screens at both ends of the ground.
Fans suggested to Brady, who has overseen the stadium move from the very beginning, the sore looking areas should be covered with pictures of Bobby Moore and Sir Trevor Brooking given they are situated in the stands named after the legendary duo.
And that prompted Brady to reveal the club’s plans for the spaces.
West Ham United vice chairman Karren Brady
“The concrete areas are reserved for the naming rights partner, we have requested use of it for West Ham United until (the) naming rights partner (is) appointed,” Brady said on Twitter.
“(The) wrap is fully installed – waiting for the digital screens to go in and when in will be the biggest and best in Europe.”
An announcement over who will be the naming rights partner was due before season started with rumours Indian firm Mahindra, Tesco and Samsung were in the bidding.
Any agreement rests with the LLDC to negotiate and will only benefit West Ham financially if it is worth more than £4million.
Naming rights are now not expected to be revealed until the new year.
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