The largest covered football stadium in the world
Wembley Stadium
The new Wembley Stadium is set to open in 2007 after many delays.
Destruction of the old
In September 2002 the old Wembley stadium was torn down using the largest mechanical shearer, specifically built for the demolition of the stadium. By the the spring of 2003, the old stadium was been completely demolished, and the process of piling begun.
The roof over the new
Using retractable roof panels, which retract to the south, it allows as much daylight and ventilation to reach pitch level as possible. The end solution is an architecturally strong design which is structurally efficient
Perhaps the most amazing and impressive part of the design for the new stadium is the retractable roof. This 7 000 tonne roof (the weight of 78 double decker buses) will be supported by a steel arch, which when completed will be seen across London. The roof is the longest single roof structure in the world.
The arch removes the need for supports assuring that all 90 000 seats have unobstructed views.
Submitted by: First submitted by Sarah Doherty (Worcester Polytechnic Institute), 28 March 2003
