Soccer

Hammers secure Olympic stadium deal

West Ham given 99 year lease and funding to move across London at the start of 2016-2017 season

West Ham have finally agreed a deal to move into London’s Olympic Stadium. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.
West Ham have finally agreed a deal to move into London’s Olympic Stadium. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.
Fri Mar 22 2013 - 10:55

West Ham United will play in the London Olympic Stadium from the start of the 2016-17 season, the English Premier League soccer club confirmed today.

The stadium, built at a cost of £430 million (€506,445,400) and the centrepiece of last year's Olympics, will have a 54,000 capacity once it is converted for use by the club. West Ham have been granted a 99-year lease.

West Ham will contribute £15 million (€17,654,700) pounds to conversion costs, with the local council paying £40 million (€47,079,200). The British government has agreed to pay up to £25 million (€29,424,500) if more funding is needed for the work.