Are you looking forward to the FA Cup final? Whether you love it or loathe it, football is an intrinsic part of UK culture, not to mention an endless topic of conversation at work. As someone who is definitely in the loathing camp, nothing could have thrilled me less than receiving a free ticket to tour Wembley Stadium. However as these trip advisor accounts testify, the magic of this iconic venue is capable of thrilling even the most ardent anti-footy campaigner. Image courtesy of Proforged on flickr
Wembley Stadium
Leaving the office on a windswept Wednesday afternoon, I embarked on the half mile hike from Wembley Park Tube station to the galactic space ship blocking out the horizon. Soaked and scowling by the time I scurried past the smiling figure of Bobby Moore, (whoever he is?), I arrived at the first floor café to be met by Ashleigh my guide and a pack of twelve frothing ten- year-old boys. Could things get any worse?
Our first stop was to the VIP Reception room reserved exclusively for corporates and definitely not your average punter. An endless vista of elegant linen table cloths and gleaming glasses stretched as far as the eye can see. Boasting 680 food and drink outlets and the highest number of toilets (2618) of any building in the world, the monstrous scale of the stadium suddenly became glaringly apparent.
Continuing the VIP theme, a quick whoosh down the distinctly un-glamorous Royal Lifts led us through the Royal Entrance and into the red sea of 90,000 seats. Blinded by the contrasting zingy green turf, we were informed that each pristine blade is tended every day with UV light or sprinklers and protected by a canopy so vast that it can accommodate the London Eye. Image courtesy of Proforged on flickr
Wembley Stadium
From the glory of the hallowed turf, we plunged into the perilous press room. Filled with court-room drama, we were each given the chance to take Roy Hodgson’s seat at the infamous black table in readiness for the post-match grilling from up to 180 baying reporters.
Moving swiftly on, the next highlight was the England Dressing Room. Ecstatic cheers bounced along the corridors as our young fans discovered their hero’s Champion League shirts casually draped across the lockers. More Spartan than I had imagined, the famous communal bath has now been replaced by showers and draconian ice-baths. However, I was amused to note that hairdryers are now de rigueur and the lockers have been extended to accommodate the players’ vast array of grooming products. Images courtesy of Shelly and Dave on Flickr and LizSmith on flickr.
Dressing Room
Hairdryers
From the dressing room we made the time-honoured walk through the famous tunnel accompanied by rousing music and large screen footage of the Gods whose footsteps we were following in. Caught up in the moment, I was alarmed to detect my first stirrings of pre-match emotion. Surely not?
Once through the tunnel, our entrance into the main stadium was met with deafening cheers. (A tape recording) Thrilled nonetheless, we each excitedly clambered up the 107 sacred trophy winners steps to grab hold of the *FA Cup in the Royal Box for a well-earned photo or two. Image courtesy of Shelley & Dave on Flickr
* a replica FA Cup
Replica FA Cup
Feeling strangely elated, the Wembley effect had definitely worked its magic on me. If you’re looking for an afternoon break with the feel-good-factor, this is the perfect release from the stresses of the working day.