Olympic Stadium granted capacity increase – but West Ham wants more

The capacity of the Olympic Stadium has been increased to 57,000 for West Ham United home games – but the club is still intent on boosting it further to 60,000.

As a result of a meeting with the London Stadium Safety Advisory Group (LSSAG), Newham Council has agreed to the increase ahead of the club’s first home league match against Bournemouth this Sunday (21 August).

West Ham United vice chair Baroness Karren Brady said that while the increase was a “significant step forward for all concerned”, the club “absolutely aims to operate at the full 60,000 capacity in the very near future”.

The LSSAG confirmed that is will continue to monitor the situation and “acknowledged” the club’s desire to increase capacity further. The body has emphasised that the club must make supporters clear that standing in the all-seater stadium is dangerous.

“We understand the traditions of football and that many supporters like to stand, but the reality is that the license is for all-seating. Therefore, we urge our supporters to watch the game from their seats,” said joint chair David Sullivan and David Gold via a statement.