England manager visits venue as it approaches its 90th anniversary
England manager Roy Hodgson kick-started the 90th anniversary of Wembley Stadium by visiting the venue where he cut a birthday cake made for the world renowned site.
This Sunday marks the stadium’s milestone birthday and a celebratory event will take place involving former Tottenham Hotspur players Ricky Villa and Ossie Ardiles and other Wembley legends.
Since its opening in 1923, Wembley Stadium has hosted famous events throughout the years including the 1948 Olympics, boxer Henry Cooper’s bout with Muhammad Ali in 1963, t he 1966 World Cup which England won, Evel Knievel’s jump over 13 buses in 1975, the Live Aid concert in 1985 and a memorable 2-0 victory for England against Scotland in Euro 96.
The stadium will also host the 2013 UEFA Champions League Final, the only venue to have done so twice in the space of three years and a record seventh final to be held at Wembley in total.
In 2003 the stadium which was famous for its ‘Twin Towers’ was demolished and a new 90,000 capacity venue was built on its site opening in 2007.
Roger Maslin, managing director at Wembley Stadium, said: “With 2013 marking Wembley’s 90th anniversary as well as the 150th anniversary of The FA, it’s been great to give fans the opportunity to celebrate with us this weekend.
“They have played a crucial role in the history of the stadium and will continue to do so as we host many more great events in the world of sport and music.
“We have one of the most iconic stadiums in the world and we can’t wait to create another 90 years of inspiring memories.”
As part of the celebrations Wembley will honour one of its most famous annual events, The FA Cup final, with the Wembley Pass - a day-long event that will see this season’s FA Cup final ball travel on a glass-sided truck through the streets of London from the Kennington Oval, the home of the first ever FA Cup final, to Wembley Stadium.
Fans can get involved along the way via various London landmarks including the EDF London Eye, The Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace as it makes its way from the venue of that historic 1872 final between Wanderers and Royal Engineers to the legendary location for modern day finals.
In addition, special behind the scenes tours are being offered to Brent residents this Saturday and Sunday with the stadium opening its doors for a series of unique tours at a reduced price of £1.50 per head.
For more information visit www.wembleystadium.com.
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