Wembley Stadium (1923) Stadium

Address: Wembley Park, Wembley, London HA9 (site of the 1923 Empire Stadium)

Website: https://www.wembleystadium.com

Hours: N/A (original 1923 stadium demolished 2003; new Wembley Stadium site open daily)

Admission: No admission to the site; Wembley Stadium Tours (new stadium) typically £25-£30 adult (subject to change)

Wembley Stadium (1923) was the original national stadium of England, opened in 1923 in the Wembley area of northwest London and known for its twin towers entrance. The site hosted many of the country’s principal football finals and large sporting and entertainment events for much of the 20th century.

The stadium’s capacity and terraces allowed for very large crowds in its mid-century heyday, and the ground staged notable events including domestic cup finals and matches during the 1948 Olympics. The twin towers became an enduring visual symbol of the venue.

The original 1923 stadium remained in use until it was closed and demolished in phases in the early 2000s to make way for the new Wembley Stadium, which opened on the same site in 2007. The location continues to serve as the national stadium for England.

The site is in Wembley, northwest London, and is well connected to central London by road and rail.

• Opening and demolition dates: Opened in 1923 as the Empire Stadium and famous for its twin towers entrance prior to demolition in the early 2000s.
• Historic events: Hosted major national and international sporting events including FA Cup finals and the 1948 Olympic football tournament.

What to See#

• Twin Towers (iconic entrance): The twin towers of the 1923 stadium that became an iconic visual element and symbol of the original site until the stadium’s demolition.
• Pitch and spectator bowls: The original pitch and terraced bowls that hosted major matches including national finals and international fixtures before redevelopment.

The original stadium occupied the same footprint as the current Wembley Stadium in northwest London. From Central London take the Metropolitan or Jubilee line to Wembley Park (about 20-25 minutes from Baker Street) or the Bakerloo line to Wembley Central. The modern Wembley Stadium address is served by regular local buses (routes 18, 83, 92, 206) and National Rail to Wembley Stadium station (Chiltern/London Overground connections). If arriving by car, follow signage to Wembley Park/HA9 - on event days drivers should expect heavy delays.

• Visit the small plaque and photographic panels in Wembley Park (south of Wembley Way) to study the original 1923 stadium footprint and the twin towers' photographs - they're easy to miss behind modern kiosks.
• If interested in the original stadium's stories, pair a trip with the Wembley Stadium Tour (new stadium) and ask a guide about the 'White Horse Final' - most guides relish the anecdote and will point out where the pitch ran to the terraces.
• Avoid matchday travel if the plan is to see the historic markers: the modern stadium and surrounding complex are gridlocked on event days; use Wembley Park tube (Jubilee/Met) and arrive at least 90 minutes before kick-off if attending an event.