Spurs first game at new stadium watched by 59,215 fans despite 62,062 capacity
TOTTENHAM waited 690 days to return back home to N17 – but could not even fill their new stadium with almost 3,000 empty seats.
The official attendance for Spurs’ 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace was 59,215, some 2,847 less than the 62,062 capacity.
Of course, a small number of seats will have been covered to segregate the away supporters who made the short trip from South London.
But that still leaves more than 2,000 seats unaccounted for.
It also means their attendance tonight was a massive 22,117 less than their last ‘home’ game – the 1-1 draw with rivals Arsenal at Wembley.
Some suggested that the reason behind the empty seats was due to corporate places not being filled.
Even so, it still seems incredible that the long-awaited curtain-raiser – eight months later than expected – did not draw a capacity crowd.
A DAY TO REMEMBER
Tickets were thought to be impossible to get hold of as fans begged and bartered their way to get a glimpse of the action.
Among those 59,215, though, were plenty of ex-players including Robbie Keane and Ossie Ardiles as well as comedian Michael McIntyre.
And of course chairman Daniel Levy was sat proudly in his seat for the opening ceremony and then the main performance.
Go Compare star Wynne Evans and X Factor star Lanya Matthews sang ‘Glory Glory Tottenham Hotspur’ before a rapid firework display concluded the ceremony, which also featured an emotional video and a choir from Gladesmore Community School.
But while some fans in the stadium were reduced to tears, others watching on at home described it all as “embarrassing” and “cringeworthy”.
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Once the festivities were concluded, Spurs struggled to break through a resolute Eagles side.
But after 55 minutes, Son Heung-Min finally got the landmark goal and wrote his name into pub quizzes for years to come as his deflected goal found the bottom corner.
Christian Eriksen then sealed the win – and a crucial three points in the race for the top four – sweeping home with ten minutes to go.