Stamford Bridge, situated in the heart of London and fondly known as ‘The Bridge,’ is home to Chelsea Football Club. Many footballing greats have graced the hallowed turf over the past 104 years, but the club is now becoming renowned off the pitch, after evolving into a first rate venue and destination.
Sitting proudly and firmly among Europe’s elite clubs, Chelsea’s ascent to become one of the true greats of world football has been both rapid and impressive. The traditional style stadium, which originated as an athletics track, ensures that almost 42,000 fans can create an enthralling atmosphere on match day, and every season Stamford Bridge welcomes thousands of football fans, tourists and business travellers.
Boasting an envious choice of suites and executive boxes, an array of fine dining options and luxurious seating, Chelsea FC continues to lead the way in the provision of sports hospitality. For those wanting to impress a client or reward staff, Stamford Bridge proves itself to be the ultimate corporate venue.
More than pie ’n’ peas
Hospitality at Stamford Bridge starts well before kick-off and continues long after the final whistle. VIPs are invited to arrive two hours before the game to witness the match day buzz start to build. The sight of the empty ground lends an air of exclusivity: looking out over the silent beauty of the pitch one can imagine running out alongside the team.
As the stadium fills up an excellent three course meal is served, and at kick-off visitors are accommodated in the best seats in the house – luxuriously padded and with stunning views of all the action happening on the pitch.
At half and full time, additional refreshments are available in the hospitality suite, which is fitted with plasma screens to keep visitors up-to-date with all the day’s action. And while the cheering crowds disperse, hospitality visitors can relax in comfort, reflecting on the talking points of the game.
“Here at Stamford Bridge we do everything we can to ensure our visitors’ experience is truly memorable,” explains Simon Hunter, Head of Venue. “We have placed much emphasis on providing a range of hospitality options that can be tailored to individual needs, whether that’s an intimate table for four or a party of 15.”
The Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum options are priced from £150 up to £295, and provide the perfect way to enjoy football in style, he says. “With close to five thousand hospitality seats at Stamford Bridge there is a huge range to choose from; there is also something for every budget included in the four main match day packages.”
The Gold and Platinum packages include a three course fine dining meal and complimentary drinks throughout the day, something sure to impress any guests. The spectacular seats are positioned either side of the directors’ box (Gold) or right on the halfway line (Platinum). The Platinum package also offers champagne on arrival and a tour of the players’ tunnel and pitch side.
The more affordable Bronze and Silver packages include a choice of sit down meal, informal three course buffet, carvery or fine dining, combined with different seating options for flexibility. Many of the options include a complimentary bar.
A venue of two halves
Outside of match days, Stamford Bridge becomes far less about the football and converts into a unique business and leisure destination. A number of areas within the stadium can be transformed into an array of meeting, conference and event spaces ideal for companies seeking a glamorous but affordable location.
The Millennium Suite hospitality boxes can also be used as unique meeting spaces, with views out over the Stamford Bridge pitch. The suites can easily be transformed to accommodate small corporate gatherings and provide a great way of conducting business away from the usual office surroundings, even though the views of the pitch can be somewhat distracting.
Stamford Bridge has become renowned as one of London’s most versatile events spaces over recent years, with good reason. The hospitality suites have been used for numerous high profile conferences and seminars, including Leaders in Football, the Labour Party annual lunch and the TNT Global Sales summit.
However, it is an unusual space within the ground that has become one of the most talked about locations in the capital. The concourse of the West Stand may seem like part of any other football ground on a match day, but the space is fully equipped to transform into one of the largest single events spaces in London: the Great Hall. In recent years it has been used for a wide variety of events, from lavish awards ceremonies and dinners for 800 people, to catwalk shows and conferences for more than 1000 guests.
A true destination
Stamford Bridge is also home to two first class hotels (Millennium and Copthorne), two restaurants from leading celebrity chef Marco Pierre White (Marco and Frankie’s Sports Bar and Grill) and one of London’s most exclusive and fashionable health clubs (The Chelsea Club).
Simon Hunter believes the club is becoming a true destination for the business community. “We strive for excellence in everything that we do at Chelsea Football Club and continue to be leaders in the provision of sports hospitality,” he says. “Over recent years Stamford Bridge has been transformed into a true business destination, and with a host of versatile events space, 275 hotel rooms and an exclusive spa, it is clear to see why more and more businesses are choosing to host conferences and events here.”
Tel: 0871 223 1155; www.chelseafc.com/hospitality; www.chelseafc.com/bluewing
