For those footie fans about you, the Barcelona vs Manchester United Champions League Final 2011 has just taken place, and I took the opportunity to bring my Argentinian footie-mad uncle to take the Wembley Stadium tour to get a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes action connected to this legendary venue.
Having once been a leisure grounds back in the 1880s, the original Wembley Stadium, formally known as the Empire Stadium, was opened in 1923.
Costing £750,000 and taking only 300 days to build, the Empire Stadium was built by architects Sir John Simpson & Maxwell Ayrton with an early seating capacity of around 126,000.
This arena hosted from the 1923 FA Cup Final, to the 1966 FIFA World Cup Final to the 1996 European Championships.
Other than football, the Empire was the host of big names in boxing such as the likes of Henry Cooper vs Cassius Clay, to the big names in music like Michael Jackson and Madonna.
It ended in 2000 after 77 years so as to build something bigger and better, yet it remains an iconic emblem, and arguably the most famous stadium in the world.
The new Wembley stadium opened its doors in 2007. Designed by Foster & Partners, the new Wembley boasts 90,000 seats and is the largest stadium in the United Kingdom.
It's a bit of an eye-catcher, or eye-sore, as it is remarkably recognisable by its 133 meter arch, which is visible all over London.
Since its opening, it has hosted some of the biggest names in football, several Rugby Union matches, and has maintained its tradition of music excellence.
Visit the Wembley Stadium tour. Tours are available from 10am – 4pm and tickets costs £15.00.
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