West Ham Stadium, also known as the London Stadium, was flooded on September 21, 2023, during a heavy downpour in east London.
The flooding affected the concourses, with water pouring in from the roof and drains overflowing.
Videos shared on social media showed fans wading through water and staff trying to mop up the mess. The club said that the flooding did not cause any damage to the pitch or seating areas, and the match against TSC Backa Topola went ahead as planned.
However, the flooding did cause disruption for fans, with some concession stands having to close and fans having to queue for longer for food and drinks. The club has since apologized for the inconvenience and said that it is investigating the cause of the flooding.
It is unclear whether the flooding was caused by a design flaw in the stadium or by the extreme weather conditions. The London Stadium was originally built for the 2012 Olympic Games and was not designed to be a football stadium. It has been criticized for its poor atmosphere and lack of facilities for fans.
The flooding at West Ham Stadium is a reminder of the challenges of adapting existing venues for new uses. It is also a reminder of the need to invest in climate resilience, as extreme weather events are becoming more common.
