Olympic Stadium timeline

West Ham were today confirmed as the new tenants

Fireworks explode from the stadium roof during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games (Getty)

July 2009 – The legacy of the Olympic Stadium is talked up by Tony Blair and former Olympics minister Tessa Jowell, despite the fact that no tenant for it had been found for after the Games.

March 2010 – An announcement is made by Newham council and West Ham United stating that they are working on a collective agreement to take the site over to host football and athletics. The council also claim that stadium will be used for ‘culture and education’.

October 2010 – Tottenham Hotspur make a last-ditch bid to win the tenancy, but declare their intention of scrapping the athletics track. Most fans are opposed to the idea of moving the club.

November 2010 – The two final bidders shortlisted are West Ham and Tottenham according to the Olympic Park Legacy Company.

February 2011 – 14 members of the Olympic Park Legacy Company vote in favour of West Ham in a unanimous victory for the east London club.

April 2011 – Spurs challenge the motion and show their intentions by engaging in a legal battle. Leyton Orient also take legal action, but against Newham council for facilitating West Ham’s bid.

June 2011 – High court rejects bids by Tottenham and Orient to block West Ham’s move.

October 2011 -  Deal between West Ham and Newham council breaks down, but the Hammers still look likely to secure the venue.

July 2012 – Deadline is extended for proposals to be submitted by bidders.

December 2012 – The London Legacy Development Corporation board  name West Ham as the preferred candidates for Stratford tenancy.

March 2013 – Hammers confirmed as future tenants, likely to move in for the start of the 2016/17 season.  Stadium changed will include a capacity adjustment (54,000) and will cost at least £150 million.