West Ham increase Olympic Stadium capacity to 60,000 to put it on par with Arsenal's Emirates Stadium

The original capacity was set to be 54,000 but demand has seen it increased

A view of the Olympic Stadium (GETTY IMAGES)

West Ham have increased the match day capacity at the former Olympic Stadium to 60,000 in response to spectator demand.

The Hammers are due to leave Upton Park at the end of this season and will play at the stadium in Stratford from the start of the 2016-17 season.

The original capacity was set to be 54,000 but after the number of people registered on the Hammers season ticket priority list exceeded the number of seats originally available at the multi-use stadium, that has been increased by 6,000.

"Today's announcement is further evidence of the upward trajectory of this club," said West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady in a statement on the Hammers website.

"We are on course for what could be our most successful Premier League performance ever and our ambitions to finish in the top six and break into Europe are very much within reach.

"West Ham fans are famous the world over for their wonderful support. They have demonstrated this once again at matches this season and in the way that they have embraced the move to the new ground. We are delighted to be able to reward that magnificent support by releasing additional season tickets and bring even more visitors to the Park to enjoy all that it has to offer.

"The 2016-17 season looks bright for the team, the club and our fans. Not only will we have one of the world's greatest new stadiums, but now it will be one of the very largest in the world's most-watched league - a stadium with both the quality and the capacity to match our ambitions."

The 60,000 capacity will match that of Arsenal's Emirates stadium - currently the second largest Premier League stadium after Old Trafford and the biggest in the capital.


 A view of Arsenal's Emirates Stadium
 (Getty Images)

David Edmonds, chairman of E20, the body charged with converting the former Olympic Stadium, added: "It is fantastic to see such a high demand for West Ham United tickets as it shows how eager people are to watch football at the stadium. By meeting this demand the use of the venue will be maximised, increasing its revenue and the return to the taxpayer."

The mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, said: "Our investment in the stadium was all about giving as many Newham residents as possible the chance to see top class sport in the borough. This announcement further supports that commitment."