Tottenham Hotspur has announced new plans to build a 61,000-seat arena, with the "necessary basement and pitch facilities to play American football matches," according to Gary Jacob of the LONDON TIMES. The proposed new "state-of-the-art" stadium at White Hart Lane would "hold 5,000 more seats than provided by plans approved three years ago and be bigger than the Emirates Stadium," home to rivals Arsenal. The design will "include a retractable pitch that could be switched from grass for football to artificial turf for NFL matches." The plans also make provision for supporters to "walk on the roof of the stadium, more housing and a hotel." Tottenham has "arranged a consultation with local residents scheduled for next week and will then apply for planning permission" from Haringey Council. The club, which started the project in '07, was "given permission to build a 56,000-seat stadium three years ago." It has been "trying to arrange the funding," thought to be in the region of £400M ($614.3M), and to "find a temporary home for at least one season during the building works" (LONDON TIMES, 7/8). In London, Simon Johnson reported once completed, the club believes it will have the "finest stadium in the world." Club Chair Daniel Levy said, "I am delighted to present a stunning new stadium design and wider scheme that will deliver an unrivaled fan experience and significant community benefits." Watching football and the NFL will not be the only thing on offer, as Tottenham has "included more attractions to encourage people to attend all-year round." Included will be a "Sky-Walk" that will "allow visitors access to the top of the stadium roof, the largest indoor climbing wall in the world as part of an Extreme Sports centre and 'The Tottenham Experience' as a permanent visitors’ centre with an interactive museum for the club and local heritage." As part of the redevelopment of the area, there will also be a new 180-bedroom hotel, plus 579 new homes will be built (INDEPENDENT, 7/8).
