Tottenham fans "reacted with delight" after thousands of lucky season-ticket holders were given the chance to experience the club's new stadium, according to Tom Doyle of the London EVENING STANDARD. Tottenham held a "fan familiarisation event" at its new home on Sunday, with 6,000 season-ticket holders in attendance. One fan, Paul Allen (@PaulJAllen), posted a picture on Twitter of the view from his awaiting season ticket seat with the caption: "View from my seat. Words cannot describe how stunning this stadium is #COYS." There have been "several delays to the opening of the stadium." In a statement, the club said that it was "expecting an update from contractors" in the week commencing Jan. 7 (EVENING STANDARD, 12/16).
SCHEDULING ISSUES: In London, Matt Law reported Tottenham's bid to play the Champions League last-16 match against Borussia Dortmund at its new stadium was "hit" by UEFA's decision to schedule the game in the first week of February fixtures. While clubs cannot request specific dates, Tottenham "made it known" that it would prefer to play its last-16 home tie in the second round of matches on Feb. 19 and 20 to give the club a "better chance" of hosting it in its new stadium. But UEFA "did not make any concessions for Tottenham’s preference" and confirmed the home tie against Dortmund will take place on Feb. 13, with the venue yet to be decided (TELEGRAPH, 12/17).
