Tottenham Could Open New Stadium In Mid-March

Tottenham is set to open its new stadium "at last" with the London derby against Crystal Palace in mid-March, according to Dan King of THE SUN. But if Manager Mauricio Pochettino’s side continues its progress in the FA Cup, "the first game at White Hart Lane could be pushed back to April." The club was scheduled to have a "crucial meeting" with lead contractor Mace on Sunday to "discuss progress" on the troubled £1B ($1.3B) project. A "well-placed source" said that "the target is to stage the first game at the new stadium as soon as next month." But "other insiders remain cautious after so many setbacks," and a March opening "appears more realistic." The Crystal Palace game is scheduled for March 16, the same weekend as the FA Cup sixth round. Police and local authorities "would oppose any plans to open the new White Hart Lane with the North London derby against Arsenal" -- which is scheduled for the first weekend in March (THE SUN, 1/5).