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| Stadium Histori - 1960s and 70s Development |
1964/65
In 1964/65, during one of Chelsea's best periods on the pitch, saw
the vast western terrace replaced by a seated stand. The stand was 3/4
seating and 1/4 concrete slabs affectionately known as the 'Benches'.
The West stand existed for 25 years until it was the last of the old
stadium to be demolished in 1998 and despite by that stage being a
rickety, crumbling stand it too was a sad day for many when the old West
Stand with it's wooden seats went, and like the Shed, is a source of
nostalgia.
Yet its replacement is quite simply one of the finest stadium stands
in the country costing an estimated £30 million to build, and housing
13,500 people in luxury surroundings with superb views.
1973/74
In 1973 the East Stand was built, a marvel of engineering of the time
and still one of the most striking stands in the country there's little
doubt it was ahead of its time. The only part of the current stadium
that survived the mass rebuilding of the 1990's it has though undergone
extensive refurbishment and refitting.
The East Stand, for all its magnificence also has a controversial
past. When Chelsea were at their peak in the late 60's and early 70's
the then owners decided the all star team on the pitch deserved to be
playing in the best stadium in the country. Their plan was hugely
ambitious to completely redevelop Stamford Bridge into a 50,000 all
seater circular stadium. It proved too ambitious and many feel brought
the club to it's knees, forced the selling of the star players,
relegation and nearly forced the club into complete ruin by the start of
the 1980's.
It took another 20 years to rebuild not only the stadium and team but
the entire club, yet for all that the East Stand itself remains as
impressive today as it always did.
