West Ham United trio Cheikhou Kouyate, Pedro Obiang and Academy ‘keeper Sam Howes dropped in on the former Olympic Stadium on Wednesday to fix the Hammers’ first claret seat in place.
Following the arrival of the first shipment of claret seating on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the spectacular West Ham seating design – as first announced back in August – is now beginning to take shape.
The brand new claret and blue seating will see ‘West Ham’ emblazoned across the ‘Kop’ style East Stand, in addition to the famous crossed hammers appearing across the lower tier seats and both the North and South stands.
The installation of the new design is a key component of the final phase of construction, as the Stadium is transformed to look and feel like the unmistakable home of West Ham United.
After donning his hard hat to fix the first of the new claret seats in situ, Kouyate spoke of the realisation that the Stadium move is fast approaching!
“When I signed it was an ambition to play here, but it felt far away,” he said. “Now, it’s only a few months and it’s exciting for everyone.
“It’s going to be full, which is amazing. The fans have shown that we belong at a Stadium like this, one of the best in Europe.
“The colours are very important. It’s our history and our identity. This is our home and it’s going to look like our home. The fans are going to love it.”
The installation of seats follows news that the Club have now sold more Season Tickets at the new Stadium than the 35.016 capacity of the Boleyn Ground. And with many thousand more on the Season Ticket Priority List, it means Kouyate and co can confidently expect a sold-out Stadium for next season.
Kouyate continued: “The fans are incredible. The away support at Blackburn was mad! It was like a home game for us.
“They make a big difference to us and we look forward to playing in front of them here.”
To join the New Stadium Priority List for Season Tickets at West Ham United’s new home, visit whufc.com/Priority