Year 9 Construction Trip

We had a full tour around the players area of The Tottenhum Hotspur stadium, the largest stadium in London. Students had the opportunity to go around the VIP section of the stadium and test out the fantastic acoustics of the stadium. They learnt how the specially designed roof and shape of the stadium was to keep as much sound in the stadium as possible meaning that such events as football, NFL, Boxing and music concerts did not disrupt the local residents. 

The students visited the pitch and sat in the players dugouts where they learnt how the top main football pitch could split into three sections and roll under the stadium, all in around 20 minutes and the 2ft incline from the bench to the pitch would now become and 3ft decline to the next level ground. The entire flooring around the dugouts would change angles and allow for a harder surface to be unveiled. They found out that in theory (they are not planning to do this) but they could have a football game at a 12pm kick off and by the evening, be set up ready for a NFL game. 

Students then got to experience the dressing rooms of both home and away football teams. Whilst exploring the facilities the students were encouraged to think of ways in which the buildings has been designed to support the purpose of the building. They were shown both the football players changing facilities and then got taken to the away team dressing room for the NFL games which was noticeably bigger, this was of course to accommodate the needs of that team, as the students learnt that NFL teams bring 50 players each!  They were also shown a room with a dividing space for offensive and defensive players and coaches. This really bought to life how architects must consider what the purpose and use of building is and what they are hoping to achieve. 

Overall, students got to see exactly why the stadium cost so very much. The club had thought of everything in regards to comfort for players, supporters, reporters, investors and VIPs. Students got an understanding of what they had to think of when building the stadium and why it was so important to get it right. 

Just in our short time there, the students were able to see the draw of the stadium, the  shop was full of people buying things, and all around the stadium there was activity, tours and events are offered daily inside the stadium. We could see how the club generates money by having these available to the public and this in turn, supports the local businesses surrounding the stadium.

The students really benefited from this experience and even to got to see more of London than expected, due to a diversion!  The students really appeared to enjoy the day and were a credit to the school.

Mr Rowcroft