West Ham set for seven-figure windfall after official announcement – pundit
West Ham are set to rake in an extra £2.5million per season from “tickets, pies and pints”.
That is according to ex-Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the plans for the London Stadium.
The club confirmed on 27 October that they have been granted permission to increase capacity by 2,500 at the Olympic Park venue.
West Ham also reiterated their commitment to eventually boosting the stadium to its maximum capacity of 67,000.
That Hammers’ home ground will be second only to Old Trafford in the Premier League if their ambitions are realised.
West Ham are tenants at the stadium and the expansion will be primarily financed by the London Legacy Development Corporation.
It is unclear whether the plans will be affected by the Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky’s mooted 27 per cent share purchase.
But Kenny claims that the capacity boost represents “easy money” for the Irons’ bean counters.
“It shows what a massive fanbase they’ve got,” he told Football Insider correspondent Adam Williams.
“It brings in more revenue as well, which is the main thing. We know that clubs up and down the country have been hit by Covid.
“With extra season tickets, pies, beers, it’s going to be quite a lot. That can go back into the club. It’s easy money.
“If they get an extra 2,500 at £50 per ticket, that’s £125,000 per game. If they have 19 home games then that’s almost an extra £2.5m.
“I’ve only just realised how much can they make from it. If the plan is to go up to 67,000, you’re only going to earn more and more.”
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