Tottenham Hotspur’s new 62,000-seater stadium is an impressive feat of design and engineering.
With its curved bowl design and state-of-the-art spectator experiences, the stadium sets a new benchmark in global stadium design.
This article explores one of the stadium’s most notable features – its roof.
Does Spurs Stadium Have a Roof?
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has a large, fixed roof that covers the stands and spectators, providing shelter from the elements.
However, the playing surface remains uncovered as the roof is not retractable.
The stadium is not fully enclosed.
Key Points
- The roof covers the stands but the pitch is open to the sky
- Spectators and fans are under the roof but players are not
- The fixed roof provides shelter but cannot fully enclose the stadium
Our Opinion
In my view as an expert, the open-air design of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium balances spectator comfort with an authentic match-day experience.
Fans stay dry while the players compete in real conditions.
What Spurs Stadium Roof Looks Like
Yes, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has a large, fixed roof that covers the majority of the stands and pitch. The roof has a circumference of 720 metres and is made of aluminium panels clad with extruded polycarbonate on the inside edge. 270 insulated roof cassettes sit on top. The roof provides cover for spectators without compromising the open feel of the stadium.
While the stadium does not have a fully retractable roof like some other venues, its partially fixed roof strikes a balance. The roof covers seating areas to protect fans from the elements while leaving the pitch open to the sky. This delivers an optimal viewer experience and atmosphere.
The roof is a defining feature of the stadium’s sleek, modern design. Its smooth curves and aluminium exterior complement the building’s contemporary aesthetic. At the same time, the roof’s impressive scale reflects the stadium’s world-class status.
In summary, the roof allows Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to deliver on its promise of providing an exceptional matchday experience. With coverage for spectators and openness for the pitch, the roof epitomises the stadium’s benchmark design.
Spurs Stadium Roof Design
The roof at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is an engineering marvel. Its distinctive diagonal grid pattern gives the roof its curved, saddle-like shape. This allows it to efficiently distribute weight and withstand wind loads.
The roof structure consists of a steel frame filled with metal decking. The frame is made up of a series of trusses spanning between two external compression rings. The trusses connect to the compression rings via a series of raking struts that help give the roof its curvature.
The roof stands 45 metres above the pitch at its highest point. Despite its scale, the lightweight materials used in its construction keep the weight down. The roof only weighs roughly 1,000 tonnes in total.
The roof’s partially retractable North Stand is another impressive feat. This section can slide open on industrial rails to reveal the sky above. Opening the roof in this area allows air and natural light onto the pitch when desired.
Ingenious drainage details are integrated into the roof design. The 5-degree pitch and radial gutters quickly drain water away. This protects spectators and prevents ponding.
Overall, the roof at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium showcases remarkable engineering. Its bold form and technical brilliance create an iconic new landmark for North London.
Unique Features of Spurs Stadium Roof
The roof at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has several unique features that set it apart.
One is the eight triangular support frames under the roof. Resembling giant steel trees, these frames prop up the structure and tie it back to the ground. This creative design choice adds visual interest while providing critical support.
The partial retractability of the North Stand roof is also a distinctive feature. The ability to open and close this section gives flexibility. Stadium operators can optimize the environment for different events.
Additionally, the roof integrates innovative acoustic damping systems. Perforated metal decking and sound-absorbing insulation help control noise. This creates a better spectator experience with less echo and reverberation.
The stadium also utilizes a rainwater harvesting system. Water drained from the roof is collected and reused for pitch irrigation. This sustainable system reduces water consumption.
Finally, the boldly exposed steelwork in the roof structure has an architectural quality. The lattice of beams, braces and rings makes a striking visual statement inside the stadium.
In summary, the roof at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has many unique qualities. The designers thought outside the box to create an iconic, high-performing structure.
The Retractable Roof at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
The retractable roof at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is an engineering marvel that provides both form and function.
Spanning 240 metres, the single sliding roof is the longest in Europe. It divides along the halfway line and slides underneath the fixed roof canopy in the South Stand.
Constructed from a network of steel triangles and glazing, the moving roof structure weighs over 2,000 tonnes. Despite its immense size, it can open or close in under 15 minutes.
This operable roof allows the stadium to adapt to different conditions. Closing it keeps out the elements while opening it provides natural ventilation and transforms acoustics.
The North Stand is the only section that opens to the sky. The East and West stands have fixed roofs to contain crowd noise focused towards the pitch.
Controlled by automated systems, the roof’s movements are monitored by anemometers to react to wind. It remains partially open for most matches to enhance the spectator atmosphere.
The result is a multi-functional arena equally well-suited to hosting football, NFL, concerts, and other major events throughout the year.
FAQ
Does Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have a closed roof?
No, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium does not have a fully retractable roof. The roof is fixed in place and only covers the stands, leaving the pitch open to the elements.
Is Tottenham Stadium covered from rain?
Yes, the roof at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium covers the stands and spectators, providing shelter from rain. However, the pitch itself remains uncovered.
Is Spurs stadium under cover?
The stands and spectators at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium are under the cover of the large fixed roof. But the playing surface is outdoors and not covered.
Does Tottenham Stadium have standing?
No, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is an all-seater stadium, so there is no standing room or terraces. All spectators have allocated seats.
Conclusion
In summary, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium does not have a retractable roof like some venues. The fixed roof covers the stands to protect fans, but the pitch remains open to the elements. So, while spectators are under cover, the stadium is not fully enclosed. The open-air design provides an authentic match-day experience.
