Wembley Stadium have announced a series of extra security measures in place this weekend when Coventry City and Manchester United compete for a place in the FA Cup Final.
The measures form part of the stadium’s preparations for this year’s UEFA Champions League Final, which takes place at Wembley Stadium on 1 June.
Among some of the changes fans can expect to see in place are additional ticket checks. Fans will need to show their tickets to stewards on arrival at the stadium footprint, and again when entering the stadium.
Security lanes and extra signage will also be in operation to direct the flow of people and ensure they enter the stadium via the correct zone.
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The changes are part of wider safety and security improvements carried out across the stadium in recent months to improve the overall visitor experience at Wembley.
Stadium Director Chris Bryant said: “Hosting a major event such as the UEFA Champions League Final involves a great deal of planning and change to our traditional match-day operations.
“We have been trialling many of the changes at events over the last 12 months. Now, as we approach the busy end of the football season, we will be putting in place the final pieces of the plan.
“The enhancements will improve the safety and enjoyment for everyone visiting Wembley Stadium.”
Brent Borough Council will also be conducting extra patrols to enforce the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) which exists around Wembley Stadium.
The PSPO prohibits any street drinking, ticket touting and the use of pyrotechnic equipment around the stadium on event days. Anyone caught contravening the order could face an on-the-spot fine of up to £100.
Councillor Harbi Farah, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities and Public Realm, said: “We are very excited to be hosting the FA Cup semi-finals this weekend ahead of the biggest club game in world football this summer.
“Since the introduction of the PSPO we have seen a huge improvement, with less anti-social behaviour on match days. So, I am glad we continue to support Wembley Stadium events with increased powers so that we are set for some fantastic days ahead for everyone in our borough and across the world.”
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Coventry City continue to make new history under the management of Mark Robins who has guided the club to their first FA Cup semi-final since winning the famous competition in 1987, in what is still regarded as the Sky Blues’ finest hour.
Having beaten Wolverhampton Wanderers some 37 years later in the quarter-finals, City now face the mighty Manchester United in the last four at Wembley on Sunday, April 21 – only the second time the club have ever reached that stage.
To celebrate and mark the achievement, the Coventry Telegraph has produced a bumper 40-page souvenir publication, packed with exclusive interviews with Mark Robins and his trusty assistant and head coach Adi Viveash, as well as a look back at the 1987 road to Wembley.
Hear how former Man United striker Robins feels about pitting his managerial wits against the club he still supports and has much affection for from his playing days, and how City’s esteemed coach Viveash helped plot Wolves’ downfall, and his fascinating take on how to beat top end Premier League opponents for a second time. He’ll be talking tactics, attention to detail, mind games and, of course, one of the biggest ingredients for success – belief!
