West Stand & Benches

In 1964–65, a seated West Stand & benches were built to replace the existing terracing on the west side. Most of the West Stand consisted of rising ranks of wooden tip up seats on iron frames. But seating at the very front was on concrete forms known as “the Benches”. The old West Stand was demolished in 1997 and replaced by the current West Stand. It has three tiers, in addition to a row of executive boxes that stretches the length of the stand.

The lower tier was built on schedule and opened in 1998. However, difficulties with planning permission meant that the stand was not fully completed until 2001. Construction of the stand almost caused another financial crisis, which would have seen the club fall into administration. But for the intervention of Roman Abramovich. In borrowing £70m from Eurobonds to finance the project, Ken Bates put Chelsea into a perilous financial position, primarily because of the repayment terms.

Now complete, the stand is the main external ‘face’ of the stadium, being the first thing fans see when entering the primary gate on Fulham Road. The Main Entrance is flanked by the Spackman and Speedie hospitality entrances, named after former Chelsea players Nigel Spackman and David Speedie. The stand also features the largest concourse area in the stadium, it is also known as the ‘Great Hall’ and is used for many functions at Stamford Bridge, including the Chelsea Player of the Year ceremony.

Often you’d hear a chant from the Shed to the benches. #Benches, do your job, Benches Benches do your job. Which actually meant, start attacking the nearest away supporters.

Wikipedia