Tottenham Hotspurs confirm readiness to play in their new stadium

Tottenham have confirmed that either Brighton or Crystal Palace will play the first game at their new stadium.

Spurs have been forced to play the entirety of last season and most of the current campaign at Wembley Stadium after moving out from White Hart Lane.

Mauricio Pochettino’s men had been desperate to play their Champions League quarter-final clash at their new ground but UEFA weren’t keen for it to be the debut game.So Spurs have named three dates where they could cut the ribbon on the new ground.

Brighton are currently pencilled in to raise the curtain on April 6 or 7. But if they beat Millwall next Sunday, they would instead be involved in an FA Cup semi-final that weekend.

In that case, Crystal Palace have agreed to play their rearranged game on April 3 – otherwise it will be played on April 23/24.

Before those fixtures, the club will hold two test events at the ground – an under 18 match against Southampton, which will have a 30,000 capacity, and a 45,000 capacity legends game.

A Tottenham statement said: “We are delighted to now be able to announce details for our two Test Event matches at our new stadium.

“In order to achieve a formal safety certificate for fixtures to be held at the new stadium, we are required to hold two Test Event matches with increasing levels of attendances.

“The two matches we have scheduled will provide an exciting opportunity to see the new stadium, support our lads in the Academy, watch our Legends take to the pitch and familiarise yourself with your matchday route. We shall also use these Test Events as an opportunity to thank our neighbours and local groups.

“In respect of our opening game, this is subject to both a safety certificate and the outcome of Brighton & Hove Albion’s FA Cup match on Sunday 17 March.

“We have held discussions with the Premier League and UEFA. The following has been agreed with the Premier League, Brighton and Crystal Palace to ensure that our first game is a Premier League match prior to a UEFA Champions League quarter-final match:

“If Brighton win their FA Cup quarter-final match on Sunday 17th March we shall play Crystal Palace on Wednesday 3rd April and Brighton on 23rd/24th April.

“If Brighton lose their FA Cup quarter-final match on Sunday 17th March we shall play Brighton on 6th/7th April (subject to Champions League scheduling) and Crystal Palace on 23rd/24th April.

“We should like to thank Brighton and Crystal Palace for their support with the rescheduling arrangements.”

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