The Blues are back in the national stadium this Sunday, playing a fixture that throws up many memories for some. For those old enough to recall 1970 and all that or for fans going to their first Chelsea versus Leeds United match at Wembley, we have this FA Cup semi-final guide to help you make the most of the day.
Below are details of a pre-match fan-participation flag display, a fanzone and pub list, the entrance procedure, and we start with advice for your journey…
Travel advice – London Marathon warning
Please note, Sunday is London Marathon day and the capital city’s rail and tube network is expected to be busy. As a result, it is recommended Chelsea fans allow extra time for your journey to the stadium.
Wembley Stadium benefits from easy access to three rail/London Underground stations. These are:
Wembley Stadium station
Wembley Central station
Wembley Park station
Supporters are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance to avoid disappointment or delay to their travel. All those travelling by rail should plan to arrive at Wembley stations no later than one hour prior to kick-off, to allow sufficient time to walk to and enter the stadium.
Post-match, fans are asked to leave the ground promptly and avoid opting for the last train of the day. Please allow for longer journey times from Wembley Stadium to major London transport hubs due to crowd safety controls for safe station access.
Please check the National Rail Enquiries and TfL websites to plan your travel in advance and to be notified of real-time travel information and status updates on match day.
Entering the stadium
The game kicks-off at 3pm and general admission to the stadium will be available from 1pm. Doors for hospitality will open one hour earlier at 12 noon.
Please make sure you arrive at the stadium in good time to assist with security protocols. Additional safety and security measures will be in place, with full details below. Children (14 years and under) must be accompanied by an adult. Children under the age of two will not be permitted into the stadium. Please refer to your ticket for your turnstile colour zone. The quickest route to your turnstile entry point is by following the signage for the colour zone. Please ensure you enter via the correct turnstile.
The stadium provides a range of services for those with specialist access requirements including a shuttle service from Wembley Park Station. More access information can be found here
Anyone without a ticket should not travel to the game.
Wembley will have multiple ticket checks and security searches in place on the day, so fans are encouraged to arrive at the stadium 60 to 90 minutes before kick-off to allow enough time to assist with the security protocols.
Search dogs with handlers will be patrolling around the stadium to identify and apprehend anyone with illegal or prohibited items, including pyrotechnics and banned substances.
Fan mosaic
Blues supporters are encouraged to be in your seats 30 minutes before kick-off to hear from a club legend and enjoy the build-up to kick-off.
Supporters in the lower tier will take part in forming a mosaic flag display in the Chelsea end, in collaboration with fan groups, celebrating our iconic FA Cup win against Leeds in 1970. You will find flags on the seats so as both teams walk out of the tunnel, please wave the flag at head height. Keep waving it throughout the player line-up, until kick-off.
To create the best atmosphere before the match begins, we encourage everyone to take part.
Fan zone and designated pubs
Both teams will have dedicated fan zone areas where supporters have the chance to join fellow fans to enjoy a drink, including alcohol, food and a DJ. They are an ideal place to soak up the pre-match party atmosphere.
The Chelsea Fan Zone will be located on the east side of the stadium concourse (East Village - shown on the map below) and will be open from 11am. Alcohol will be served until 2pm and it closes 30 minutes later.
There is a list of pubs and bars in the Wembley area designated for ticket holders in the Chelsea section (east side) to enjoy a pre-match drink or meal (please book early to avoid disappointment):
Venue | Address | Phone number |
|---|---|---|
The Blue Check | 12 -13 Empire Way, Wembley, HA9 0RQ | |
Wembley Tavern | 121 Wembley Park Dr, Wembley Park, HA9 8HG | |
Stadium Sports Bar | 125 Wembley Park Dr, Wembley Park, HA9 8HQ | |
The Torch | 1-5 Bridge Rd, Wembley Park, HA9 9AB | |
Crock of Gold | 23 Bridge Road, Wembley, HA9 9AB | |
Black Sheep | 2 Olympic Way, HA9 0GU | |
Feed The Yak | 51 Olympic Way, HA9 0EG |
No-street-drinking zone
There is a no-street-drinking zone on Olympic Way and the areas surrounding area Wembley Stadium. Fans drinking in this zone will be asked to hand over their alcohol and enforcement action may be considered.
Restricted bag policy
Wembley Stadium operates a restricted bag policy. Each person can only bring one small bag into the stadium, and it must not be bigger than A4 size:
height – 297mm (11.7 inches) - width – 210mm (8.27 inches) - depth – 210mm (8.27 inches)
Please note, this applies to the overall bag size. Bags that are half-full and folded over to reduce their size will not be accepted. Anyone carrying bags that do not meet the criteria above will not be allowed into the stadium.
NOTE: If you are bringing a bag to the game there is a bag drop facility available outside the Ibis Hotel (South Way). Please note there is a charge for this service and you should allow additional time to drop off and pick up your bag before and after the game.
Get ready for the semi-final!
Make sure you are kitted out for our trip to Wembley Stadium by taking advantage of up to 30% off 25/26 kit, using the code: BLUES