London Stadium seeks 24 concert days a year to cut £19m losses

London Stadium, owned by the Greater London Authority, plans to submit a planning application to Newham Council this month to increase its annual concert capacity from 10 to 24 days. The proposal would reduce the number of sport events from 87 to 70, though all West Ham United matches would remain unaffected.

The stadium currently loses approximately £19 million a year, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. A spokesperson for London Stadium said the rent paid by West Ham United does not cover its running costs. The proposed changes aim to generate additional revenue through more concerts and other non-sporting events.

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No impact on West Ham fixtures

A London Stadium spokesperson confirmed that the reduction in sport event days would not affect West Ham United’s fixtures. The club is entitled to play its matches under its concession agreement, which ensures its schedule remains unchanged.

The spokesperson said: "There is no impact on West Ham matches or their capacity (62,500). West Ham are entitled to play matches at the stadium as per the concession agreement, under which there is no circumstance they could play 70 matches a year."

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The remaining sport event days, after West Ham matches, would be used for athletics, baseball, and international friendlies. Typically, the stadium hosts two to three such events a year, though this could rise to around 20 if a major athletics championship is held.

Noise limits to match rival venues

London Stadium also plans to seek a change to its noise limits for concerts. Currently, noise is capped at 75 decibels for six events and 65 decibels for four events, measured one metre from the façade of nearby sensitive buildings.

The stadium wants to raise the limit to 75 decibels for all 24 concert days. A spokesperson said this would allow it to compete with Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which have more lenient noise restrictions.

Newham Council planning officers advised on 31 July that an environmental impact assessment would not be required for the proposed changes. The application is expected to be submitted later this month.

Financial pressures drive changes

London Stadium chair Lyn Garner told the London Assembly last month that the venue’s accounts for the 2025/26 financial year would likely show a £19 million operating loss. She described the year as "particularly bad", with only two summer concerts held.

Garner also noted that West Ham United’s relegation to the Championship would reduce its annual rent from £4.6 million to less than half that amount. The stadium’s losses have remained around £19 million for several years, according to her statements.

What happens next

London Stadium LLP intends to submit its planning application to Newham Council this month. If approved, the changes would allow up to 24 concert days and 70 sport event days per year, with revised noise limits for concerts.

Residents and stakeholders will have the opportunity to comment on the application once it is published by Newham Council. The council’s planning committee will then consider the proposal, though no date for a decision has been set.