If you live in London you have no doubt seen the arch that has become a distinct part of our skyline. Very few of us will ever get the chance to don the three lions and play in front of a 90,000 capacity packed crowd, but with the aptly long 90 minute
behind- the-scenes Wembley tour you can get as close to the glory as possible - without ever running a sprint.
The behind-the-scenes tour allows you complete access to places you would struggle to get into with an armed guard on a match day and short of actually running out on the pitch and slotting a goal you have the run of the stadium. The players changing room and warm up areas are a nice way to start before you head down an
atmospherically charged tunnel, just like the players do before the kick-off.
After that you get a chance to check out the dugouts you climb the 107 steps to the Royal Box where you can get your hands on a replica trophy of the FA cup. There is also access to the VIP reception area, press conference room and post-match interview area. The experience is all encompassing of the things you see on a typical match day at the stadium.
While the new Wembley stadium is just over two years old and hasn't got the history of its predecessor, namely the 50 years of hurt, the new stadium is a visual feast. Sure the cost was £798 million, which makes it the most expensive stadium ever built. There were severe delays with the building and issues that seemed would last forever but that, much like our national teams dire attempts to qualify for the Euro 2008 campaign, is now routed safely in the past.
If you love the game the Wembley tour is a must and it is a real experience that actually lives up to its clichéd tag line "beneath the arch, behind the scenes, beyond your dreams." Short of actually getting a chance to play for England this is as good as it gets. Before heading down make sure that it isn't a match day or that there isn't a major event taking place by calling 0844 800 2755 otherwise tours run Mon - Sun from 10am - 4pm.
