Spurs And Hammers On 2012 Stadium Shortlist

It has been revealed that after the game the race to take over the Olympic stadium will be between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United

Under the supervision of the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) the two Premier League football clubs will fight it out after being shortlisted for final negotiations.

Spurs have formed a consortium with entertainment group AEG for their bid, while West Ham have joined up with the London Borough of Newham.

According to the chairman of OPLC, Margaret Ford, the final decision will be made by the next April

"We are very pleased with the extensive and serious interest shown in the stadium," she said.

"We started this process to ensure the very best legacy for the stadium, and we are now at a point where we have selected the two strongest bids.

"The stadium is a vital and vibrant component of the Olympic Park - securing the most appropriate and viable solution is crucial for our long-term aspirations for the future Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park area."

She said the company's aim was to bring in a bidder who would "enhance and build" on the existing plans for the 25,000 seat mixed-use arena.

The OPLC is keen to ensure a legacy for athletics following the 2012 London Olympics.
And while the stadium's running track does not feature in Tottenham's plans, keeping it is central to West Ham's.

The news means a third bidder for the stadium in east London, specialist venue operator International Stadia Group, has either withdrawn from the race or been ruled out by OPLC.