Wembley doors open for first time

AFP
March 17, 2007

LONDON (AFP) - England's new 800-million pound (1.45 billion-dollar) stadium has finally opened its doors to the public for the first time as a precursor to the FA Cup final in May, the BBC reported on Saturday.

About 60,000 Londoners were allowed into the 90,000-capacity national arena in order to test turnstiles and escalators as part of the safety certificate application.

A football session will take place on the pitch and visitors will be asked to collectively flush the stadium toilets.

The ground was due to re-open in August 2005 but a series of hold-ups cancelled music and sports events.

Members of an England fan club have also been invited to Saturday's "community day", which will feature music and dancers from the local area.