London Stadium targeting major change to hosting sports events amid £19m yearly losses

London Stadium chiefs are planning another significant change to the venue's operating model as they look to reduce mounting financial losses.

The proposals would allow more concerts and entertainment events to be staged without affecting West Ham United's home fixtures.

Sports events held at West Ham's London Stadium could be reduced

According to the Evening Standard, London Stadium bosses are seeking planning permission to reduce the number of sports events the venue can host each year in order to make room for more concerts and other major entertainment events.

Under the proposals submitted to Newham Council, the annual cap on sports events would fall from 87 to 70, while the number of permitted concert days would increase from 10 to 24.

The stadium's operators insist the changes will have no impact on West Ham fixtures, noting the club could never realistically play anywhere close to 70 home matches in a season.

Instead, the reduction would mainly affect the number of additional sporting events such as athletics, international football and baseball that could be staged.

The move comes after London Stadium chair Lyn Garner revealed the venue continues to lose around £19 million per year, with the Hammers' relegation to the Championship significantly reducing the rent paid under the club's lease agreement.

As part of the same application, stadium bosses are also seeking permission to apply a 75-decibel noise limit to all concerts, arguing the current restrictions leave London Stadium at a competitive disadvantage compared to venues such as Wembley Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Council planning officers have already concluded the proposed changes do not require a full environmental impact assessment, with a formal planning application expected later this month.

FGG says: London Stadium's business model is continuing to evolve

The proposals underline the ongoing challenge of making London Stadium financially sustainable.

Given the scale of the annual losses, it is easy to understand why chiefs are looking to maximise the venue's non-football revenue.

The key will be striking the right balance between commercial success, sporting use and the impact on local residents as the venue continues to evolve.

Importantly for football supporters, West Ham's home fixtures would remain unaffected.

Instead, the changes are aimed at making better use of the stadium throughout the year while allowing it to compete with other major UK venues for high-profile concerts and events.