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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport

New Tottenham Stadium test events: Dates, tickets and details as ground opens to public

The news Tottenham fans have been waiting for since last summer has finally arrived as Spurs have confirmed a move-in date for their new home.

After almost two full seasons at Wembley and a string of delays, Spurs are finally returning to N17 for the 2018-19 season run-in.

The opening match at the new stadium will be either against Crystal Palace on April 3 or against Brighton on the weekend of April 6 and 7.

However, before a single ball is kicked in the Premier League, the 62,062-seater home will have to pass two test events.

Here's everything you need to know about the new Tottenham stadium test events...

(Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

Why are there test events?

The club statement reads: "In order to achieve a formal safety certificate for fixtures to be held at the new stadium, we are required to hold two Test Event matches with increasing levels of attendances.

"The two matches we have scheduled will provide an exciting opportunity to see the new stadium, support our lads in the academy, watch our legends take to the pitch and familiarise yourself with your matchday route.

"We shall also use these test events as an opportunity to thank our neighbours and local groups."

One key aspect of the stadium which must be given the all-clear is the safety systems, which has a big reason why the stadium has been so severely delayed. Only then will the Premier League and Uefa sign the stadium off for use in top-level domestic and European competition.

(Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

What are the test events?

Tottenham Under-18s will have the honour of playing being the first team to host a game in the new stadium as Southampton U18s visit on Sunday, March 24. Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm.

The club hope to host around 30,000 in the stands and host a selection of guests in the various hospitality areas.

A club legends game will come the following weekend on Saturday, March 30 at 5.30pm. The capacity will be upped to around 45,000 as general admission and all premium areas will be open and tested.

The original legends game, tentatively scheduled for last August before being cancelled, was to be played against a Bayern Munich team and Standard Sport understands Inter Milan are being lined up as the new opponents.

How do I apply for and buy tickets?

Priority access for both events will be given to season-ticket holders and executive members, before One Hotspur + and One Hotspur members and then to general sale. To read more about being a One Hotspur member, click here.

The U18s match will cost £5 for adults and £1 for those over 65 years old and under 18 years old. The Legends match will cost £10 for adults and £5 for seniors and juniors. All profit from ticket sales will go to the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation.

(Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

When will the first Premier League game be?

It comes down to how Brighton get on against Millwall in the FA Cup quarter-final on March 17.

If Brighton win, and reach the FA Cup semi-finals, Spurs will play Crystal Palace on Wednesday, April 3 at the new stadium.

If Brighton lose, they will be the first Premier League opponents at Spurs' new stadium on either Saturday, April 6 or Sunday, April 7. The exact date depends on Tottenham's Champions League quarter-final first-leg game, played the following midweek.

When will the first Champions League game be?

Tottenham have confirmed they will host Champions League football at their new stadium this season, finally fulfilling the promise made no public almost 12 months ago.

A 4-0 aggregate win over Borussia Dortmund in the last-16 stage means Tottenham are into the quarter-finals for the first time in eight years.

They will now play over two legs for a place in the semi-finals, the first leg will be hosted on either April 9 or 10 or April 16 or 17. The draw is made on March 15, so the home leg will be confirmed then.

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