There’s been much cause for celebration here at the Amsterdam Hotel in Earls Court as of late, with our hometown team, Chelsea FC not only storming to glory in the Premier League, but also going head-to-head with London rivals Arsenal in a thrilling FA Cup final at the end of May.

Yet just because the season is over, that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of opportunities for Blues fans to get their Chelsea fix over the summer.

For the past several years, one of the most popular local attractions among our guests has been the fascinating Stamford Bridge tour, a chance to go behind-the-scenes of one of the world’s most successful football clubs.

Planning to do a little research before you take the tour for yourself? Here’s five fascinating facts you never knew about this iconic stadium.

1: Fulham FC Once Turned Down the Chance to make Stamford Bridge Their Home

Today, Stamford Bridge and Chelsea FC are intrinsically linked in the hearts and minds of football fans throughout the world, and it’s practically impossible to imagine one without the other.

Yet it could have all been so very different.

The venue had originally been home to the London Athletics Club, but when it was bought by brothers Gus and Joseph Mears in 1896, the two had big dreams of turning it into Britain’s most illustrious football stadium.

To do that, Gus originally tried to persuade local club Fulham F.C to take up residence there and make use of the new football pitch that had been installed.

The club declined, but if they had taken Mears up on his offer, the landscape of British football that we know today would be completely different.

2: Chelsea FC Only Existed to Fill Stamford Bridge

Had they accepted, Fulham would not be known today as The Cottagers (a nickname derived from their home stadium, Craven Cottage), but that’s perhaps the least significant thing that would be different today, especially when compared to the idea that Chelsea Football Club would not actually exist.

After failing to get Fullham as tenants, Gus Mears was all set to sell Stamford Bridge to the rail companies before being persuaded to form his very own football club.

Thus, Chelsea FC was born, and since it’s given us the opportunity to meet so many passionate fans here at the Amsterdam Hotel near Stamford Bridge, we’re very glad it was.

3: Some of the Biggest Names in American Sport Once Played Here

That Stamford Bridge has hosted other sports besides football isn’t much of a secret.

Along with FA Cup Finals and Chelsea home games, the Stadium has seen its fair share of cricket, rugby union, and even greyhound racing. But did you know that two of the biggest names in American Baseball also once graced the hallowed turf?

Back in 1914, the New York Giants took on the Chicago White Sox as part of Baseball’s Grand World tour, a series of international dates,the success of which has never been equalled since.

4: One of the First Football Movies Was Filmed Here

Given the worldwide success of Chelsea Football Club, it comes as little surprise to us when film and television crews come to stay with us at our Earls Court hotel whilst making a movie or documentary about the club and its home ground.

Yet long before the days when football films were in abundance, one of the very first was shot on location at various stadiums, including Stamford Bridge.

Released in 1945, The Great Game saw several then-current Chelsea players make cameo appearances.

For those of you wondering, the film received mostly positive views, and enjoys a solid 6+ rating on IMDB.

5: The Man Who Designed Stamford Bridge Was Also Responsible For Many Major UK Stadiums

Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, Manchester’s world renowned Old Trafford, and fellow London venues White Hart Lane  and Craven Cottage, all have plenty in common with Stamford Bridge, not least of which being the fact that they’re home to the crem de la crem of English football.

Yet what few fans know, is that all of these iconic venues and many more besides (including Everton’s Goodison Park, Villa Park in Birmingham and Arsenal’s first London ground) were originally the brainchild of one man; a Scottish architect named Archibald Leitch.

Today, many of Leitch’s original designs have been demolished, but his unique architectural style still influences moderns stadiums to this day, and plays a big role into the look and feel of Chelsea’s home ground even today.

Discover More About The History of Stamford Bridge with the Amsterdam Hotel, Earls Court

For more fascinating Chelsea facts, why not take a tour of the stadium the next time you stay with us here at our hotel near Stamford Bridge.

Stadium tours can be booked online at: http://www.chelseafc.com/the-club/stadium-tours-and-museum.html

Meanwhile, our affordable, luxury accommodation can be booked directly online, or by calling 020 7370 5084.