Chelsea play their home matches at Stamford Bridge.
Stamford Bridge is in Fulham, in west London, and has been Chelsea’s home since the club was founded in 1905. Unlike many football clubs that formed before securing a permanent ground, Chelsea were created specifically to occupy Stamford Bridge after businessman Gus Mears acquired the site and sought a football tenant.
The stadium opened in 1877 and was initially used by the London Athletic Club for athletics. It was later redesigned for football, with the famous stadium architect Archibald Leitch involved in its development. Chelsea have played at no other permanent home, giving Stamford Bridge an unusually direct connection to the club’s origin story.
The stadium is often called “the Bridge” by supporters. It is sometimes confused with nearby Fulham’s Craven Cottage, but Fulham play on the opposite side of west London. Stamford Bridge has also hosted events in rugby, cricket, baseball, American football and other sports.