https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/...aying-at-new-stadium-until-february-w6btb5tzw
Test event delays may stop Spurs playing at new stadium until February
exclusive
Matt Hughes, Deputy Football Correspondent
December 10 2018, 5:00pm, The Times
Spurs are having difficulty staging the test events needed in order to gain a safety certificateJOHN WALTON/PA WIRE
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Tottenham Hotspur face a further delay to the opening of their new stadium because of difficulties staging test events over Christmas. The club must hold several events to gain a safety certificate and are preparing to welcome 6,000 fans selected by ballot for a tour of the ground on Sunday but are struggling to fit in larger events in time to meet the preferred opening date of the Premier League game against Manchester United on January 13.
Tottenham had scheduled test events for successive Sundays on December 30 and January 6 but the first date is proving problematic because of a shortage of staff and police resources in the build-up to the new year. The London derby between Crystal Palace and Chelsea taking place that day is already stretching Metropolitan Police and it is understood that Tottenham have altered their plans.
The Times has seen photographs from the club’s operations room at the new stadium, including a seven-week daily planner detailing the work that needs to be done by contractors starting on November 26 and leading to the proposed opening date of January 13. That is now being revised.
Tottenham are making good progress after numerous setbacks but the inability to open against United could result in the opening being put back to the following month.
The club’s next Premier League home game after United is not until the visit of Watford on January 30. However, because that is a Wednesday night on the eve of transfer deadline day, it is hardly the ideal date for such an occasion, so the opening could be put back farther. Tottenham are at home to Saudi Sportswashing Machine on the following Saturday, February 2.
The club have not publicly confirmed their plans for home matches beyond the Wolverhampton Wanderers game at Wembley on December 29 and they are expected to issue an update later this week. Being drawn away to Tranmere Rovers or Southport in the FA Cup third round has helped them, although a home fourth-round tie on the weekend of January 26 and 27 could present another dilemma.