Tottenham have confirmed that following two test event matches at their new stadium, their first official competitive game will be against either Brighton or Crystal Palace in the first week of April.
The opening of the stadium has been the subject of several setbacks this season, but after Spurs' Champions League triumph over Dortmund this week, manager Mauricio Pochettino revealed his hope that the club could play there for the quarter-finals of the competition.
New Stadium: Test Event Matches and Opening Game Update #SpursNewStadium ⚪️ #COYS
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) 8 March 2019
Now, according to a statement posted on the club's official website, two 'test' fixtures will be held in order to achieve a formal safety certificate; these will be Spurs Under-18s' tie against Southampton on 24 March, and a special legends match on 30 March.
Following the two games and successful application for the safety certificate, the club's first competitive game at the new stadium is dependent on Brighton's FA Cup match, currently scheduled for 17 March.
The statement reveals that after discussions with both the Premier League and UEFA, it has been agreed that the club's first game is a league fixture rather than a Champions League quarter-final tie.
MD-1 focus. #COYS ⚪️ #PL pic.twitter.com/EfQZNSJzhJ
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) 8 March 2019
As such, if Brighton win their FA Cup quarter-final match, Pochettino's side will play Crystal Palace on Wednesday 3rd April and Brighton on 23rd/24th April.
However, if the Seagulls were to lose in the cup, then Spurs will play Brighton on 6th/7th April (subject to Champions League scheduling) and Crystal Palace on 23rd/24th April.
Speaking after the announcement of the two test matches, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said: "We are delighted that we shall be able to welcome our supporters to the stadium and our players of the past and the future to take to the pitch on what will be momentous occasions for our Club.
"Thank you all once again. Your support has been much appreciated during a challenging but exciting time."
Source : 90min