Why are the FA Cup semi-finals played at Wembley Stadium? Explaining England's new tournament tradition

The FA Cup semi-finals have been played at Wembley Stadium since 2008, and this tradition was introduced

as a result of the old Wembley Stadium being demolished and replaced with a new state-of-the-art stadium.

Before the construction of the new Wembley Stadium, the FA Cup semi-finals were played at various neutral venues around the country,

but this often meant that fans of the participating clubs had to travel long distances to attend the games.

With the new Wembley Stadium now being located in a central location in London, it was seen as a suitable and convenient venue for the semi-finals.

Another factor that played a role in this decision was the financial aspect. Wembley Stadium is a modern and impressive venue with a large capacity,

which means that it can accommodate more fans than most other stadiums in the country.

This allows the Football Association to generate more revenue from ticket sales, which can then be reinvested in the sport at various levels.

Additionally, playing the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley Stadium also adds to the prestige of the competition.

The stadium is one of the most iconic in the world of football, and hosting the semi-finals at such a venue creates a special atmosphere and sense of occasion.

In summary, the decision to play the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley Stadium was driven by a combination of practical considerations,

financial considerations, and a desire to enhance the status and prestige of the competition.