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West Ham to increase Olympic Stadium capacity by 6,000 to 60,000

West Ham have announced that they will increase the seating capacity of their new home, the Olympic Stadium, to 60,000 in time for the start of next season.

Slaven Bilic's side have surpassed expectations and are currently sitting in fifth place in the Premier League standings, with European football in sight.

Season ticket demands have exceeded the seats available, and it has prompted the Hammers to rework their numbers with stadium partners, to maximise the seating capacity for the 2016-17 season.

"Today's announcement is further evidence of the upward trajectory of this club," West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady said on West Ham's official site.

"We are on course for what could be our most successful Premier League performance ever and our ambitions to finish in the top six and break into Europe are very much within reach.

"West Ham fans are famous the world over for their wonderful support. They have demonstrated this once again at matches this season and in the way that they have embraced the move to the new ground.

"We are delighted to be able to reward that magnificent support by releasing additional season tickets and bring even more visitors to the park to enjoy all that it has to offer.

"The 2016-17 season looks bright for the team, the club and our fans. Not only will we have one of the world's greatest new stadiums, but now it will be one of the very largest in the world's most-watched league -- a stadium with both the quality and the capacity to match our ambitions."

With the increase in number of seats, the 60,000 capacity puts West Ham on par with Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, and behind Manchester United's Old Trafford ground which holds more than 75,000 fans for each game.