Leeds United Football Club has announced plans to enhance Elland Road Stadium with the aim of increasing its capacity and achieving UEFA Category 4 status.
This year saw the ownership of Elland Road transfer back to the club. The Whites now have total control of the stadium for the first time since 2004 and have announced some ambitious plans.
The club’s exciting project hopes to increase Elland Road’s capacity from just under 34,000 seats to 53,000.
The near-20,000 seat enhancement, along with other improved facilities, will help bring Elland Road up to elite European standards, and put Leeds United on a par with Everton, who have just unveiled Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium following an £800 million construction project.
The announcement follows Leeds City Council’s willingness to consider moving a local public park to make room for the potential expansion.
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Leeds United’s new stadium plans shared
Leeds United have committed £10 million to the project, pre-approval, and if granted, would make further investments.
The project, which is being managed by several major firms, will bring a host of changes to one of England’s most iconic football grounds.
- Improve stadium capacity from 37,645 to approximately 53,000 seats.
- Increase general admission seating (could make Elland Road the seventh largest club stadium England).
- Bespoke architectural design to maintain and further enhance supporter atmosphere.
- Staggered construction plans to minimise loss of seating capacity during project.
- Bring Elland Road up to UEFA Category 4 standards.
- Assemble expert team to deliver artistic concepts during planning submissions.
Genuinely exciting plans for a club currently in the Championship and a clear indication of the board’s long-term ambitions.
What the Leeds United owners have said
Along with success on the pitch, Leeds United’s owners, including Chairman and President of 49ers Enterprises, Paraag Marathe, are hopeful the stadium plans, if approved, will positively impact the wider Leeds community.
“We recognise how important Elland Road is to the Leeds United fans and the wider community,” he told the Leeds United website. “The opportunity to refresh a century-old stadium, coupled with the legacy of Leeds United, is unprecedented.
“Our plans reinforce our commitment to the long-term success of the club and I am excited that we are going to be able to welcome thousands more supporters to every game, in a stadium that retains the unique atmosphere of Elland Road. We look forward to sharing our plans with supporters and the local community for their input.”
There are also plans to find a new training ground away from Thorp Arch.
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