When the 49ers took over Leeds United a few years back, their vision was clear. They wanted to take the club back to the glory days, while establishing them as a global brand.
Off the pitch, Leeds have brought on board so many partners and brands to boost their profile.
On the pitch, the project was kickstarted with the appointment of Daniel Farke. The Leeds boss has since won promotion and the club are in their second season in the top flight.
Huge investment has gone into transfers, bringing in Calvert-Lewin, James Trafford and Tarik Muharemovic.
Leeds United issue fresh statement on £1bn development
Elland Road South Stand. Credit: IMAGO
A major project for the 49ers is the expansion of Elland Road, part of their plan to take the club’s valuation to £1bn. After planning and securing permission from the relevant authorities, work has already started.
The plan is to expand the seating, with work on the stadium to upgrade it to UEFA category IV. On Wednesday, Leeds United issued an update on their development plans, including the installation of rail seating within the South Stand at Elland Road
A part of the statement read: ”Leeds United are pleased to announce work has started on the installation of rail seating within the South Stand at Elland Road.
A trial phase of rail seating began in March 2022, and following this, in 2024 it was expanded across all of the North Stand upper tier and within parts of the away section.
Following advice from the Sports Grounds Safety Authority, the club is now installing further rail seats in all sections of the South Stand.”
🏟️ Leeds United are pleased to announce work has started on the installation of rail seating within the South Stand at Elland Road.
A trial phase of rail seating began in March 2022 and following this, in 2024 it was expanded across all of the North Stand upper tier and within parts of the away section.
Following advice from the Sports Grounds Safety Authority, the club is now installing further rail seats in all sections of the South Stand.
The South Stand upper tier, along with areas FA1 and FA6 in the South Stand lower tier will be completed in time for our forthcoming home Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday 7 November 2026.
The remaining seats not completed in the South Stand lower tier are due to be completed for the following home match against Coventry City on Saturday 28 November 2026.
Whilst maintaining the need for seating throughout games, the rails will allow fans to stand comfortably during ‘key moments’ such as goals and offer a safer experience for supporters.
Supporters are assured that rails will not impact your line of vision, nor will it in any way restrict access to your seat.
The design is to enable fans to stand safely at key moments in the game, then revert to using your seat at other times.
All ticket holders are reminded that Elland Road is an all-seater stadium, and supporters must only use their allocated seat, keeping all aisles clear.
— Leeds United (@LUFC) October 28, 2026
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What fans should know about the latest Elland Road update
Leeds United have issued a lengthy statement about a project set to begin in the coming weeks. The key points are spelt out, with the main aim being the installation of rail seating.
This will allow fans to stand safely during games.
Seats will be installed in the South Stand upper tier, along with areas FA1 and FA6 in the South Stand lower tier. This will be done in time for the home game against Spurs on November 7th.
The remaining seats in the South Stand lower tier will be completed ahead of the Coventry City game on Saturday 28 November 2026.
