Changes are coming to Elland Road as Leeds United announced on Monday that they’ll increase stadium capacity as part of their upgrade plans. The BBC’s Adam Pope added more details regarding the modifications that are coming.
Leeds recently shared their plans for Elland Road, now that they have control of the stadium. Here’s what the club announced on Monday regarding their vision:
- They aim to modernize the stadium and increase its capacity from 37,645 to around 53,000 seats.
- There will be a significant boost in general admission seating, positioning Elland Road as the seventh-largest club stadium in the country.
- A key focus of the architectural design will be to maintain and enhance the unique atmosphere that fans cherish.
- Construction will start out in phases to minimize the loss of seating capacity during the project.
- The goal is to upgrade Elland Road to UEFA Category 4 status, which would place it among the elite European stadiums.
- An expert team has been assembled, blending global stadium experience with local expertise, to create artist’s impressions and prepare the planning submission.
Paraag Marathe, Chairman of Leeds United Football Club and President of 49ers Enterprises shared his enthusiasm for the club’s future and the new stadium, which he believes will be one of the best in England.
Adam Pope adds more details on Elland Road upgrades
Pope noted that while the stadium will soon undergo significant changes, the club will do so while maintaining the atmosphere that makes Elland Road a unique venue and a hostile one for opponents.
“I think one of the key things is that they’re trying to do it with a special acoustics firm to maintain the special atmosphere that Elland Road has,” Pope said. “I think the other thing, too, is when you read what the Council have had to say on the back of Pairag Marite, the chairman, is that it’s going to tie in eventually with road links and rail links.
“A white road station has been mentioned. You know, better facilities coming in from the city straight into the new revamped Elland Road. The big question is when.”
“They’re trying to do it with a special acoustics firm to maintain the atmosphere.” 🔊
Leeds United plan to raise Elland Road's capacity to 53,000. 🏟️
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Leeds’ new majority owners, 49ers Enterprise, have recent experience with stadium projects after successfully opening Levi’s Stadium for their NFL team, the San Francisco 49ers. Seeing how this project plays out for the club will be interesting.
