Leeds United announce next steps in Elland Road stadium expansion

Leeds United Football Club has announced the next steps in the plan to reimagine and enhance Elland Road Stadium, home of the Whites since 1919. Earlier this year, the ownership of the stadium was transferred back to Leeds United, giving the club full control of the ground for the first time since 2004, with plans now in the works for its long-term future.

Leeds United is a one-club city, a rarity in European football and demand for tickets consistently outpaces the currently available supply. Elland Road in its current form has sold out for every match over the last six years and there are 26,000 supporters on the waiting list for season tickets. The revitalisation will focus on increasing capacity to the North and West Stands and will be delivered in phases to maintain as much seating as possible during construction.

The Club, along with owners 49ers Enterprises, have brought in specialist acoustic consultants to ensure Elland Road’s unique atmosphere is retained. A local transport consultant has been commissioned to help plan access routes and manage traffic flows during construction. Critically, the club and the professional team will also be looking closely at matchday travel plans to ensure an improvement in the experience for both residents and supporters arriving at the ground.

Paraag Marathe, Chairman of Leeds United Football Club and President of 49ers Enterprises, said:

“We recognise how important Elland Road is to the Leeds United fans and the wider community. 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.”

Leeds United’s owners, 49ers Enterprises, have a wealth of experience having built the famous Levi’s® Stadium, one of the premier sports and entertainment venues in the world, whilst members of the club’s board are renowned for overseeing successful major real estate projects across the globe.

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The revitalisation of Elland Road Stadium will see 49ers Enterprises bring their expertise from the US, in overseeing a UK-based project team which includes stadium-specialist architects KSS, structural engineers Buro Happold and management team at RISE, whose leadership team managed the delivery of some of the most successful mixed-use projects in the UK.

Design proposals

KSS has unveiled the proposed visuals to enhance Leeds United Elland Road Stadium, increasing the capacity from 37,645 to up to c.53,000.

The KSS design proposals include revitalising the West and North Stands. The upgrades will enhance the Elland Road experience and facilities for all fans, helping to address the overwhelming demand for season tickets, which have a waiting list of 26,000.

The architectural design seamlessly blends the timeless traditions of a 4-stand stadium with a modern, sophisticated aesthetic. This evolution of Elland Road enhances its iconic atmosphere while subtly showcasing its impressive scale and volumes. The result is a stadium that exudes understated elegance and contemporary charm, inviting fans to experience the magic of football in a setting that feels both familiar and inspiring.

Key ambitions:

• Modernise and improve stadium capacity from 37,645 to c.53,000 seats
• Significant increase to general admission seating, which at present would make Elland Road the seventh largest club stadium in the country
• A core architectural design objective is to maintain and enhance the unique atmosphere
• Phased approach to construction to minimise loss of seating capacity during the project
• Bring Elland Road in line with UEFA Category 4 status, to be amongst the elite in European stadia
• Expert team, combining global stadium experience with local specialist knowledge, assembled to deliver artist’s impressions and planning submission

The next stage is for Leeds City councillors to discuss the ‘pre-application’ on Thursday, May 8.

Sources & imagery: KSS

Leeds United Football Club announces next steps in plan to enhance Elland Road Stadium – Leeds United

New images of Leeds United stadium transformation unveiled – BBC News

Leeds United reveal what redeveloped Elland Road could look like | Football News | Sky Sports

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