Leeds United set to enlarge Elland Road capacity with plans in place to redevelop it into a 53,000-seater stadium.
Leeds United have begun plans to begin the modernisation of their home stadium, Elland Road.
The Yorkshire-based club wants to increase the capacity of their stadium from the current 37,645 to 53,000 spectators.
Leeds aim to make it a state-of-the-art stadium that will be one of the finest stadiums in European football. If completed, it will be the 7th-largest ground in England.
While the atmosphere of Elland Road is one of legend, the stadium has grown a weary and tired look as the years have gone by.
Paraag Marathe, the Leeds chairman and president of the club’s owners, the San Francisco-based 49ers Enterprises said. “We recognise how important Elland Road is to Leeds United fans and the wider community. The opportunity to refresh a century-old stadium is unprecedented.
“Our plans reinforce our commitment to the long-term success of the club. 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.”
Furthermore, the 49ers enterprises, Leeds United’s owners, have substantial area of expertise to this field. The 68,500-seater Levi’s stadium which is home to the NFL side San Fransisco 49ers is a case in point.
The main objective to remodel the stadium is to get the UEFA elite certification for the stadium. It will ensure the stadium is larger than Newcastle’s St James’ Park, and somewhere on the same footing as Man City’s Etihad Stadium.
Councillor James Lewis, the leader of Leeds city council, said. “This investment can also be a catalyst for wider regeneration plans of south Leeds, which represents an opportunity of national significance.”
Leeds has been residing at Elland Road since 1919. This year saw the club reclaim possession of the property for the first time in 20 years. This allowed Leeds to start making measures to reduce the 26,000 season ticket waiting list. For the last six years, every home game has been a sellout.
To preserve the atmosphere of the site, 49er Enterprises has employed acoustic consultants. However, no timeline has been disclosed for what was described as a “phased project.”