Capacity cut as Aston Villa accelerate stadium plans
Villa Park will operate at reduced capacity next season, under fresh plans which will see redevelopment work on the stadium’s North Stand completed a year ahead of schedule.
Capacity at the stadium will be reduced to around 37,000 spectators while the roof of the stand is removed and an extra 5,000 seats are bolted in, part of plans to expand the venue to hold more than 50,000 fans ahead of the Euro 2028 international football tournament.
Planning permission for the redevelopment of the North Stand, and a smaller scheme of seating additions in the corners of the stadium, was granted by Birmingham City Council last year.
The club planned to carry out the improvements over two years, but said a compressed schedule would allow them to minimise disruption and deliver the project more quickly, as well as making “significant cost savings” on the project.
Current season ticket holders in the North Stand will be offered alternative seats at the same prices, and priority ticketing for the North Stand once it re-opens next year, the club says.
Villa Park will see capacity upgraded to over 50,000 as part of new plans approved by Birmingham City Council. Credit: Arne Müseler / Wiki CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Francesco Calvo, president of business operations at Aston Villa, said: “Temporarily reducing Villa Park’s capacity is not a decision we take lightly. However, it is the right decision and one that we have made with our supporters and the long-term future of the Club at the heart of our thinking.
“By completing the redevelopment in one season, we reduce disruption, improve the Villa Park experience more quickly and ensure we are investing responsibly while remaining compliant with financial regulations.”
Roberto Olabe, President of Football Operations, added: “The redevelopment of the North Stand will deliver vital improvements to our football infrastructure, providing modern facilities that support player performance, medical care and preparation.
“This project reflects our ambition to ensure that Aston Villa has elite-level facilities that match our sporting objectives.”
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