New & Redeveloped Stadiums

[Gawain]

(29 Jan 2026)

Construction of Power Court Stadium in Luton officially underway​

Power Court Stadium – foundations of Luton Town’s new home​

Capital Sky, the company responsible for delivering the project, has confirmed the start of piling works at the site of the future Power Court Stadium. This phase involves driving deep foundations into the ground to ensure the stability of the stadium’s structure. According to Capital Sky director Martin Maloney, piling is one of the most critical stages of the entire construction process. Once completed, work will begin on the reinforced concrete superstructure, delivered in phases starting with the North Stand.

Rebuilding the infrastructure beneath Luton Town’s new stadium​

The new stadium is designed to hold around 25,000 spectators. The project is being delivered in stages, allowing for tighter control over costs and scheduling. Construction is expected to last approximately 26 months, with completion targeted for the start of the 2028/29 season.

A major part of the preparatory phase focused on underground infrastructure. The project required the diversion of a main sewer serving around 10,000 homes, as well as alterations to the course of the River Lea. These complex engineering works significantly extended the early stages of the build and added to the technical challenges of the site.
England: Construction of Power Court Stadium in Luton officially underway

 

[rebus]

(29 Jan 2026)

Construction of Power Court Stadium in Luton officially underway​

Power Court Stadium – foundations of Luton Town’s new home​

Capital Sky, the company responsible for delivering the project, has confirmed the start of piling works at the site of the future Power Court Stadium. This phase involves driving deep foundations into the ground to ensure the stability of the stadium’s structure. According to Capital Sky director Martin Maloney, piling is one of the most critical stages of the entire construction process. Once completed, work will begin on the reinforced concrete superstructure, delivered in phases starting with the North Stand.

Rebuilding the infrastructure beneath Luton Town’s new stadium​

The new stadium is designed to hold around 25,000 spectators. The project is being delivered in stages, allowing for tighter control over costs and scheduling. Construction is expected to last approximately 26 months, with completion targeted for the start of the 2028/29 season.

A major part of the preparatory phase focused on underground infrastructure. The project required the diversion of a main sewer serving around 10,000 homes, as well as alterations to the course of the River Lea. These complex engineering works significantly extended the early stages of the build and added to the technical challenges of the site.
England: Construction of Power Court Stadium in Luton officially underway

Kenilworth Road is one ground I definitely won’t miss.

 

[Gawain]

Lazio have announced shiny new plans to renovate the Stadio Flaminio into a 50k capacity stadium on a 99 year lease, at a (projected) cost of €500m+:
Italy: SS Lazio reveals a detailed plan for Stadio Flaminio — with fresh renderings

Presently share the 70k Stadio Olympico with AS Roma, but with that also having an athletics track etc, it's apparently not very good for football - shades of WHU and the London Stadium, perhaps? It's also owned by the Italian Olympic Commission, so it's very possibly that they, not the two football clubs, benefit more from stadium revenues etc.

Certainly Lazio seem to be promoting the financial element of the whole deal - no doubt if they are stumping up the significant renovation costs, they will be reaping the financial benefit from operating it.

P.S. The Flaminio is where the Italian Rugby team played their games until 2011, with the stadium being completely disused and in disrepair since 2012 (was only renovated in 2008!).

 

[SpiderBee]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHwv48Xv6mg

 

[Griffingreen]

Like their NW neighbours, it looks like Sunderland have the right support to move away supporters from pitch side according to this post on instagram.

newsfromthewearside

Sunderland confirm and explain stance on moving away supporters for 2026/27 campaign and beyond

Sunderland have confirmed their intention to keep away fans housed in the North Stand Upper for the foreseeable future.

Travelling supporters have been situated in the upper tier of the Stadium of Light for a number of years, but Premier League rules require at least part of the away section to be pitch side. However, exceptions can be made and Sunderland have confirmed their intention to apply for an extended exemption beyond this season.

At a recent meeting of the club’s supporter collective, key members of the club hierarchy met with representatives of various fan groups and confirmed their intention to secure an exemption based on safety grounds. Key to their case will be the risk of supporters crossing over as they arrive and leave the ground. Club figures said the decision was ‘fully supported’ by the club’s safety advisory group.

The minutes from the meeting read: “The Club commissioned an independent assessor to provide expert advice on the appropriate positioning of away supporters within the stadium. Following this assessment, the club has submitted a formal proposal to the Premier League requesting dispensation to retain away fans in their current location on safety grounds.

“Any relocation would materially increase the risk of supporter crossover in the external footprint of the stadium, particularly during ingress and egress, thereby heightening safety and security concerns. This position is fully supported by the Sunderland Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which has reviewed the proposal and concurs with the club’s assessment.”

 

[Banana]

Like their NW neighbours, it looks like Sunderland have the right support to move away supporters from pitch side according to this post on instagram.

newsfromthewearside

Sunderland confirm and explain stance on moving away supporters for 2026/27 campaign and beyond

Sunderland have confirmed their intention to keep away fans housed in the North Stand Upper for the foreseeable future.

Travelling supporters have been situated in the upper tier of the Stadium of Light for a number of years, but Premier League rules require at least part of the away section to be pitch side. However, exceptions can be made and Sunderland have confirmed their intention to apply for an extended exemption beyond this season.

At a recent meeting of the club’s supporter collective, key members of the club hierarchy met with representatives of various fan groups and confirmed their intention to secure an exemption based on safety grounds. Key to their case will be the risk of supporters crossing over as they arrive and leave the ground. Club figures said the decision was ‘fully supported’ by the club’s safety advisory group.

The minutes from the meeting read: “The Club commissioned an independent assessor to provide expert advice on the appropriate positioning of away supporters within the stadium. Following this assessment, the club has submitted a formal proposal to the Premier League requesting dispensation to retain away fans in their current location on safety grounds.

“Any relocation would materially increase the risk of supporter crossover in the external footprint of the stadium, particularly during ingress and egress, thereby heightening safety and security concerns. This position is fully supported by the Sunderland Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which has reviewed the proposal and concurs with the club’s assessment.”

Anything Newcastle can do. Sunderland have to do too

 

[Griffingreen]

Wow! no one's corrected me for saying NW when obviously I meant NE

 

[Gawain]

Wow! no one's corrected me for saying NW when obviously I meant NE

Actually Newcastle is to the North West of Sunderland

 

[Griffingreen]

Actually Newcastle is to the North West of Sunderland

Interesting, but not relevant to my initial post

 

[Brentford_till_die]

Newcastle United plan major regeneration project alongside new stadium

Exclusive: Club will finance new ground but will lobby for public investment in ambitious scheme to modernise entire city

www.telegraph.co.uk

 

[Brentford_till_die]

Imps Territory | Enhancing fan experience at the LNER Stadium | Lincoln City Football Club

City will further enhance the supporter experience at the LNER Stadium with a series of improvements implemented ahead of the 2026/27 season.

www.weareimps.com

A new event and hospitality space will be built behind the existing Rilmac Stand. On matchdays this will create a huge covered area for supporters, with a large bar to increase service options and speed.

The first floor will provide corporate, conference and banqueting hospitality options, with the existing executive boxes replaced with new outdoor seating. This will also increase the capacity of the stadium.

 

[rebus]

Imps Territory | Enhancing fan experience at the LNER Stadium | Lincoln City Football Club

City will further enhance the supporter experience at the LNER Stadium with a series of improvements implemented ahead of the 2026/27 season.

www.weareimps.com

A new event and hospitality space will be built behind the existing Rilmac Stand. On matchdays this will create a huge covered area for supporters, with a large bar to increase service options and speed.

The first floor will provide corporate, conference and banqueting hospitality options, with the existing executive boxes replaced with new outdoor seating. This will also increase the capacity of the stadium.

View attachment 64251

Another club moving ahead of us in terms of facilities for GA fans.

 

[Gawain]

Another club moving ahead of us in terms of facilities for GA fans.

True enough. Is there room anywhere at the GTech for similar, or even close nearby? (Unsure)

 

[rebus]

True enough. Is there room anywhere at the GTech for similar, or even close nearby? (Unsure)

They need to look at it, as the West Stand is no better than the old Braemar Road forecourt except for a load of toilets. Can someone explain to me why the TVs are on mute all the time as well?

 

[Gawain]

They need to look at it, as the West Stand is no better than the old Braemar Road forecourt except for a load of toilets.

If you mean the interior (i.e. once inside the turnstiles) I agree it's a bit grim. Then again, there may be H&S restrictions on what they can add to it, seeing as it needs to be kept clear in case there's an emergency evacuation etc?

While that Lincoln fanzone is outside the stadium; I can't see how there could ever be space for something similar outside the West Stand, at least in addition to the necessary use for queueing, access and passing foot traffic etc. And while I'm not too familiar with the other three stands I'm pretty sure the same applies outside those as well.

Shame.

 

[Romt2]

True enough. Is there room anywhere at the GTech for similar, or even close nearby? (Unsure)

Could the space behind the West Stand be used? Also where the coaches are parked was originally shown as an open courtyard type area, seems like such a wasted space

 

[Bee(h)Iver]

Could the space behind the West Stand be used? Also where the coaches are parked was originally shown as an open courtyard type area, seems like such a wasted space

View attachment 64258

A classic example of an area being designed by architects who have zero understanding of how a space actually works in the real world.
(see also libraries, museums and town centres)

 

[Alex]

Could the space behind the West Stand be used? Also where the coaches are parked was originally shown as an open courtyard type area, seems like such a wasted space

View attachment 64258

I remind them of this on every survey when they ask about how easy entry and exit is.

 

[Bee(h)Iver]

If we looking to have a fanzone then the only place that is currently large enough is the area outside the original superstore.

On the other hand, when the north stand is extended over the railway line you could have a great fanzone in the 27 GWR car park

 

[hanworthbee]

Lazio have announced shiny new plans to renovate the Stadio Flaminio into a 50k capacity stadium on a 99 year lease, at a (projected) cost of €500m+:
Italy: SS Lazio reveals a detailed plan for Stadio Flaminio — with fresh renderings

Presently share the 70k Stadio Olympico with AS Roma, but with that also having an athletics track etc, it's apparently not very good for football - shades of WHU and the London Stadium, perhaps? It's also owned by the Italian Olympic Commission, so it's very possibly that they, not the two football clubs, benefit more from stadium revenues etc.

Certainly Lazio seem to be promoting the financial element of the whole deal - no doubt if they are stumping up the significant renovation costs, they will be reaping the financial benefit from operating it.

P.S. The Flaminio is where the Italian Rugby team played their games until 2011, with the stadium being completely disused and in disrepair since 2012 (was only renovated in 2008!).

They'll never lay a brick before they find a Roman ruin and it's paused. Imo Italy will end up stripped of euro 32 due to the stadium issue and Turkey will host all of it or nearly all of it

 

[hanworthbee]

If we looking to have a fanzone then the only place that is currently large enough is the area outside the original superstore.

On the other hand, when the north stand is extended over the railway line you could have a great fanzone in the 27 GWR car park

Taking a look at our finances we are making similar figures to Norwich and Bristol city when it comes to commercial income. I'd have thought a new stadium in London we should be doing better than that (£20m)

 

[abeeforever]

Another club moving ahead of us in terms of facilities for GA fans.

Unfortunately time and ideas move on, its been nearly 5½ years since the first ball was kicked and unless you have access to the lounges the other 3 sides are now dated and looking a bit tired and grim, I know its a rather snug and tight ground due to location but could not the area on the corner of the west/south stand be converted with a canopy over the open space like the plan shown for the imps ground to give a more communal feel, I understand that we haven't got much wiggle room, but surely architects can come up with something? or would that be against H&S or planning regs etc.

 

[rebus]

Unfortunately time and ideas move on, its been nearly 5½ years since the first ball was kicked and unless you have access to the lounges the other 3 sides are now dated and looking a bit tired and grim, I know its a rather snug and tight ground due to location but could not the area on the corner of the west/south stand be converted with a canopy over the open space like the plan shown for the imps ground to give a more communal feel, I understand that we haven't got much wiggle room, but surely architects can come up with something? or would that be against H&S or planning regs etc.

Agree. They have to come up with something. The crowding in the top tier of the West Stand at half time means fan are put off buying things because the queues are so long.

 

[Garybaldbee]

Unfortunately time and ideas move on, its been nearly 5½ years since the first ball was kicked and unless you have access to the lounges the other 3 sides are now dated and looking a bit tired and grim, I know its a rather snug and tight ground due to location but could not the area on the corner of the west/south stand be converted with a canopy over the open space like the plan shown for the imps ground to give a more communal feel, I understand that we haven't got much wiggle room, but surely architects can come up with something? or would that be against H&S or planning regs etc.

There was a beer stall outside the South Stand on Saturday (by the Dug Out entrance/Ticket Office.) I'd not noticed it before and don't know if its going to be a permanent feature but it does seem to be a recognition that more needs to be provided.

 

[Bee(h)Iver]

Taking a look at our finances we are making similar figures to Norwich and Bristol city when it comes to commercial income. I'd have thought a new stadium in London we should be doing better than that (£20m)

Norwich is a single club city, while Bristol has only 2 giving them proportionately a larger catchment that we have given we compete against 2.5 other clubs in West London alone.
Both have been far more established in the top 2 divisions than we have, and had more exposure to TV audiences.
They also have bigger stadiums and higher average attendances - approx 30% more for Bristol City and nearly 50% more for Norwich, despite average performances for a few seasons now.
Maybe someone has a chart showing commecial growth/decline over the last 5-10 seasons which I suspect would show that we are in a healthier state.

 

[badgerbee]

There was a beer stall outside the South Stand on Saturday (by the Dug Out entrance/Ticket Office.) I'd not noticed it before and don't know if its going to be a permanent feature but it does seem to be a recognition that more needs to be provided.

That was just a London Pride promotions stall.
For one game only.

 

[hanworthbee]

Norwich is a single club city, while Bristol has only 2 giving them proportionately a larger catchment that we have given we compete against 2.5 other clubs in West London alone.
Both have been far more established in the top 2 divisions than we have, and had more exposure to TV audiences.
They also have bigger stadiums and higher average attendances - approx 30% more for Bristol City and nearly 50% more for Norwich, despite average performances for a few seasons now.
Maybe someone has a chart showing commecial growth/decline over the last 5-10 seasons which I suspect would show that we are in a healthier state.

This is just commercial though not ticket sales or anything like that

 

[Alex]

They need to look at it, as the West Stand is no better than the old Braemar Road forecourt except for a load of toilets. Can someone explain to me why the TVs are on mute all the time as well?

SE corner is not much better than that either really. It’s still a toss up between a beer or a wee as you’re missing the second half kick off of you want both and are on your own. The queuing in there is a nightmare one each for the kiosks, hot drinks, toilets and bar/food.

 

[badgerbee]

Agree. They have to come up with something. The crowding in the top tier of the West Stand at half time means fan are put off buying things because the queues are so long.

Totally agree.
But not sure how an "external fan zone" type of affair would address this?

 

[Bee(h)Iver]

This is just commercial though not ticket sales or anything like that

More bods in the stadium = more beer and pie sales.
Plus they’ll sell more shirts and merchandise through the shop and online

 

[jlove]

That was just a London Pride promotions stall.
For one game only.

It would be interesting to know what permissions were granted for this and by whom… (My son did the circuit through it a few times.)

 

[Brentford_till_die]

If you mean the interior (i.e. once inside the turnstiles) I agree it's a bit grim. Then again, there may be H&S restrictions on what they can add to it, seeing as it needs to be kept clear in case there's an emergency evacuation etc?

While that Lincoln fanzone is outside the stadium; I can't see how there could ever be space for something similar outside the West Stand, at least in addition to the necessary use for queueing, access and passing foot traffic etc. And while I'm not too familiar with the other three stands I'm pretty sure the same applies outside those as well.

Shame.

London Irish had 'fan zones' outside the stadium.








See the first 20 seconds:


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=Yit-w0yS90c&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fgriffinpark.org%2F&source_ve_path=MzY4NDIsMjg2NjY

 

[Brentford_till_die]

SE corner is not much better than that either really. It’s still a toss up between a beer or a wee as you’re missing the second half kick off of you want both and are on your own. The queuing in there is a nightmare one each for the kiosks, hot drinks, toilets and bar/food.

In the North, N124, the men's toilets are next to the gangway to get to your seat, so the queue for the toilet is across / in front of that so bit of a battle trying to get through. it's not much different from New Road in that sense.

The rest of it is fine, no where near as congested as New Road was.

The yellow arrow shows the queue for the toilets, blue arrow shows the way to the stairs / seats.

 

[jlove]

London Irish had 'fan zones' outside the stadium.

… which didn’t appear to have a Lawful Development Certificate. The Duffy Car Park is owned by Kew Bridge Gate Developments LLP, who had planning permission approved for a car park to serve the Duffy residential phase, so permission to use it and any amendment to the planning permission will need to come from them.

 

[rebus]

… which didn’t appear to have a Lawful Development Certificate. The Duffy Car Park is owned by Kew Bridge Gate Developments LLP, who had planning permission approved for a car park to serve the Duffy residential phase, so permission to use it and any amendment to the planning permission will need to come from them.

Which is fine but the club need to up their game on this.

 

[Romt2]

In the North, N124, the men's toilets are next to the gangway to get to your seat, so the queue for the toilet is across / in front of that so bit of a battle trying to get through. it's not much different from New Road in that sense.

The rest of it is fine, no where near as congested as New Road was.

The yellow arrow shows the queue for the toilets, blue arrow shows the way to the stairs / seats.

View attachment 64282

The top of the east is the same, the toilets are beyond the bar where everyone is queuing at half time so you have to fight your way through to get to the loo

 

[ruislip bee]

The top of the east is the same, the toilets are beyond the bar where everyone is queuing at half time so you have to fight your way through to get to the loo

Thee loos nearest the away fans in the North Stand at N122 are crazy. The hand dryers are the wrong side of the sinks. So if you wash your hands you have to turn back into the people coming out of the urinals if you want to use the dryers. An incredibly bad design fault! Not sure if other loos in the stadium are the same as this is the only one I use.

 

[nick logan]

Thee loos nearest the away fans in the North Stand at N122 are crazy. The hand dryers are the wrong side of the sinks. So if you wash your hands you have to turn back into the people coming out of the urinals if you want to use the dryers. An incredibly bad design fault! Not sure if other loos in the stadium are the same as this is the only one I use.

Same in dug out

 

[jlove]

Thee loos nearest the away fans in the North Stand at N122 are crazy. The hand dryers are the wrong side of the sinks. So if you wash your hands you have to turn back into the people coming out of the urinals if you want to use the dryers. An incredibly bad design fault! Not sure if other loos in the stadium are the same as this is the only one I use.

I was once told by a Lady (with a real title) that a true gentleman washes his hands before going to the lavatory!

 

[Alex]

Thee loos nearest the away fans in the North Stand at N122 are crazy. The hand dryers are the wrong side of the sinks. So if you wash your hands you have to turn back into the people coming out of the urinals if you want to use the dryers. An incredibly bad design fault! Not sure if other loos in the stadium are the same as this is the only one I use.

SE corner not so bad at least the layout is logical as long as people follow the in and out properly, biggest trouble but it’s common outside of the stadium too, 20+ options to dispose of waste, three options to wash hands and only two dry, one of which you almost need to kneel down to use.

 

[Brentford_till_die]

Thee loos nearest the away fans in the North Stand at N122 are crazy. The hand dryers are the wrong side of the sinks. So if you wash your hands you have to turn back into the people coming out of the urinals if you want to use the dryers. An incredibly bad design fault! Not sure if other loos in the stadium are the same as this is the only one I use.

Not like that in N124

 

[longtimeagobee]

Thee loos nearest the away fans in the North Stand at N122 are crazy. The hand dryers are the wrong side of the sinks. So if you wash your hands you have to turn back into the people coming out of the urinals if you want to use the dryers. An incredibly bad design fault! Not sure if other loos in the stadium are the same as this is the only one I use.

Same in west stand upper next to north.

 

[Gawain]

https://www.afcb.co.uk/news/2026/february/23/club-confirm-stadium-plans-for-2026-off--season/

At the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, and subject to the relevant permissions, the current South Stand will be demolished, with the following construction sequencing set to take place:

• The new 3,000-seater lower tier of the South Stand will be constructed
• The South-East and North-West corners will be infilled
• Turnstiles for all stands will be relocated to the new perimeter, creating a larger outer concourse
• A newly built and relocated ticket office will become operational at the new perimeter
• Internal refurbishment of both the East and West Stands will be completed, including the introduction of three new hospitality spaces
• Overall stadium capacity will increase by over 1,500 seats
• Updated media seating and enhanced broadcast facilities will be incorporated within the West Stand

Supporters will continue to see construction of the South Stand upper tier throughout the 2026/27 season.

The remaining corner infills, and extensions to the North and East stand will begin during the close season in 2027, resulting in a capacity of approximately 20,200.

Meanwhile, it seems they've upset 600 of their ST Holders, who are being told that w.e.f. next season, they'll have to move to accommodate Corporate bods

 

[longtimeagobee]

https://www.afcb.co.uk/news/2026/february/23/club-confirm-stadium-plans-for-2026-off--season/

At the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, and subject to the relevant permissions, the current South Stand will be demolished, with the following construction sequencing set to take place:

• The new 3,000-seater lower tier of the South Stand will be constructed
• The South-East and North-West corners will be infilled
• Turnstiles for all stands will be relocated to the new perimeter, creating a larger outer concourse
• A newly built and relocated ticket office will become operational at the new perimeter
• Internal refurbishment of both the East and West Stands will be completed, including the introduction of three new hospitality spaces
• Overall stadium capacity will increase by over 1,500 seats
• Updated media seating and enhanced broadcast facilities will be incorporated within the West Stand

Supporters will continue to see construction of the South Stand upper tier throughout the 2026/27 season.

The remaining corner infills, and extensions to the North and East stand will begin during the close season in 2027, resulting in a capacity of approximately 20,200.

Meanwhile, it seems they've upset 600 of their ST Holders, who are being told that w.e.f. next season, they'll have to move to accommodate Corporate bods

They must be hoping their local council planning department get their fingers out

“While the planning application for the full works is still at the consultation phase, it will go to planning committee for approval in early May 2026.”

 

[Hullbee]

A classic example of an area being designed by architects who have zero understanding of how a space actually works in the real world.
(see also libraries, museums and town centres)

That’s when the client must include the end users in the design phase of any development and also remind the architects they are the hired help not gods gifts to drawing boxes (AI can’t take hold of this profession soon enough for me)

 

[Hullbee]

They must be hoping their local council planning department get their fingers out

“While the planning application for the full works is still at the consultation phase, it will go to planning committee for approval in early May 2026.”

They will no doubt be putting pressure on politically to get a substandard rushed application over the line. Leading to more planner bashing

 

[Brentford_till_die]

https://www.bromleyfc.co.uk/news/2026/february/26/presenting-the-george-wakeling-stand/

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XfPvs-SM_Y

 

[TW3Bee]

Here seems to be as good as place as any, to put this.
Quite interesting for any Bees fans that have been to one or both.


View: https://youtu.be/bW6Ks6DBcZs?si=knOv1h8qR4iLqcWj

 

[jlove]

Quite interesting for any Bees fans that have been to one or both.

There was a time we seemed to play Chesterfield every season, so done them both. Sean Dyche in defence, Kevin Davies in attack.

ISTR it was our first match one season and we travelled with optimism…

 

[Chorlton Bee]

There was a time we seemed to play Chesterfield every season, so done them both. Sean Dyche in defence, Kevin Davies in attack.

ISTR it was our first match one season and we travelled with optimism…

First game of the season after ‘the great escape’, we took loads more than usual as you say because of Mad Dog optimism, got beat 3-0

Steve Blatherwick is who I always associate with them, beast of a centre half