Stadium Industry Update - 24 September 2024
Sporting CP presents 10-year strategic plan, Atalanta hosts first match at fully renovated Gewiss Stadium, PSG launches exclusive hotel suite at Parc des Princes, Everton and Friedkin Group strike takeover deal and much more in our latest stadium industry updates!
Sporting CP presents 10-year strategic plan
Sporting CP has announced an ambitious overhaul of the Estádio José Alvalade as part of its 10-year strategic plan, "Future is Coming". Vice-President André Bernardo revealed that a tender for stadium remodelling will be launched in the coming years, aiming to make the venue an "international reference" while doubling the club's revenue. The redesigned stadium will feature five distinct zones, emerald, diamond, platinum, gold and silver, to simplify the ticket purchasing process for fans. Additionally, Sporting intends to reacquire Alvaláxia, a commercial space next to the stadium, to create an entertainment hub that will boost revenue on match days and house a new club museum.
In the short term, Sporting plans to close the ‘moat’ between the stands and the pitch before the 2025-26 season, adding 2,000 seats. The club also aims to enhance the matchday experience with new premium seating options.
PSG launches exclusive hotel suite at Parc des Princes
Paris Saint-Germain has introduced ‘La Suite Novotel by ALL.com’ at Parc des Princes, offering fans a unique matchday experience in collaboration with Novotel and ALL. Situated at the top of the stands, the suite features a bed, bathroom, minibar and large-screen TV, with an optional child’s bed for families. Guests will be welcomed at Novotel Paris Suresnes Longchamp and transported to the stadium via the players’ tunnel.
Inside the suite, fans can enjoy a private balcony, a gourmet buffet during the match, and bar. The experience concludes with breakfast and a stadium tour the following morning. This offering enhances existing premium experiences at the stadium, including VIP boxes and touchline seats.
Atalanta hosts first match at fully renovated Gewiss Stadium
The multi-year project at Gewiss Stadium included the construction of the new Curva Nord, along with the reconstruction of the Curva Sud Morosini, the away fans sector and the Distinti Sud. Additionally, the Pisani and Rinascimento stands underwent significant redevelopment.
With these improvements, the stadium's capacity has now increased to 24,000. Enhancements also include a new square outside the venue, an underground car park and extensive urban development. Reconstruction of the stadium began on 6 May 2019.
Everton and Friedkin Group strike takeover deal
Everton’s financial uncertainty surrounding the development of its new stadium may soon come to an end, following the club's announcement of a takeover agreement with The Friedkin Group (TFG). Blue Heaven Holdings and TFG have confirmed terms for the sale of Blue Heaven’s 94% stake in Everton, pending regulatory approvals from the Premier League, the Football Association and the Financial Conduct Authority.
Everton's external debt has climbed to around €720m, with €240m owed to TFG. The club began construction on its 52,888-seat stadium in August 2021, with completion expected later this year and a move into the new venue planned ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Preußen Münster unveils bold stadium revamp
SC Preußen Münster, German 2. Bundesliga club, has unveiled plans for a major redevelopment of its Preußenstadion, expanding its current capacity from 14,300 to 19,000 and transforming it into a “pure football stadium”. The revamped east stand will seat over 8,700 home fans and feature a unique access point from below pitch level. The west stand will add nearly 870 seats and 1,140 standing spaces for away fans, while the north stand will include new hospitality areas, 18 private boxes and a stadium terrace.
The stadium will accommodate 190 wheelchair spaces, meeting the 1% legal requirement, and integrate eco-friendly features like photovoltaic systems, a daycare centre and 7,000 bicycle parking spaces. Construction is expected to begin in February 2025 with the construction of the new west stand, the east stand is set for completion by late 2026, the north stand with its corners by late 2027 and full project completion expected by the beginning of 2028.
Crystal Palace unveils groundbreaking headset for fans with sight loss
In a groundbreaking initiative, Crystal Palace has partnered with GiveVision and Shared Access to become the first club in English football to offer enhanced support for fans with sight loss. The innovative headset operates on a private 5G network, delivering live footage directly to users in real time. This state-of-the-art system provides an immersive, high-definition stereoscopic feed to the functioning areas of the user’s retina, enhancing remaining vision and allowing fans to closely follow the action in intricate detail. The service will be available to both home supporters and visiting fans, ensuring an inclusive matchday experience for all.
Luton Town unveils plans for new 25,000-seat Stadium
Luton Town has officially submitted a detailed planning application for a 25,000-capacity stadium at Power Court. The submission, made with development partner 2020 Developments, represents a major milestone in the club’s efforts to secure a modern, long-term home. In addition to the stadium, the plans include provisions for a hotel and music venue.
The application, now under review by Luton Borough Council, will be available to the public once validated. This process is expected to take up to two weeks. The stadium will serve as the centrepiece of a 20-acre redevelopment near Luton Railway Station, with the club aiming for a 2027 completion. Luton currently plays at Kenilworth Road, their 10,300-seat stadium, since 1905.