Stadium Industry Update - 3 September 2024
Juventus wins Most Valuable Fied award, Liverpool breaks attendance record and opens new lounge, Dundee FC unveils video tour of their future stadium, EURO 2024 delivers €7.44 Billion economic impact across Germany and much more in our latest stadium industry updates!
Juventus FC wins Most Valuable Field Award
The Allianz Stadium, the home of Juventus FC, has been awarded the prestigious Most Valuable Field Stagione Sportiva Award for the 2023-24 season. This recognition comes after a thorough evaluation process, with votes cast by the visiting team's captain, the match director, the event’s TV production director, and the LNPA’s agronomic technicians.
Securing the top spot, Allianz Stadium edged out the Gewiss Stadium, home of Atalanta Bergamo, which claimed second place this year after winning the award last season. This accolade highlights Allianz Stadium’s commitment to maintaining a world-class playing surface, setting a new standard in the league.
Learn more about the field awards in other leagues in our dedicated article: https://essma.eu/news/article/stadium-industry-update-europes-best-pitches.
Liverpool breaks attendance record and opens new lounge
During the match between Liverpool and Brentford, Liverpool FC set a new attendance record thanks to the newly installed section of seats in the lower Anfield Road End. The total attendance during the match was 60,107. Attendance numbers have incrementally increased over the last year as the new stand continued to develop and work in the off-season has added more seats inside the ground. That includes the back of the lower Anfield Road End where the away supporters are housed, a section that was empty for the duration of 2023/24.
The previous record league attendance was last set in April of 60,090. The official capacity is 61,276, as was revealed in the updated Premier League handbook for 2024/25. It means the ground will remain fractionally short of the highest-ever attendance recorded at Anfield, which came all the way back in 1952 before all-seater stadiums were introduced in English football. On February 2, 1952, a crowd of 61,905 supporters attended an FA Cup fourth-round tie between Liverpool and Wolves. In the Premier League, only Old Trafford (74,310), the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (62,850) and the London Stadium (62,850) can host more fans than Anfield.
During the against Brentford, Liverpool FC also unveiled a new lounge at Anfield in collaboration with Japan Airlines, the club’s official airline partner. This launch marks a significant milestone in their multi-year partnership, which was announced in June 2024. The Japan Airlines Lounge, located in the Main Stand, offers a unique blend of Japanese hospitality and the excitement of English football, providing a vibrant space for fans to enjoy during Liverpool’s home games.
Dundee FC unveils video tour of their future stadium
Dundee FC has released a striking three-minute flythrough video and new images showcasing their ambitious plans for a new 12,500-seat stadium. Designed by Holmes Miller Architects, the proposed venue aims to serve as a versatile facility for football matches, concerts, and other major events.
The stadium is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring low-energy LED floodlights and screens, photovoltaic panels, natural ventilation, fully recyclable seating, and a green roof to enhance biodiversity. Additional amenities will include safe standing areas, a beer hall, and high-resolution video screens.
A decision from Dundee City Council on the planning application is anticipated later this year. The overall project will also include a 140-room lifestyle hotel, a carbon-neutral residential development, a city crematorium, and possible expansions to the existing Dundee ICE Arena.
UEFA EURO 2024 delivers €7.44 Billion economic impact across Germany
Nielsen Sports' study reveals UEFA EURO 2024 generated a significant €7.44bn economic impact on Germany and its ten host cities. This boost primarily results from spending by 2.7m ticket holders—44% international—along with organiser and accredited personnel expenditures and the indirect economic effects.
Key statistics include:
Attendance: 2.7m spectators, including 1.7 million unique ticket holders.
Visitor Origin: 23% from host cities, 33% from other German regions and 44% from abroad.
Visitor Experience: 97% of international visitors plan to return and 79% would recommend the host city.
Public Sentiment: 78% of ticket holders rated the event positively; 85% of local residents felt proud to host the tournament, with 73% noting its positive impact on community cohesion.
The event also generated €571m in advertising value and saw 6.2m fans visiting 18 fan zones across Germany. The global TV audience reached 5.4bn.
UEFA and the DFB invested €32m in sustainability, with a full ESG report due in October 2024. UEFA will redistribute €935m through the HatTrick programme, award €331m in prize money, and provide €240m to domestic clubs. In Germany, ongoing infrastructural benefits and €7m in sustainability support will aid 190 amateur clubs and 21 regional associations.
New attendance record in view for boxing at Wembley
Wembley Stadium has been granted permission to increase its capacity by 6,000, raising the total to 96,000 for the highly anticipated boxing match between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois on September 21. This expansion comes after general admission tickets sold out last week, leaving only platinum and hospitality options available.
Should most of the additional 6,000 tickets be sold, the event will set a new attendance record for boxing in the UK. The current record stands at 94,000, set during the 2021 match between Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte, also held at Wembley. Anthony Joshua, who is seeking to secure his third world championship title, is expected to draw a record-breaking crowd as fans flock to witness this monumental bout.
Athens approves construction permit for new Panathinaikos stadium
The long-awaited Panathinaikos stadium project has finally gained momentum as the City of Athens has officially granted a construction permit. Mayor Haris Doukas celebrated the decision, calling it a "historic day" for both Panathinaikos and the city. This new 40,000-seat stadium will serve as the cornerstone of a comprehensive urban redevelopment plan in the Votanikos district, which also includes a park, entertainment venues, and retail spaces designed to revitalize the area.
The approval of the construction permit marks a significant milestone for the project, which has faced years of delays. However, Panathinaikos officials stress that several crucial phases remain before the stadium’s anticipated 2026 opening. The club is confident that the relevant stakeholders will continue their efforts to ensure the project stays on track.
A key aspect of the development is the demolition of the historic Leoforos Alexandras ground, Panathinaikos’ home since 1922. The demolition permit has already been issued, clearing the way for the new stadium to be built. This transition represents the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the club.
The project is further bolstered by a €115m funding package approved by the Ministry of the Interior in June. With this financial backing, the new stadium is set to become the most modern in Greece.
Minnesota United Unveils New AR Experience for Pregame Celebrations
Minnesota United FC has taken fan engagement to the next level by launching an innovative in-stadium augmented reality (AR) experience in collaboration with ARound. This cutting-edge initiative marks the first time stadium AR technology has been integrated into an MLS pregame celebration, setting a new benchmark for immersive fan experiences at Allianz Field.
Debuting on August 24, 2024, and continuing throughout the season, the AR experience introduces a thrilling new tradition for Minnesota United supporters: "Loons Liftoff." This interactive experience invites fans to engage in a community-driven game where they can hit virtual targets, collect points, and work together to summon "The Dethloon," a nod to the club's vibrant fan culture and its iconic mascot.
Adding an extra layer of excitement, participants can scan a QR code for a chance to win a Target gift card, making the experience not only immersive but also rewarding. With this pioneering AR integration, Minnesota United FC is redefining how fans connect with the game, creating unforgettable moments that blend technology, tradition, and team spirit.