Because the Premier League will get larger and greater, so – it appears – do the stadiums that play host to it.
The overwhelming majority of golf equipment within the high flight have both drawn up plans to increase their grounds to service the overwhelming demand or are poised to open gleaming new stands – or, in some instances, open new stadiums altogether.
Right here, our consultants information you thru what every membership has completed to their dwelling floor and what may come subsequent, plus how we rated every stadium in our rankings printed final month.
Arsenal: Emirates Stadium
Present capacity: 60,704
What The Athletic stated: “The Emirates has its critics, however it now delivers the environment, services, accessibility and product any sports activities fan would anticipate from the Premier League.”
The Athletic rating: 4th
When was the final redevelopment work completed? Arsenal haven’t redeveloped Emirates Stadium with reference to dimension since transferring from Highbury in 2006.
The newest work completed was the revamped paintings across the exterior of the stadium in January 2023. The choice to redecorate was made a yr earlier and was dropped at life by consulting with followers earlier than artists and specialists, reminiscent of Reuben Dangoor, Jeremy Deller and David Rudnick, had been commissioned to make the paintings.
Eight panels had been created in complete to show the membership’s worldwide, native and historic influence throughout males’s, girls’s and academy soccer.
What comes subsequent? As issues stand, no redevelopment work is deliberate. Alongside the brand new stadium paintings rolled out earlier this yr, Arsenal unveiled a statue of former supervisor Arsene Wenger exterior the Emirates.
The Frenchman, who managed the membership for 22 years and received three league titles, visited the stadium forward of the brand new season to see the work.
The Emirates has the fifth largest capability within the Premier League, with three of the 4 bigger stadiums (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London Stadium and Anfield) both constructed or redeveloped after that date.
Present capability: 42,530
What The Athletic stated: “A packed-out Villa Park is a particular place to be. When it will get going, there isn’t a place fairly prefer it.”
The Athletic rating: seventh
When was the final redevelopment work completed? Villa Park final underwent main redevelopment within the 2000-01 marketing campaign, constructing an even bigger Trinity Street Stand, which was constructed from scratch. There was an urge for food for additional growth since, with the membership now nearer to the specified redevelopment than they’ve been in over 20 years.
What comes subsequent? So that is the difficult half. The intention is to extend the capability by 8,000, increasing Villa Park to 50,000 by 2027, the season earlier than Euro 2028, for which it’s a host stadium. This includes pulling down the North Stand utterly earlier than wrapping it into the connecting Trinity Street Stand.
Nonetheless, progress has been gradual and new, revised plans are anticipated to be launched earlier than the top of the yr. Inflation has taken maintain since preliminary plans had been drawn up and different issues, reminiscent of the dearth of transport and on-site parking round Villa Park, require additional feasibility research, as do adjustments to the proposed work exterior of Villa Park, reminiscent of a ‘Field Park’-type space named ‘Villa Dwell’.
A stadium rebuild is more likely to want an settlement with Birmingham Metropolis Council and Mayor Andy Avenue over talks concerning the redevelopment of the native prepare station, Witton. It’s going to price the council round £30million and is important in easing the footfall across the stadium and assembly UEFA pointers of getting between 60-80 per cent of supporters attending the European Championship arriving on public transport.
There was no settlement but and, underneath time constraints prone to not adhering to UEFA pointers, there’s a urgent want for plans to be finalised. However there are query marks as as to whether the council will spend the cash on the station when its price range is already stretched.
Jacob Tanswell
Present capability: 11,307
What The Athletic stated: “There’s little discernible character. The assist is welcoming, however every thing feels a bit momentary.”
The Athletic rating: twentieth
When was the final redevelopment work completed? Regardless of beauty touches to the stadium since Invoice Foley’s arrival as proprietor, Bournemouth’s earlier redevelopment was completed in 2013, two years earlier than the membership had been promoted to the Premier League for the primary time, with the Ted MacDougall Stand being unveiled by the person himself. Extremely, Actual Madrid took half in an exhibition match to mark the event.
What comes subsequent? With Foley eager to extend income streams and drive the industrial worth of the membership, Bournemouth are assessing whether or not to redevelop the Vitality Stadium or construct a brand new floor. Presently, they’re taking a look at plans, utilizing knowledge, ticketing data and feasibility research, to scope the correct facet for a stadium which might improve the capability. Beforehand, Foley has outlined his want for a 20,000-seater stadium.
The instant precedence is constructing a brand new coaching floor at Canford Magna, transferring away from the momentary coaching pavilion adjoining to Vitality Stadium. A 3G pitch has been put in and as soon as the advanced is in operation, gamers will transfer there, with the pavilion for use for workplace employees, presumably liberating up house contained in the stadium for hospitality renovation. In that interval, Bournemouth may look to press forward with plans on what subsequent to do with the present stadium.
Jacob Tanswell
Brentford: Gtech Group Stadium
Present capacity: 17,250
What The Athletic stated: “It is likely one of the smallest grounds within the high two divisions, however none of that detracts from its appeal.”
The Athletic rating: eighth
When was the final redevelopment work completed? Brentford solely moved from Griffin Park to their new floor in September 2020. There have been a couple of minor beauty adjustments, with a brand new poster put in on the facet, however the greatest work has been to put in secure standing.
Limitations had been put in on 1,700 seats within the West Stand and had been examined at matches in the course of the Girls’s European Championship final yr earlier than being absolutely rolled out for the 2022-23 season.
What comes subsequent? The Gtech Group Stadium is constructed on a good triangular piece of land, which is sandwiched between a number of railway traces and blocks of flats. Even when Brentford needed to extend the capability sooner or later, the tight restrictions make it unattainable. For now, they’re very happy of their shiny new dwelling, which chief govt Jon Varney calls “small however completely shaped”.
Jay Harris
Brighton & Hove Albion: Amex Stadium
Present capability: 31,876
What The Athletic shelp: “Neat, well-equipped and match for goal, it symbolises the spirit of the membership and its supporters.”
The Athletic rating: sixteenth
When was the final redevelopment work completed? A tunnel membership opened in the beginning of the season, becoming a member of comparable services at Manchester Metropolis and Tottenham.
For a complete price of slightly below £30,000 for no less than three years, members see the gamers within the tunnel by one-way glass in a nice eating restaurant earlier than watching matches in luxurious heated seats above the tunnel within the three-tier west stand.
What comes subsequent? There are not any plans for additional main works contained in the Amex, which opened in 2011. The capability elevated from 22,500 to shut to the present determine a yr later, with the addition of the higher tier to the two-tier east stand.
A significant facelift is within the pipeline on the walkway surrounding the stadium, with plans submitted to Brighton & Hove Council for a coated fan zone, which will probably be out there on non-match days for sports activities screenings, music gigs and different leisure occasions. The undertaking is predicted to open subsequent season.
In the meantime, Brighton are urgent forward with plans to construct a second stadium within the metropolis, designed particularly for ladies’s soccer.
Andy Naylor
Burnley: Turf Moor
Present capability: 21,744
What The Athletic stated: “Burnley is a correct soccer city and it feels prefer it. However whereas all locations get chilly, it could possibly really feel significantly chilly.”
The Athletic rating: seventeenth
When was the final redevelopment work completed? The final addition to the stadium was the 2 nook stands, both facet of the Jimmy McIlroy Stand, constructed to enhance incapacity services and stadium accessibility. They had been opened in 2019.
Since ALK Capital’s arrival, bettering the expertise at Turf Moor has been a key precedence. They’ve added LED digital indicators inside and across the floor and revamped and upgraded the membership’s hospitality areas across the floor.
What comes subsequent? There seem like no imminent plans for any radical adjustments at Turf Moor. The bottom’s place, so near a highway and neighbouring Burnley Cricket Membership’s floor, makes any extension a problem and is arguably not required anyway.
The possession group stays dedicated to persevering with to make minor enhancements and upgrades to the stadium as and when required, as what they inherited wanted modernising.
The membership did not too long ago decide to implementing secure standing in an space of the bottom, as they intention to search out methods to enhance Turf Moor’s environment. These plans are nonetheless within the early phases.
Andy Jones
Chelsea: Stamford Bridge
Present capability: 40,173
What The Athletic stated: “As annually goes by, the bottom exhibits extra indicators of age, however there isn’t a different place Chelsea followers would quite be.”
The Athletic rating: ninth
When was the final redevelopment work completed? The final vital change made was the constructing of a brand new West Stand, which opened in 2001. It seats 13,500 and can also be the place VIP bins, perform halls and suites are housed.
Since Chelsea had been purchased by the Todd Boehly-Clearlake consortium in 2022, some minor adjustments, primarily ornamental, have been made to attempt to enhance the fan expertise.
What comes subsequent? It is a query nonetheless to be answered. The Athletic cowl the present state of affairs in much more depth right here and it’s actually advanced.
Chelsea’s floor now ranks as solely the tenth greatest membership venue in England. From the second the takeover was accomplished, determining whether or not to rebuild or transfer elsewhere has been a precedence.
They spent within the area of £70m-£80m to buy 1.2 acres of land subsequent to Stamford Bridge from Sir Oswald Stoll Mansions, however have but to decide to constructing a brand new floor on website.
Redeveloping Stamford Bridge will imply enjoying at one other venue for as much as 5 years whereas work is carried out. Constructing some place else is an choice and going to the place the previous Earls Court docket Exhibition Centre was once is being thought of.
However final week, the corporate in command of overseeing the redevelopment of the 40-acre website – Earls Court docket Growth Firm – denied {that a} new floor was a part of their plans.
Simon Johnson
Crystal Palace: Selhurst Park
Present capability: 25,486
What The Athletic stated: “The bottom’s soul is among the many greatest within the nation. There’s a group heat that may be laborious to search out at different London golf equipment.”
The Athletic rating: 18th
When was the final redevelopment work completed? Selhurst Park has not undergone main work for many years. Minor enhancements have been undertaken since promotion to the Premier League in 2013 and the Principal Stand had an inner refit, however there have been no substantial adjustments because the Holmesdale Street Finish was transformed from terracing in 1994, whereas a TV gantry required upon promotion has considerably obstructed the view from the again of the Arthur Wait stand, some extent not misplaced on visiting followers.
What comes subsequent? The beginning of constructing work on a brand new 13,500-capacity Principal Stand stand and bettering different areas of the bottom that celebrates its one hundredth anniversary subsequent yr has moved considerably nearer after the relocation of close by residents was accomplished.
The expectation is that work will begin on the finish of the season and doubtlessly open in time for the beginning of the 2026-27 season, however prices have already ballooned to round £150million. It’s anticipated to be funded by a capital name of the membership’s shareholders.
Matt Woosnam
Everton: Goodison Park
Present capability: 39,414
What The Athletic stated: “The Previous Girl could also be a pensioner, however it’s a venerable previous pricey, bursting with historical past.”
The Athletic rating: 14th
When was the final redevelopment work completed? Enhancements are made to Goodison on a reasonably common foundation, though the final stand to endure a significant redevelopment was the Park Finish in 1994. The principle focus for Everton has been growing the brand new website at Bramley-Moore Dock.
What comes subsequent? Everton preserve that the brand new stadium undertaking is each on time and on price range, with work scheduled to be accomplished by the top of 2024.
A move-in date for the stadium – which has been chosen as one of many host venues for Euro 2028 – has but to be finalised, however the membership is liaising with supporters on varied choices, together with a possible opening in the beginning of the 2025-26 season.
Followers are nonetheless ready to listen to how the rest of the undertaking, which is predicted to price round £760million together with ancillary works, will probably be funded, though Miami-based 777 Companions has dedicated to making sure its completion as a part of their takeover settlement with Farhad Moshiri. Final week’s Premier League factors deduction for breaking revenue and sustainability guidelines shouldn’t be anticipated to have an effect on the stadium plans.
Patrick Boyland
Fulham: Craven Cottage
Present capability: 24,500
What The Athletic stated: “The stroll to Craven Cottage units it aside. There isn’t any soccer stadium prefer it.”
The Athletic rating: fifteenth
When was the final redevelopment work completed? The final main work undertaken at Craven Cottage was within the early 2000s when the bottom was remodeled into an all-seater area within the aftermath of their top-flight promotion in 2001. Since then, there have been beauty adjustments across the floor, with small capability will increase. The newest noticed the dressing rooms expanded contained in the Cottage in 2022 to accommodate the additional substitutes required within the Premier League.
What comes subsequent? The redevelopment of the Riverside Stand has been years within the making. It was first mooted earlier than Mohamed Al Fayed offered the membership in 2013, however it has now been realised underneath Shahid Khan. The intention is to convey year-round income streams into Fulham by a four-star lodge, a members membership, a well being membership and eating places, bars and different facilities.
Work started in 2019 and it was initially anticipated to open in 2021. Nonetheless, on account of a spread of points, together with the Covid-19 pandemic and the complexity of constructing on the river itself, the total re-opening has been pushed again thrice. Because it stands, the undertaking is within the fit-out stage, with solely 4,968 spectator seats out there. Hospitality areas will open subsequent yr, with extra seating forward of the 2024-25 season. The lodge and personal members membership might not open till 2025.
As soon as accomplished, the brand new stand will improve Craven Cottage’s capability to 29,600. It has confirmed costly for Khan, with prices over £130million. It’s hoped the services will guarantee Fulham might be run sustainably on the highest stage, in addition to offering a brand new walkway alongside the River Thames. In the long run, Fulham additionally intend to construct a pier on the river. Nonetheless, this stays within the pre-planning phases.
Peter Rutzler
Present capability: 54,074
What The Athletic stated: “You’ll By no means Stroll Alone earlier than kick-off is one in all soccer’s particular experiences. Anfield can take you on a wild journey you might not need to finish.”
The Athletic rating: fifth
When was the final redevelopment work completed? The final main improvement at Anfield was the redevelopment of the Principal Stand, which was accomplished in 2016. The £100million undertaking added an extra 8,500 seats to Anfield, growing the capability to 54,000.
What comes subsequent? Liverpool are within the means of finishing the £80million redevelopment of the Anfield Street stand, which has been hit by delays since work started in September 2021 and won’t be absolutely open till 2024.
The brand new stand will add 7,000 seats to Anfield and improve the capability to 61,000. Preliminary plans had been to have the stand prepared for the beginning of the 2023-24 season, however the membership introduced in July that solely the decrease tier could be open for the primary dwelling sport of the season in opposition to Bournemouth as work continued on the higher tier.
The intention was to have the higher tier open following the September worldwide break. Nonetheless, Buckingham Group, who had been chosen to supervise the development, entered administration in early September. Work on the stand stopped for a interval. It triggered Liverpool to delay the timeframe once more from October 2023 to an unspecified date in 2024.
With tickets already offered for the higher tier, the membership needed to ask followers with tickets elsewhere within the floor to return them to the membership in the event that they weren’t planning on attending.
The method to discover a new contractor was in depth, with Preston-based Rayner Rowen put in and the positioning is now absolutely purposeful once more. The subsequent steps are ongoing as work in direction of completion continues, though the stand shouldn’t be set to be absolutely open till effectively into 2024, in response to a number of individuals contacted by The Athletic. It’s a vital monetary blow, with Liverpool lacking out on further income of roughly £750,000 per match with capability down 11,000.
Andy Jones
Luton City: Kenilworth Street
Present capacity: 11,050
What The Athletic said: “You received’t hear an environment prefer it. The stroll into the away finish by neighbouring terraced housing actually is enjoyable, too.”
The Athletic rating: nineteenth
When was the final redevelopment work completed? Luton City spent round £10million to improve Kenilworth Street forward of the 2023-23 season to convey it as much as Premier League requirements and necessities. The upgrades elevated the stadium’s capability from 10,356 – which might have made it the lowest-ever capability within the Premier League.
The principle physique of renovations centred on renewing the Bobbers Stand, which homes a tv gantry in addition to seats for followers. The primary Premier League dwelling sport in opposition to Burnley needed to be postponed as works had been accomplished.
What comes subsequent? Energy Court docket Stadium. Luton are saying goodbye to their dwelling since 1905 and are hoping to begin works on a brand new website within the metropolis centre subsequent to Luton railway station, which may have an preliminary capability of 19,500. A second section of improvement may see 4,000 seats added.
“The subsequent section now could be an engagement with Luton Council and key stakeholders, such because the Surroundings Company and Historic England, as we take all of them by our detailed design course of,” chief working officer Michael Moran stated in Could 2023. “We’re additionally partaking with contractors as we finalise sure development options, however our goal for completion is 2026, whatever the membership’s league place.”
Manchester Metropolis: Etihad Stadium
Present capability: 53,400
What The Athletic stated: “It’s akin to visiting a soccer theme park, however it could by no means have that closing piece of intangible soul that Maine Street had.”
The Athletic rating: eleventh
When was the final redevelopment work completed? Metropolis unveiled their new-look South Stand in a sport in opposition to Chelsea in August 2015, an event additionally remembered for Eliaquim Mangala’s nice debut. The growth added 6,250 seats to a brand new third tier, one other 1,500 seats across the pitch and further hospitality areas.
What comes subsequent? An much more bold growth that may add 5,000 seats to the North Stand is now full steam forward. In line with the membership’s web site, the plans embrace a “bigger, single higher tier above the present decrease tier”, which can improve the Etihad’s capability to over 60,000.
There may even be a coated fan space with capability for 3,000 individuals in addition to a brand new membership store, museum, workplace areas and a 400-bed lodge. The lodge, which is scheduled to open in 2026, may even serve the brand new 23,500-capacity Co-op Dwell music area, which opens near the stadium in Could.
Constructing on the north stand is scheduled for completion in August 2025.
Sam Lee
Present capability: 74,031
What The Athletic stated: “Components look outdated and the roof is leaking, however the scale of the place is mighty and it comes with a particular environment.”
The Athletic rating: third
When was the final redevelopment work completed? United have invested thousands and thousands of kilos in small enhancements lately, primarily on hospitality areas, disabled services and including safe-standing areas. A paint job was accomplished in 2022 and shortly gave it a a lot smarter look. At Erik ten Hag’s request, the membership constructed a brand new lounge for the membership’s supervisor and his gamers to make use of earlier than matches at Previous Trafford from the start of this season, changing a hospitality space within the Sir Bobby Charlton stand.
What comes subsequent? United introduced in April final yr that that they had appointed architects Populous and administration agency Legends Worldwide as grasp planners and consultants for a revamp of Previous Trafford. A number of totally different choices had been assessed, together with growing Previous Trafford’s capability, constructing a totally new stadium subsequent to the present one, and improvement centred round a brand new principal stand.
These had been introduced at a followers’ advisory board assembly. Main redevelopment work, nonetheless, has remained at a standstill throughout United’s strategic assessment, which began final November. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the British billionaire and proprietor of petrochemicals firm INEOS, is ready to buy a 25 per cent stake in United from the Glazer household.
The Athletic detailed how Ratcliffe is ready to commit $300million (£245m) of his private wealth for infrastructure upgrades at Manchester United.
Dan Sheldon
Present capability: 52,257
What The Athletic stated: “It’s slap-bang in the midst of the town, looming over it, setting the temper and drawing individuals in direction of it.”
The Athletic rating: 2nd
When was the final redevelopment work completed? Other than adjustments to company bins, the final correct redevelopment was in 2005. Shearer’s Bar was added to the Gallowgate Finish, which was itself upgraded as a part of an growth all through the Nineties, elevating capability to current ranges. The Milburn Stand and Leazes Finish had been expanded after the Gallowgate, whereas company bins had been moved from the East Stand elsewhere.
What comes subsequent? The subsequent section of redevelopment is not going to alter the stadium itself, quite the realm on Strawberry Place behind the Gallowgate. Mike Ashley offered the lease on that land, however the present homeowners purchased it again and a fan zone, that includes bars, eating places and massive screens, is being constructed and is because of open inside months.
Planning permission has been granted for 3 years on that website however, past, Newcastle are exploring the right way to elevate the capability to 60,000-65,000. That might seemingly contain growth of the Gallowgate Finish and East Stand, however highway and Metro infrastructure, in addition to listed buildings on Leazes Terrace behind the latter, make growing capability troublesome and costly. It’s going to price tens of thousands and thousands and may be very a lot a long-term aspiration quite than a confirmed plan.
Nonetheless, the homeowners insist they need to stay at Newcastle’s historic St James’ dwelling quite than transfer to a floor exterior the center of the town centre.
Nottingham Forest: Metropolis Floor
Present capability: 30,404
What The Athletic stated: “It’s in a gorgeous spot on the coronary heart of Nottingham and the house environment has been rejuvenated in current seasons.”
The Athletic rating: twelfth
When was the final redevelopment work completed? The membership undertook a beauty revamp of many areas of the Metropolis Floor over the summer time.
That included a refurbishment of the dressing rooms and tunnel space and the development of a wholly new media suite, within the space the place Brian Clough’s workplace was once.
What comes subsequent? Within the brief time period, there’s a want among the many Forest hierarchy to get the capability additional above the 30,000 mark and there are early plans to make use of transport containers so as to add roughly 500 further seats.
The concept is impressed by one of many venues used in the course of the Qatar World Cup, Stadium 974, which was constructed totally out of transport containers.
There are additionally plans in place to additional enhance the fan expertise across the stadium.
In the long run, Forest introduced plans in February 2019 to knock down the Peter Taylor Stand and rebuild it with Champions League-standard services, which might take the capability as much as 35,000.
The membership hope that the appointment of Tom Cartledge, a lifelong Forest fan, as chairman will assist speed up the progress of these plans. Cartledge is chief govt of Handley Home Group, which incorporates Benoy, the agency of architects who designed the proposed improvement.
Paul Taylor
Present capability: 32,050
What The Athletic stated: “There might be few extra intimidating atmospheres in English soccer. The noise lingers and swells as if caught underneath the roof.”
The Athletic rating: thirteenth
When was the final redevelopment work completed? A basic brush-up passed off final summer time, together with a brand new lick of paint to smarten up the again of the South Stand. However the final tangible improve got here in 2009 when the hole between the South Stand and the Bramall Lane Stand (the place away followers are located) was lastly crammed in by way of a brand new nook stand that included a lodge.
What comes subsequent? There was earlier speak by the present homeowners of bettering the Kop stand by eradicating the pillars that at the moment prohibit the view from a whole bunch of seats. However United’s wrestle to compete financially with the remainder of the Premier League, even with the riches that accompany promotion, suggests these plans will probably be firmly on the back-burner till a change of possession.
Richard Sutcliffe
Tottenham Hotspur: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Present capability: 62,850
What The Athletic stated: “Sit contained in the stadium and also you quickly realise its draw: an expertise similar to any reside sport stadium the world over.”
The Athletic rating: 1st
When was the final redevelopment work completed? There have been no main improvement works because the stadium opened 4 years in the past. There have been ongoing small enhancements and the participant’s lounge was refurbished at a not-inconsiderable price in the summertime of 2019.
What comes subsequent? Spurs are at all times seeking to enhance the stadium, however it’s so younger and stays the most effective at school within the Premier League, so there are not any large plans in place for redevelopment work.
Charlie Eccleshare
Present capability: 62,500
What The Athletic stated: “It has the texture of a giant, worldwide venue, however the pitch feels distant and so does everybody else within the stadium.”
The Athletic rating: tenth
When was the final redevelopment work completed? Forward of the 2022-23 season, capability on the London Stadium elevated from 60,000 to 62,500 following redevelopment work within the West Stand. In April 2019, the membership put in a claret carpet to encompass the surface of the enjoying area.
What comes subsequent? Because it stands, there are not any plans for redevelopment work on the London Stadium.
Roshane Thomas
Present capability: 31,750
What The Athletic stated: “An ideal stability of recent services and an genuine environment to rival wherever within the nation.”
The Athletic rating: sixth
When was the final redevelopment work completed? The trendy two-tier Stan Cullis Stand (nonetheless recognized domestically because the North Financial institution) was opened in 2012, taking Molineux to its present capability. That was the primary vital rebuild since 1993, when the Jack Harris Stand (now the Sir Jack Hayward Stand) was opened, changing the ultimate part of previous Molineux terracing.
What comes subsequent? Wolves have an thought of what comes subsequent, however there’s at the moment no clear image of when. In 2019, Wolves homeowners Fosun introduced their intention to extend capability to 50,000 by changing the Steve Bull and Sir Jack Hayward Stands within the picture of the Stand Cullis Stand and filling within the floor’s open corners.
However Covid-19 and different components meant the plans had been placed on maintain, the place they continue to be. Wolves have researched a spread of choices, however there stays no clear timescale.
Steve Madeley
(Prime photographs: Clive Brunskill/Naomi Baker/Catherine Ivill/Getty Pictures; design: Samuel Richardson)