In the 2023/2024 season, the total contribution to the UK economy was approximately £9.8 billion. – The year after the 2024/2025 season, an increase of almost 12% is estimated. – It is easy to understand why Premier League clubs and federations mostly do what they want.
Manchester United seem to have taken a big step closer to their dream of a new stadium – after securing a crucial site close to Old Trafford.
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£2 billion price tag +
Manchester United announced on Tuesday that they have bought a plot of land near Old Trafford – a piece that is crucial to their plans to build a new stadium with 100,000 seats.
Already in March last year, United presented their vision for a new home. One of the biggest hurdles was acquiring a 25-acre plot about 350 meters northwest of the current stadium.
Now that piece is in place – and marks a milestone not only for the stadium project, but for a major urban renewal in the area. The plans include 15,000 new homes, some of which will be affordable, 48,000 new local jobs and over 90,000 nationally. In addition, the project is estimated to add more than £7 billion annually to the UK economy.
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Stadium manager: “A significant milestone”
Collette Roche, CEO of Manchester United’s new stadium development, stated to the club’s official website:
“Today’s news underlines the progress we are making towards a new world-class home for Manchester United, and represents a significant milestone as we enter the next phase of development.
“Being able to build so close to Old Trafford allows us to preserve the heritage, traditions and rituals that are so important to our supporters. We are committed to building a world-class stadium together with the supporters – not just for them – with atmosphere, affordability and accessibility as the core points.
“This is an opportunity for a generation, which is fully aligned with both local and national growth ambitions. Securing the right site for our new home has been absolutely crucial, and the site we have acquired gives us the stage to deliver a world-class stadium that honors our past and is ready for the future.
United aims to build the UK’s largest sports arena – claiming that it will help “create one of the world’s most dynamic and globally significant sports and entertainment destinations”.
Old Trafford is aging – now a new building is being built
Since its inauguration in 1910, Old Trafford has been Manchester United’s home ground. But growing concern about the aging infrastructure has led to the decision to build new ones nearby.
The leading architectural firm Foster + Partners has been chosen to design the new stadium. The project will have an innovative umbrella-like structure.
Lord Norman Foster, chairman of the firm, described the vision when it was presented last year:
“This must be one of the most exciting projects in the world today. It starts with the experience of the supporters – bringing them closer to the pitch than ever, and acoustically cultivating a huge roar.
“The stadium is encased by a large umbrella that harvests energy and rainwater, covering a new public space twice the size of Trafalgar Square.
Manchester United have applied to play the Premier League start this autumn away from home. The reason is that this summer it will carry out extensive renovation of the existing Old Trafford.
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