Premier League club weighs up major expansion to 49,000 capacity stadium | UK | News
A Premier League football club is considering expanding its famous ground. Built in 1996, the capacity of the stadium is 49,000 fans.
However, following Sunderland AFC’s successful return to the top flight last season, the club is now “exploring” the possibility of expanding the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats finished seventh in the league, securing a place in the Europa League and sparking record demand for tickets to watch Regis Le Bris’ men. Sunderland’s CEO, Tom Burwell, announced that there are internal discussions about increasing the field’s capacity and improving its facilities.
he said city AM: “We have an opportunity with our stadium. 15,000 people are on our waiting list” [for season tickets]We have 54 boxes here and I have 45 boxes on the waiting list.
“I also have to acknowledge that there is income in the middle of the table right now, I can’t bring in that income right now [forward]. We have a great relationship with the council so there are opportunities and plans we can explore to build and improve our stadium.
With Premier League clubs’ on-field spending now limited to 85% of their income, and 70% if they play in Europe, Sunderland are encouraged to raise funds through a variety of sources. This includes using their stadium for events, concerts and hospitality offerings throughout the year.
Most recently, the Stadium of Light hosted iconic British pop band Take That for a massive show on Tuesday 9 June. They were joined by The Script and Belinda Carlisle.
Mr Burwell added: “We are a stadium adjacent to the city, connected by a brand new pedestrian bridge, and yet what does that mean we can be a sports and leisure facility open 365 days a year
“What else can we put in here that won’t cost us the cost of expanding a stadium and will also increase revenues, which would mean going to the same pit? [of fans] But are we offering something completely different?
“I live by the Wear. Those by the Wear [also] The name of our highest quality treat box. – A two Michelin star restaurant whose head chef is Tommy Banks. Who would have thought a year ago that Sunderland AFC would have so much in their premium inventory? However, all our tickets for the new season are sold out.”
The Stadium of Light remains one of the largest venues in English football outside the traditional “Big Six”. If the club continues to be a regular in European competitions, growth will be sustainable.
