Stoke City Football Club have announced plans to add 1,800 seats in the south east corner of the Britannia Stadium. The move would bring the capacity of the ground to over the 30,000 mark.
Stoke City in action against Arsenal
The plans consist of widening the concourse, heightening the viewing platform and adding in the additional seats. Extra washroom and catering facilities would also be added along with a lift for disabled access.
Speaking of the plans, Tony Scholes, Chief Executive said: “We have always said that we would be open to the possibility of expanding the stadium should we continue to remain in the Premier League and have the supporter base to fill it on a consistent basis.
“The attendance of 27,529 [home game with Queens Park Rangers] was our highest of the season so far and with the visitors only taking up the smaller allocation it shows that the continued interest of our fantastic support remains there.”
Fans and members of the public have two weeks until 28 November 2012 to voice their opinions and concerns about the plans. If all goes well during those two weeks, the football club will submit a formal application to Stoke City Council.
Managing Director of Stoke City Property, Richard Smith, commented: “The intention is to submit a planning application at the end of November, but we must first engage in a two-week public consultation process.
“We are offering this opportunity for supporters, or indeed anybody else who this may affect in any way, to give their views or, for that matter, to ask any questions about the development work.”
Support for the club has grown over the years, helped by the likes of high profile players such as Michael Owen and Peter Crouch joining the squad. Currently around 20,000 season ticket holders watch the Potters ever week and 25 per cent of fans are aged under 21.
“The Club have already seen an increase from 15% to 25% of fans aged 21 and under visiting the Britannia Stadium which is very encouraging,” Tony Scholes added.
Are you a Stoke City fan? What do you think to the stadium expansion plans?
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