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Leeds United has announced plans to expand the capacity of Elland Road to around 53,000 seats, with the Championship club aiming to transform the stadium into one of the leading venues in England.
Elland Road, which has served as Leeds’ home since 1919, has a current capacity of 37,645. The club is planning a major modernisation of the stadium after it recently took full ownership of the ground for the first time since 2004.
The renovation project would provide greatly improved general admission and hospitality facilities. Leeds noted that it has sold out every match over the last six years, with the club currently having 26,000 supporters on the waiting list for season tickets.
The project will focus on increasing capacity in the North and West Stands and will be delivered in phases to maintain as much seating as possible during construction. The club, and owners 49ers Enterprises, have appointed specialist acoustic consultants to ensure that Elland Road’s “unique” atmosphere is retained following the expansion.
49ers Enterprises oversaw the construction of Levi’s Stadium, which opened in 2014 as the home of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers. The Elland Road project will see 49ers Enterprises work with architects KSS, structural engineers Buro Happold and management team RISE.
A local transport consultant has also been commissioned to help plan access routes and manage traffic flows during construction. The club will also consider matchday travel plans to ensure an improvement in the experience for residents and supporters arriving at Elland Road.
With a capacity of 53,000, Elland Road would become the seventh largest club stadium in England, behind Old Trafford, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London Stadium, Anfield, Emirates Stadium and Etihad Stadium. It would also bring Elland Road in line with UEFA Category 4 status.
Paraag Marathe, chairman of Leeds and president of 49ers Enterprises, said: “We recognise how important Elland Road is to the Leeds United fans and the wider community. The opportunity to refresh a century-old stadium, coupled with the legacy of Leeds United, is unprecedented.
“Our plans reinforce our commitment to the long-term success of the club and I am excited that we are going to be able to welcome thousands more supporters to every game, in a stadium that retains the unique atmosphere of Elland Road. We look forward to sharing our plans with supporters and the local community for their input.”
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, added: “As council leader and a lifelong Leeds United fan I very much welcome this news for what it could mean for the club, its supporters, the local community and the city. Leeds United inspires real passion in fans and Elland Road itself allows them to demonstrate that fervent support to great effect. Expanding and enhancing the existing ground will allow many more fans access to games while protecting the unique Elland Road atmosphere.
“This investment can also be a catalyst for wider regeneration plans of South Leeds, which represents an opportunity of national significance. Getting there will be easier with work to improve Leeds Station and the introduction of a White Rose rail station, along with the potential of a proposed mass transit route from the city centre close to the ground. We’ve had some very positive initial meetings with their team and look forward to working with them on this important vision, to ensure this project moves forward and unlocks significant benefits to the city and its communities.”
49ers Enterprises’ takeover of Leeds was approved in July 2023 after the company, which already held a 44% stake in the team, reached an agreement to buy the club from Aser Ventures. The deal included Elland Road and was worth a reported £170m (€204m/$227m).
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