Aston Villa are pushing ahead with a major expansion of Villa Park.
An official club statement reads: “This decision has been taken following extensive planning and assessment, and reflects the club’s commitment to minimising disruption for supporters while delivering meaningful improvements to both the fan and footballing experience at Villa Park. The new, accelerated plan for the works also incorporates operational efficiencies, which will lead to significant cost savings and a shorter timeline.”
The eventual aim is to have a capacity of 52,500, almost ten thousand more than the current 43,000+ that Villa Park holds.
Aston Villa having to take a step back initially, as their North Stand will be closed for the entire 2026/27 season, reducing the Villa Park capacity by around 5,000.
Francesco Calvo, President of Business Operations at Aston Villa, explaining: “Temporarily reducing Villa Park’s capacity is not a decision we take lightly. However, it is the right decision and one that we have made with our supporters and the long-term future of the Club at the heart of our thinking. By completing the redevelopment in one season, we reduce disruption, improve the Villa Park experience more quickly and ensure we are investing responsibly while remaining compliant with financial regulations.”
Along with Newcastle United and others, Aston Villa are hosting matches in summer 2028 for the European Championships.
With the club intending to have a capacity in advance of 50,000 in time for that tournament.
More than four and a half years after the October 2021 takeover, United fans still waiting to hear from the Newcastle United owners what they intend to do regarding a higher capacity ground.
No official announcement as yet on whether or not the intention will be a brand new massive Newcastle United stadium, or increasing the capacity of St James’ Park as best they can.
The much talked about new state of the art training complex is also awaited. No official announcement from the Newcastle United owners on this other major infrastructure project.