Aston Villa announced plans on Wednesday for the expansion of the current stadium, Villa Park. The decision to add seats to the arena was approved by Birmingham City Council. Increasing the maximum attendance to over 50,000 will now allow Villa to host major international tournaments.
The current capacity at Villa Park is around 42,600. This is now the eighth largest stadium at the moment in the Premier League. The West Midlands club would need to hit 52,400 to climb above Newcastle United’s St. James’ Park and move up the ladder.
Villa Park expansion opens potential for Euro 2028
However, hitting the 50,000 capacity mark could enable Villa Park to host major matches in the near future. The stadium was previously shortlisted by the United Kingdom and Ireland to host Euro 2028. UEFA does not yet have a host for the tournament. Still, the UK and Ireland want to host the tournament.
The first phase of the renovations will include a new North Stand, as well as improvements to the existing Trinity Stand. In addition to these enhancements, the club will also present Villa Live. This huge multi-use area takes over the existing equipment store and security shed.
The upgrades should be a big boost to the area’s economy.
The announcement thrilled Villa’s chief executive Christian Purslow. “This is great news first and foremost for our fans, many of whom are on a waiting list for season tickets; secondly, for the Club itself, since our long-term competitive strategy depends on continued growth; and finally for our city and region, with the prospect of a redeveloped Villa Park boosting economic regeneration in our local community and bringing international football back to Birmingham,” said Purslow.
The club claims that the renovations will help generate around $144 million each year for the West Midlands economy. Along with the financial boost, Villa Park will also create hundreds of jobs and also help attract more visitors.
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