Ipswich Town prepare big Portman Road upgrade in 2026 - it will cost £1m | OneFootball

Ipswich Town are readying fresh investment into their home stadium for 2026

Ipswich Town have confirmed plans for a £1 million investment into Portman Road’s PA system.

The Tractor Boys have been suffering from problems with their tannoy, which has led to fresh investment in a bid to help improve the atmosphere at the club’s stadium.

Kieran McKenna’s side are aiming to fight for promotion back to the Premier League this season after coming 19th in the top flight in the previous campaign.

Despite their rapid rise to the first division, the PA system proved an issue by making disturbances during games.

The noise has proved disruptive for both fans and players, and has become an ongoing issue for the Championship side.

Ipswich Town confirm Portman Road upgrade

CEO Mark Ashton has confirmed that Ipswich have plans to improve their tannoy to the tune of around £1 million.

He’s claimed a whole new system will be needed, and that he believes it is key for helping the atmosphere at their home ground.

"The reality is we're going to have to put in a complete new tannoy system," said Ashton, via the club’s official YouTube channel.

"It's going to be circa £1 million, it's not a cheap project, but it links into atmosphere [and] communication with our supporters."

A new PA system was installed at Portman Road as recently as the start of the 2022/23 campaign, but an upgrade is already required after just a few years.

Since then, Ipswich have gained promotion to the Championship, as well as the Premier League, before returning to the second division.

McKenna’s side are now hoping to be in the mix for promotion back to the top flight in 2026, and the work on the PA is expected to be finished in time for the next campaign.

Ipswich are among the clubs fighting for a top two spot in the Championship so far this season, with their sights set on an immediate return to the division, but they face stiff competition from the likes of Middlesbrough and Stoke City, as well as runaway leaders Coventry City.

Investment into Portman Road is a positive step for Ipswich

Supporters will be glad to see Ipswich’s commitment to improving the standard at Portman Road.

The tannoy has proven an irritating issue lately, so this will also be a welcome investment for those going to games on a regular basis.

The club have enjoyed a great few years under the team of Ashton and McKenna, and that has made it possible for them to pour around £1 million into something like the PA.

Ipswich will now be hoping that this new system is in place in time for a potential Premier League campaign next season.