Leeds United's Nottingham Forest request explained and Elland Road update for pre-season action | OneFootball

Leeds United are squeezing maximum time for Elland Road’s West Stand redevelopment this summer, with the Premier League assisting on scheduling.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Leeds asked to open 2026/27 away from home and were handed Nottingham Forest, with their first home match, against Brentford, currently set for 29 August. The West Stand will not be open to supporters for any pre-season friendlies at Elland Road.

Work accelerated as soon as the 2025/26 home fixtures ended, and since the Brighton game demolition has included the old ticket office and LUTV studio, floodlight removal and the clearing of banqueting suites. Planning permission for the first phase of a two-stand scheme was approved earlier this year, targeting a capacity of around 53,000, with the West Stand the initial focus.

Leeds are close to finalising a friendly with Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, a game that has been in the works for months.

They will also finish the campaign away, at Crystal Palace. Red Bull is a boardroom partner of 49ers Enterprises, the Leeds owners, and also a club sponsor, with its logo on the front of the Leeds kits.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk