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

Leeds United are maximising time for Elland Road’s redevelopment this summer, with help from the Premier League to start the 2026/27 season away.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, work on a new and enhanced West Stand is under way after planning permission earlier this year for the first phase of a two-stand project. It would lift capacity to around 53,000. Preparatory work began as soon as the 2025/26 home fixtures ended, with the old ticket office and LUTV studio demolished, floodlights removed and banqueting suites knocked down after the Brighton game.

To maximise the window without supporters in that area, Leeds asked to open the 2026/27 campaign away. They have been handed Nottingham Forest away, giving an extra week before Elland Road hosts Brentford, currently scheduled for August 29.

Leeds are also away on the final day, finishing their campaign at Crystal Palace.

The West Stand is not expected to be open to supporters for any pre-season friendlies at Elland Road this summer.

The Whites are close to finalising and announcing a friendly against Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, which has been in planning for months. Red Bull are a boardroom partner of owners 49ers Enterprises and a club sponsor, and the energy drinks company’s logo appears on the front of Leeds kits.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk