Aston Villa to shut North Stand for entire 2026-27 as rebuild is accelerated | OneFootball

Aston Villa will close the North Stand for the whole 2026-27 season as part of an accelerated Villa Park redevelopment. A rebuilt stand is targeted for 2027-28, taking capacity beyond 50,000.

As reported by ExpressAndStar.com, the club have abandoned the original two-year, keep-open approach. That timetable aimed to finish before Villa Park hosts the European Championships in summer 2028. The switch reflects supporter-experience concerns and what is believed to be a significant saving on construction costs.

Capacity will drop to around 37,000 next season. Any matchday revenue loss is anticipated to be recovered within 12 months of reopening. The plan is intended to reduce disruption, improve the experience faster and remain compliant with financial regulations.

The new stand will add enhanced dressing rooms plus medical and physiotherapy areas for the men’s and women’s teams. It is understood discussions have taken place over hospitality beside a new players’ tunnel, similar to the Etihad Stadium’s Tunnel Club. Broadcast upgrades will meet Premier League and Uefa requirements.

Impacted season ticket holders can renew elsewhere at the same price and will get priority in the new stand the following campaign. With reduced capacity, fewer season tickets are likely for those on the waiting list. No decision has been taken on next season’s prices.

Preparatory work has begun around the stand’s corners, affecting some lower-tier facilities. Stripping back will start next month after the final home match against Liverpool. The roof is due to come off at the end of the summer.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com