Leeds handed Forest away opener to aid Elland Road works, West Stand closed for pre-season | OneFootball

Leeds United are maximising time for Elland Road redevelopment this summer, with Premier League scheduling support. Major work on a new West Stand is already under way.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Leeds asked to start the 2026/27 campaign away and were handed Nottingham Forest, adding an extra week before Brentford on August 29. They will also finish away, at Crystal Palace.

Planning permission for the first phase of a two-stand project was approved earlier this year, targeting a capacity of around 53,000. The West Stand leads the work and builders moved in as soon as the 2025/26 home programme ended.

Since the Brighton game, the old ticket office and LUTV studio have been demolished, floodlights removed and banqueting suites knocked down.

It is understood the West Stand will remain closed to supporters for any pre-season friendlies at Elland Road.

Leeds are close to finalising and announcing a friendly against Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, which has been planned for months. Red Bull are a boardroom partner of 49ers Enterprises and a club sponsor, with their logo on the front of Leeds kits.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk