Leeds’ Nottingham Forest opener request and Elland Road pre-season update | OneFootball

Leeds United are squeezing every available summer week for Elland Road’s redevelopment, with the Premier League accommodating their schedule.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, planning permission for phase one of a two-stand plan was granted earlier this year, taking capacity to around 53,000 once complete. The West Stand is first, with builders moving in immediately after the 2025/26 home fixtures. Since the Brighton game, the old ticket office and LUTV studio have been demolished, floodlights removed and banqueting suites knocked down.

To maximise time without supporters in that area, Leeds asked to start 2026/27 away and have been handed Nottingham Forest. The first Elland Road league game is Brentford on August 29, giving an extra week. They will also finish the season away at Crystal Palace.

The West Stand is not set to be open for any pre-season friendlies at Elland Road. A home friendly against RB Leipzig is close to being finalised after months of planning.

Red Bull are a boardroom partner of 49ers Enterprises and a club sponsor, and their logo appears on the front of Leeds’ kits.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk