Leeds United hail ‘momentous’ start to Elland Road West Stand upgrade | OneFootball

Leeds United have begun work to enhance Elland Road, starting with the West Stand, in what the club said in a statement was a momentous moment in their 106-year history.

Early works include demolition of the old ticket office and LUTV studio, partial removal of the banqueting suite behind the West Stand, the removal of floodlights and a temporary corporate hospitality structure rising behind the Kop.

Executives from Leeds United, the Leeds United Foundation and Leeds City Council, along with ambassadors Stuart Dallas, Tony Dorigo and Eddie Gray, attended to mark the start. The new West Stand will be built over the existing structure as the first phase in transforming Elland Road into a UEFA Category 4 stadium.

Boosting capacity is viewed as vital given a 32,000 Season Ticket waiting list. The upgrade will allow the club, working with civic partners, to bid to host major international tournaments and showcase events, aiming to generate cultural and economic benefits for the Leeds City Region.

Plans promise improved seating, comfort and sightlines throughout the new West Stand, enhanced concourses and fan amenity spaces in and around the ground, a more inclusive and accessible environment and world-class hospitality facilities. The improved venue is also intended to aid recruitment by providing a stage befitting elite-level football.

The club will provide regular updates throughout the construction period.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk