Leeds plans to redevelop Elland Road into 53,000-seater stadium | Leeds United

Leeds have announced plans to modernise Elland Road and increase its capacity from 37,645 to 53,000 as they look to transform it into one of Europe’s leading arenas and is set to become England’s seventh-largest club ground.

While the atmosphere of the Championship team has been great for years, the home ground of this team is becoming increasingly worn and, according to Leeds, is in need of a makeover and improvement.

Paraag Marathe, chairman of Leeds and president of the club’s owners, San Francisco-based 49ers Enterprises, said: “We recognise how important Elland Road is to Leeds United fans and the wider community. The opportunity to refresh a century-old stadium is unprecedented.

“Our plans reinforce our commitment to the long-term success of the club and I am excited that we can welcome thousands more supporters to every match in a stadium that retains the unique atmosphere of Elland Road.”

49er Enterprises has a strong track record in stadium construction, having built the 68,500-capacity Levi’s Stadium, home to the NFL franchise San Francisco 49ers.

The aim is to secure UEFA elite status for Elland Road and make its capacity larger than that of Newcastle’s St James’ Park (52,305) and roughly equal to that of Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium (53,400).

Councillor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “This investment could also be a catalyst for wider regeneration plans for south Leeds, which represents an opportunity of national significance.”

Lewis spoke about plans to improve Leeds railway station while building another station closer to the ground and creating a public transport route from the city centre to the Elland Road area.

This year, ownership of Elland Road, Leeds’ home ground since 1919, was returned to the club for the first time in 20 years, allowing plans to be activated as Leeds seek to reduce a season ticket waiting list that now stands at 26,000. Every home game for the past six years has sold out.

While no timetable has been announced for what was described as a “phased project,” 49er Enterprises has hired acoustic consultants to work on preserving the ground’s atmosphere.