Leeds United’s stadium could become a “major” events hub for the city after redevelopment plans have been revealed.
That is the view of finance expert Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider a revamped Elland Road will provide the Yorkshire giants with another source of potential revenue.
Leeds announced on 23 September the next steps in the plans to redevelop Elland Road, which has been the club’s home since 1919.
The headline was the commitment to “modernise and improve stadium capacity from 37,645 to around 53,000 seats”, but the club also pledged to improve hospitality facilities lower down in the statement.
It was also announced a “core architectural design objective is to maintain and enhance the unique atmosphere” at Elland Road.
Leeds United could make Elland Road the city’s centrepiece
Borson insisted the plans present Leeds with a “big opportunity” to make the stadium the centrepiece of the city.
He told Football Insider: “I think it’s not a surprise that it happened on the back of the new ownership and the Red Bull investment.
“First of all, they have to do something with the stadium. The stadium is now getting old and needs investment, so that’s inevitable.
“Secondly, it’s a one-club city and so to have that as the centrepiece is clearly important and a big opportunity for them.
“That applies even if they are not in the Premier League.
“If they can attract very big crowds even if they are not in the Premier League, that’s going to make a material difference to the funding of the club.
“It can also be a major events hub for the city and Leeds is a major city.
“It doesn’t have the level of competition that somewhere like Manchester has for venues, so that will give them another source of potential revenue.”
