Sporting CP’s Home Targets European Benchmark
Sporting CP is moving forward with a significant modernisation of its Estádio José Alvalade, aiming to transform the iconic venue into a ‘European benchmark’ for stadium standards. The project will improve fan comfort, accessibility, safety and sustainability. Plans include replacing outdated seating, expanding VIP and hospitality areas, and integrating advanced technology for security and digital services. The Lisbon-based club has agreed a €30m loan with Banco Santander Totta to fund the works, which are expected to begin this summer and conclude by 2027. The upgrades will ensure compliance with UEFA and FIFA requirements, enabling the stadium to host major matches and events. President Frederico Varandas stated that modernising Alvalade is essential to keep pace with Europe’s top clubs and deliver the best possible matchday experience for supporters. The renovation also supports Sporting’s wider ambitions to attract international fans and commercial partners, strengthening its status as one of Portugal’s premier clubs.
SKIDATA’s sMove Access Gate Wins Red Dot: Best of the Best
SKIDATA’s innovative sMove access gate has won the prestigious “Red Dot: Best of the Best” Award 2025, scoring an outstanding 93 out of 100 points. Selected from over 10,000 entries worldwide, sMove impressed the jury with its exceptional functionality, usability, visual appeal, and responsible design. Its unique Wave barrier combines strength, flexibility and sleek aesthetics, offering a modern, user-friendly alternative to traditional turnstiles. The gate’s wide, modular design ensures smooth, inclusive access for families, wheelchair users and guests with bulky gear, making it ideal for stadiums, ski resorts, theme parks and arenas. Fully compatible with multiple access technologies, sMove maximises throughput while delivering a secure, welcoming experience for all visitors.
“sMove was designed to transform guest entry points into spaces of comfort and efficiency,” said Willem-Jan Balk, SKIDATA’s Senior VP Sales & Marketing. Learn more about this award-winning innovation at SKIDATA.
Como 1907 Reduces Stadium Expansion Plans
Italian club Como 1907 has revised its expansion plans for the historic Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, scaling back the proposed capacity increase due to technical and environmental limitations. Originally set to expand to 15,000 seats, the project will now aim for around 11,500, focusing instead on upgrading hospitality, media and safety infrastructure. Located on the scenic shores of Lake Como, the stadium’s surroundings pose significant design challenges that limit large-scale redevelopment. The club’s owners, including American investors, remain committed to modernising the ground to meet Serie A standards should promotion be achieved. The plan still includes improved VIP areas, better fan facilities and enhanced sustainability features. Como 1907 believes that a sensitive, well-planned upgrade will preserve the venue’s unique charm while securing its future. Despite the scale-back, the club sees the project as vital for long-term growth and to strengthen its connection with local supporters and the wider community.
https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2025/07/08/como-1907-stadium-expansion-set-to-be-scaled-back/
PAOK FC Reveals Ambitious New Stadium Vision
PAOK FC has unveiled detailed plans for a new 33,500-seat stadium in Thessaloniki to replace the aging Toumba Stadium. The Greek Super League club’s vision is to build a state-of-the-art, UEFA Category 4 venue that preserves the club’s strong local identity while meeting international standards. The project includes commercial spaces, modern hospitality suites and improved facilities for fans and players alike. PAOK aims to complete the stadium by 2028, subject to final planning approvals and permits from the Greek government and local authorities. The new stadium is expected to revitalise the surrounding district, boost local businesses and become a landmark for Thessaloniki. Club officials describe the new ground as vital to PAOK’s future growth, enabling the club to attract more fans, increase revenues and host European matches. The vision reflects PAOK’s determination to secure a modern, sustainable home for future generations of supporters.
https://stadiumdb.com/news/2025/07/greece_paok_fc_unveils_vision_for_new_stadium_in_thessaloniki
Leeds United Submits Elland Road Expansion Plan
Leeds United has formally submitted a planning application to expand Elland Road’s capacity from 37,000 to 55,000 seats, underlining its ambition to return to the Premier League and strengthen its financial position. The proposal focuses on demolishing and rebuilding the John Charles Stand to add extra seating, upgraded hospitality areas, modern concourses and improved facilities for disabled supporters. The club is working with AFL Architects to deliver a design that respects the historic ground’s character while meeting modern demands. If planning approval is granted, construction could begin in 2026, with works timed to minimise disruption to matchdays. The project is seen as crucial to generating higher matchday income and enhancing the atmosphere at Elland Road. Leeds United’s management says the expansion will support the local economy, create jobs and maintain Elland Road as one of English football’s most iconic stadiums, firmly rooted in the heart of the community.
Betis Secures Fresh Financing with Goldman Sachs
Real Betis is finalising a new €70m financing agreement with Goldman Sachs to support the major redevelopment of its Estadio Benito Villamarín. The LaLiga club intends to replace an existing €50m loan from 2021, aiming for improved terms to cover the cost of rebuilding the Gol Sur stand. Demolition is planned for 2026, raising the stadium’s capacity slightly from 60,379 to 60,721 seats and delivering modern hospitality, premium seating and enhanced fan facilities. The project is part of Betis’s wider strategy to boost matchday revenue and keep pace with rival clubs’ stadium upgrades. The club’s president, Ramón Alarcón, emphasised that the financing deal will not risk any assets and that Betis wants to strengthen its long-term financial stability. Once completed, the new stand will offer a more comfortable, engaging match experience for supporters while keeping the club rooted in Seville’s football heritage.
STVV Hiring Administrative Coordinator – Licence Manager
Belgian top-flight club STVV is looking for a full-time Administrative Coordinator – Licence Manager to strengthen its international team at Stayen Stadium. The role covers managing football licence applications with the Royal Belgian FA, coordinating HR administration (contracts, personnel files, onboarding), payroll preparation, and general office operations like facilities and supplies. The ideal candidate is proactive, organised, discreet and fluent in Dutch and English (French is a plus). Experience in HR and football licensing is an advantage. STVV offers a unique workplace inside its stadium with a multicultural atmosphere reflecting its Belgian-Japanese roots. Interested candidates can apply with a CV and cover letter. For full details and to submit your application, visit STVV’s website.
Celta Launches Phase Two of Celta360 Project
RC Celta de Vigo has started the second phase of its ambitious Celta360 project to modernise the club’s infrastructure and strengthen its youth system. The key feature is a new 4,000-seat mini-stadium next to the Afouteza sports complex in Mos, which will host academy matches, women’s fixtures and community events. The development will also add extra training pitches, new offices, an innovation hub and expanded facilities for the club’s academy players. Supported largely by LaLiga Impulso funds, the €30m investment underlines Celta’s long-term plan to become a reference point for talent development in Galicia and beyond. The club expects the new venue to be ready by 2026, offering supporters a modern space to follow the next generation of Celta players. President Carlos Mouriño highlighted that this is part of Celta’s vision to remain competitive in Spanish football by focusing on local talent and cutting-edge training resources.
