Wembley Stadium to Host American College Football
Wembley Stadium will host American college football matches from 2026, starting with the “Union Jack Classic” between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Kansas Jayhawks on 19 September. Tickets will initially be offered to alumni and season ticket holders.
This aligns with Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark’s efforts to globalise the conference, including potential baseball games in Mexico City and women’s basketball in Paris. Previously, American college football has only twice been played in London, most notably at Crystal Palace in 1988. Ireland has hosted the Aer Lingus College Football Classic since 2022, attracting nearly 48,000 spectators in 2025 and generating an estimated £114m economic impact.
Wembley, already a regular NFL venue with 34 games since 2007, will continue hosting matches following a one-year extension of its NFL deal. Last year, the stadium achieved its record attendance of 86,651 for a Jaguars-Patriots game, underscoring its suitability for large-scale American football events.
UEFA Reports Rising Attendance Figures Across Europe
UEFA’s latest report reveals that 240 million fans attended matches live during the 2024–25 season, marking a significant increase across European football.
Aggregate attendance rose in 30 leagues, with nine experiencing double-digit growth. The 2. Bundesliga set an all-time record average attendance of over 30,000 per match, ranking third across all European leagues. Spain’s Segunda División saw a 26% rise, surpassing six million in aggregate attendance, bolstered by the return of historic clubs like RC Deportivo La Coruña and Málaga CF.
Women’s football also thrived, with 657,291 fans attending UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland, making it the highest-attended Women’s Euro in history. Top-tier women’s matches across the 2024–25 season attracted over 3.3 million spectators, with the UEFA Women’s Champions League and domestic cups contributing to a total exceeding 4.5 million.
Armenia’s FC Noah Approved to Build UEFA Category 4 Stadium and Sports Complex
Armenian football club FC Noah has received government approval to construct a UEFA Category 4 stadium in Vagharshapat. The project, estimated at AMD7 billion (£13.5m), will be executed in two phases. Phase one involves modernising the Vagharshapat Football Academy, expected to complete by 2030. Phase two will see the construction of a 15,000-seat stadium.
The complex will include a hotel, school, gym, football academy, youth accommodation, training grounds, sports hall, and swimming pool. After lengthy negotiations over land acquisition, the project is set to commence.
FC Noah president Vardges Vardanyan expressed pride in the development, aiming to create one of Armenia’s best sports infrastructures. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has also committed to developing a national stadium capable of hosting international tournaments. Additionally, plans are underway for another UEFA Category 4 stadium in Vanadzor.
Radisson Opens Revamped Twickenham Hotel, Signs Co-op Live Partnership
Radisson has unveiled the Radisson RED London Twickenham hotel at Allianz Stadium, marking its first RED property at a sports venue. The hotel features 150 rooms, all-day dining, the Huddle Restaurant, and the Loft social space and bar. General Manager Sandeep Kaushik highlighted the hotel’s aim to bring fresh energy to Twickenham and its rich cultural and sporting legacy.
Radisson has also become the official hotel partner of Co-op Live in Manchester, preparing to operate a new Radisson Blu on the Etihad Campus, set to open in 2026. Cristina Serra, Radisson’s global senior vice president, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, connecting the brand to unforgettable music experiences and creating direct value for guests and partners. This collaboration underscores Radisson’s commitment to enhancing guest experiences at major sports and entertainment venues.
New Trafford Architect Reassures Fans Six Months After Design Reveal
Manchester United’s ambitious £2 billion project to replace Old Trafford with a 100,000-seat stadium is progressing, according to architect Lord Norman Foster. Foster, known for London’s “Gherkin” and Millennium Bridge, describes the project as the most important of his career.
The new stadium aims to become the UK’s largest football venue and a focal point for a broader regeneration of the surrounding area, including new streets, squares, and neighbourhoods linking the stadium to Manchester city centre.
While construction has not yet begun, as land acquisition negotiations continue, Foster reassures fans that the project is on track. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority is set to vote on establishing a mayoral development corporation to oversee the regeneration, with public consultations showing 78% support for the initiative. The project is expected to boost the regional economy significantly.
Norway: Approval Given for New Bodø/Glimt Stadium
Norwegian football club Bodø/Glimt has received approval to construct a new 10,000-seat stadium, named Arctic Arena, at Thalleveiåkeren near central Bodø. The decision followed months of financial analyses, architectural consultations, and discussions with club members, with 192 voting members overwhelmingly supporting the project.
Construction is set to begin in mid-October 2025, with completion planned for August 2027. The stadium will meet all UEFA requirements and include full facilities for players, fans, and media. The project is expected to raise the standard of sports infrastructure in the region and support the club’s development in domestic and European competitions.
While 78% of the funding is already secured, some local politicians have criticized the use of public funds for the stadium amid cuts to transport, social services, and education. However, local business figures and club officials support the project, citing its potential to boost the city’s development and economy.
Strasbourg Opens New South Stand as Stadium Revamp Continues
French club RC Strasbourg has inaugurated a new south stand at its stadium as part of an ongoing renovation project. The stand, which increases the stadium’s capacity, is part of a broader plan to modernise the venue and enhance the fan experience. The renovation aims to bring the stadium up to modern standards, with improved facilities for spectators and players alike.
The club has expressed its commitment to creating a world-class environment for fans and players, ensuring that the stadium remains a competitive venue in European football. The completion of the south stand marks a significant milestone in the club’s efforts to modernise its infrastructure and provide a better matchday experience.
Further developments are expected as the renovation project progresses, with the club aiming to continue its growth both on and off the pitch.
Aston Villa Gets Green Light for North Stand Expansion
Aston Villa Football Club has received approval to expand its North Stand, increasing its stadium capacity to 52,000 seats. The expansion is part of the club’s strategy to enhance its matchday experience and accommodate growing fan demand. The project includes the addition of new hospitality suites, improved concourses, and enhanced facilities for both home and away supporters.
The club aims to create a modern and inclusive environment that reflects its ambitions on the pitch. The expansion is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the local community, including job creation and increased revenue from matchday activities.
Aston Villa has expressed its commitment to delivering the project with minimal disruption to ongoing operations and ensuring that the expanded stadium meets the highest standards of safety and comfort. The club anticipates that the expansion will be completed in time for the 2027–28 season.
