AFC Bournemouth secures planning approval for Vitality Stadium modernization
AFC Bournemouth has received the green light from the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council to begin enabling works at the Vitality Stadium, marking a significant milestone in its redevelopment strategy. The approved phase includes the installation of a new stadium perimeter fence and turnstile system, a dedicated outside broadcast compound, and the enclosure of the West Stand terraces to improve safety and operational efficiency. Crucially, these works involve laying the foundations for a new 7000-seat South Stand, which will replace the existing structure.
The broader three-phase project, to be carried out without disrupting matchdays, aims to nearly double the stadium’s capacity from 11,826 to 20,200 seats by also infilling corners and expanding the North and East Stands.
Owner Bill Foley described the decision as a vital step in transforming the Premier League’s smallest venue into a modern facility that achieves full UEFA compliance. He explains: “This is an exciting and important moment for the club. Our proposed new stadium reflects not only our ambition on the pitch, but also our commitment to investing in the community. The project will deliver long-term benefits for supporters, local residents, and the wider region beyond the BCP area.”
Rhenac Sustainable Technology & TLS to upgrade pitch at Leigh Sports Village
ESSMA partner Rhenac Group, via its subsidiary Turf Lighting Solutions (TLS), has been awarded the contract to install state-of-the-art CLS® (Complete Light Spectrum) mobile grow lighting at Leigh Sports Village. The multi-sport venue, home to four professional teams, including the Manchester United Women’s team, is transitioning from traditional HPS lighting to Rhenac’s advanced LED systems. This upgrade is a major step toward Wigan Council’s goal of Carbon Net Zero by 2038.
Mark Sinnett, Managing Director of TLS, explains: “Leigh Sports Village is a complex, multi-sport venue that also stages major concerts, so it needs a lighting system that’s efficient, adaptable and environmentally responsible. With our sensor-driven CLS technology, the turf now receives targeted and efficient treatment, ensuring optimal growth conditions with minimal energy use. The system supports faster, healthier turf recovery all year round.”
Key Highlights of this advanced technology:
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Efficiency: The new LED systems deliver a 40% reduction in energy, water, and fertilizer use.
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Precision Technology: Intelligent sensors and automated controls deliver specific light spectra and temperatures only when required, minimizing waste.
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Sustainability: Features lightweight, 100% recyclable aluminum frames and integrated UV-C technology to manage disease naturally.
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Future-Proof: With HPS bulbs set to be phased out by 2030, this proactive investment ensures Leigh Sports Village remains at the forefront of turf management.
https://rhenacsportsled.com/leigh-sports-village/
Manchester United Moves Forward with Old Trafford Regeneration Plans
Manchester United has taken a major step in its plan to transform the Old Trafford area by launching the “Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation.” This new partnership between the club and local government will oversee the massive redevelopment project. The centerpiece of the plan is the ambition to build a world-class, 100,000-seat stadium, which co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe hopes will become the “Wembley of the North.”
The project, designed by world-renowned architects Foster + Partners, aims to create a state-of-the-art facility that improves the fan experience while remaining on the club’s historic site. Beyond the stadium, the plan includes a new ‘mini-city’ with 15,000 new homes, a massive public plaza, and an entertainment district. This privately funded regeneration could add £7.3 billion to the UK economy annually and create 90,000 new jobs. By choosing to build a new stadium rather than renovating the old one, the club aims to secure its future for the next years and beyond.
Construction officially begins on new Dinamo Bucharest multi-purpose arena
Work has officially started on the new home for CS Dinamo București in Romania, a project valued at €172 million. On January 19, 2026, construction equipment moved onto the site to begin demolishing the old structure, which has stood since the early 1950s. The new arena will have 25,059 seats, all fully covered, and is designed to meet UEFA Category 4 standards.
The stadium is part of a larger multi-sport complex. It will include specialized training halls for boxing, weightlifting, judo, gymnastics, and fencing, as well as a club museum, a hotel, and a restaurant. A unique feature of the project is a dedicated helipad to serve the nearby Floreasca Emergency Hospital. The project is scheduled to be completed within 25 months, with an official opening target in 2028. This long-awaited stadium will replace the club’s temporary home and provide a modern facility for athletes and fans.
https://www.mondostadia.com/new-dinamo-bucharest-multi-purpose-arena-work-officially-commences/
NYCFC Partners with Legends Global for Etihad Park Food and Beverage Experience
New York City FC has chosen Legends Global as the official food and beverage partner for its new $780 million home, Etihad Park. The 25,000-seat stadium, set to open in 2027 in Queens, will be New York City’s first soccer-specific venue and the first fully electric outdoor stadium in the US. Legends Global will manage all catering, including general concessions, premium suites, and club spaces.
The stadium’s food program is designed to celebrate New York’s famous food culture. A main highlight will be the ‘Five Boroughs Food Hall’ in the stadium’s City Square, which will feature local small business vendors and celebrity chefs. The stadium layout includes nine fixed food stands, six portable grills, and six beverage markets across the stands, plus five full bars and two tap bars serving local New York beers. In premium areas, guests will enjoy freshly prepared meals from dedicated kitchens and live cooking stations.
Miami Freedom Park Enters Final Phase Ahead of April 2026 Grand Opening
Inter Miami CF has reached the final stage of building its new $1 billion home, Miami Freedom Park. The 25,000-seat stadium will officially open on April 4, 2026, with a match against Austin FC. The project is located next to Miami International Airport and features the largest canopy roof in Major League Soccer.
This 131-acre site is privately funded and will be built in phases. The first phase includes the stadium and a 58-acre public park with walking paths and dog parks. Later phases, arriving around the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will add a large entertainment district with shops, restaurants, a hotel, and a technology hub. Designed by Manica and HOK, the venue meets all UEFA and MLS standards. It will serve as a permanent home for the club and a year-round destination for the community and fans of Lionel Messi and Inter Miami.
