Game-Changing Campus for London City Lionesses
The London City Lionesses, newly promoted to the Women’s Super League and the only independently owned WSL club, have secured planning permission for a state-of-the-art training complex in Ditton, Kent. The development, designed by F3 Architects, will be built on the site of the Cobdown Sports Ground.
The campus, set to open in 2027 following groundwork in 2026, will feature academy facilities, a community 3G pitch, and expanded school and club programmes, tailored to the needs of women footballers. It is expected to generate over fifty permanent jobs and contribute around £1 million annually to the local economy.
Club chair Michele Kang said the facility will remove long-standing barriers in women’s sport, offering world-class conditions comparable to top men’s Premier League clubs. The project has been hailed as a major step forward in improving infrastructure and professional environments for women’s football.
Original: https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2025/09/29/london-city-lionesses-to-build-game-changing-training-complex/
Nou Mestalla to Set Green Energy Benchmark
Valencia CF has partnered with Octopus Energy to make the Nou Mestalla stadium a model of international energy efficiency. Octopus becomes its Sustainable Founding Partner, tasked with installing and managing smart systems, including solar panels on the stadium roof and electric vehicle charging points, to ensure clean energy powers the facility year-round.
The design aims to reduce environmental impact, with the solar installation alone estimated to avoid 185 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. The club’s training ground has already run on 30 per cent solar self-consumption since 2024, providing a strong precedent.
The Nou Mestalla project, long delayed, is scheduled for completion in the 2027-28 season, with a capacity of around 70,000. The new partnership reinforces Valencia’s ambition to create one of the most sustainable stadiums in Europe and positions the club as a leader in energy transformation within sport.
Original: https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2025/09/26/valencia-engages-octopus-to-make-nou-mestalla-sustainability-leader/
Tottenham & Sports Illustrated: A 12-Year Fan Partnership
Tottenham Hotspur has struck a 12-year deal with Sports Illustrated Tickets, naming them the first partner in The Collective, the club’s new structure for stand-based sponsorships. The agreement grants branding rights in the East Stand, launching Club SI, a 3,000-seat premium hospitality area, and rebranding the Lower East Side bar as The Cover Club in homage to Sports Illustrated’s iconic covers.
New immersive fan experiences named ‘Defining Moments’ will feature throughout the East Stand, including wallscapes, portraits, interactive exhibits and QR codes to unlock exclusive digital content, magazine covers, and other rewards. Despite the scope, the deal does not currently include ticketing services.
The collaboration is aimed at enriching matchday culture, spotlighting Tottenham’s history and Sports Illustrated’s storytelling legacy across hospitality and general admission areas. It represents a unique approach to blending sport, media, and fan engagement in the Premier League.
Original: https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2025/09/25/tottenham-agrees-long-term-sports-illustrated-tickets-deal/
Serbia Finally Gets National Stadium Approval
After months of refusals, Serbia has received formal approval for its National Stadium in Belgrade’s Surčin municipality. The project will seat 52,000 spectators, be 51.5 metres tall, and rise over nine levels on a 32-hectare site.
Designed by Fenwick Iribarren and adapted by local firm Mašinoprojekt Kopring, with China’s Power Construction Corporation as main contractor, the stadium will feature a façade of four forested rings supported by diagonal tension rods. Plans also include cafés, restaurants, a hotel, and leisure facilities to ensure year-round use. Cost estimates vary significantly: the Finance Ministry cites around €464 million plus VAT, while others suggest full costs, including infrastructure, could approach €960 million.
Supporters describe the stadium as a symbol of national progress and modernisation, while critics raise concerns about economic feasibility and transparency. Approval marks a major milestone in Serbia’s long-running ambition to build a national sporting venue.
Original: https://stadiumdb.com/news/2025/09/serbia_after_months_of_rejections_approval_granted_for_national_stadium_in_belgrade
Bath Rugby Stadium Gets Local Green Light
Bath Rugby has won significant approval from Bath & North East Somerset Council for a new stadium at The Recreation Ground, with an 8-1 vote in favour. The proposed venue will hold 18,000 spectators and is designed for world-class facilities not only for matchdays but also for women’s rugby, schools, and wider community use.
The design emphasises sustainability, protecting views across Bath, regenerating the riverside, and including features such as improved stand heights and an enhanced façade. Though the local council supports the plans, they await final authorisation from the Secretary of State, with the project already addressing many concerns raised in public consultation.
If completely approved, construction would span about three years, with Bath continuing to play at The Rec during the build. The project is considered vital for the club’s future and the city’s sporting profile.
Original: https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2025/09/29/government-gives-green-light-to-bath-rugby-stadium/
