Populous designs new training complex for Deportivo
Spanish club Deportivo de la Coruña has revealed plans for a new training centre, designed by Populous. The project commands an investment of around €40 million and is to be built over two to three years. It will serve the men’s, women’s and academy teams under the motto “the home of everything Deportivo”.
The complex will include eight full-size pitches matching the dimensions of the club’s stadium, plus three warm-up pitches. A 7,650 m² facility will house first team and B team operations, featuring recovery, wellness, and office spaces. The youth academy will have its own gym, and there will be a dedicated women’s building, a maintenance pavilion and social zones. Sustainable features include use of recycled materials, photovoltaic energy, rainwater capture, drainage systems, and electric-vehicle charging infrastructure.
https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2025/10/02/populous-designs-new-training-complex-for-deportivo/
England: College football coming to Wembley for the first time in 2026
In September 2026, Wembley Stadium will host a US college football game for the first time. As part of the Union Jack Classic, the Arizona State Sun Devils will face the Kansas Jayhawks.
London previously hosted only one college match – in 1988 – so the event marks a historic shift. The Big 12 conference is leveraging the occasion to elevate its global presence, calling Wembley “the perfect opportunity” to raise awareness internationally.
For the participating universities and fans, the match is more than a game: it’s a platform to showcase American football in Europe, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for players, students, and supporters alike.
https://stadiumdb.com/news/2025/10/england_college_football_coming_to_wembley_for_the_first_time_in_2026
Italy: Lazio’s Stadio Flaminio project under heavy criticism
Lazio’s ambitious plan to redevelop Rome’s historic Stadio Flaminio into a modern 50,000-seat home has drawn fierce opposition. City councillor Giovanni Caudo dubbed the design “a mistake,” citing severe traffic and mobility pressures in the already congested district. He questioned claims that half of fans would use public transport – no new infrastructure is planned, and a needed metro line won’t arrive until 2036.
Critics argue that the historic Nervi structure would be overshadowed rather than protected, and the proposed 4,419-space parking plan covers just a quarter of expected demand. Moreover, a 99-year lease instead of full public ownership, and a €24 million public subsidy request, have inflamed debate over the project’s community benefits.
https://stadiumdb.com/news/2025/10/italy_lazios_stadio_flaminio_project_under_heavy_criticism
Spain: Vigo prepares its stadium for the World Cup… but it’s not a host city
Vigo is pushing ahead with major upgrades to Estadio Abanca Balaídos despite being excluded from the announced 2030 World Cup host list. The city has launched administrative processes to rebuild the main stand to 16,000 seats and reconfigure the layout to meet FIFA standards, raising overall capacity to 43,000. The Gol End refurbishment is already underway, expected to complete in early 2027.
Mayor Abel Caballero insists the city remains committed, proposing shared funding among municipal, regional and national governments – though federation officials are said to favour Valencia’s candidacy. The decision to proceed is seen by some as a fait accompli to pressure reconsideration.
https://stadiumdb.com/news/2025/10/spain_vigo_prepares_its_stadium_for_the_world_cup_but_its_not_a_host_city
Leeds United appoints BDP to design expanded Elland Road
Leeds United has chosen architecture firm BDP to lead the design of an expanded Elland Road, taking over from KSS after a fresh tender. The club aims to boost the stadium’s capacity from 37,645 to 53,000.
Initial plans involve expanding the John Charles Stand from 8,000 to 17,750 seats, followed by upgrades to the North Stand. BDP was already contributing to regeneration work in the surrounding area, with the project potentially involving up to 2,000 new homes and commercial developments. With Leeds now fully owning the stadium since July 2024, a planning decision is expected imminently.
https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2025/10/02/leeds-united-appoints-bdp-to-design-expanded-elland-road/
Union Berlin revamps stadium expansion plans
Facing bureaucratic obstacles in Berlin, Union Berlin has scaled down its stadium expansion. Rather than reaching the originally planned 40,500 capacity, the revised project will aim for around 34,500 by converting standing areas to seating.
The club cited delays in approval, especially regarding traffic management, as the primary barrier. President Dirk Zingler acknowledged the need to adapt plans pragmatically to maintain project momentum. Union still hopes to relocate temporarily to the Olympiastadion during redevelopment.
https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2025/10/01/union-berlin-revamps-stadium-expansion-plans/
Forest broadens City Ground expansion ambitions
Nottingham Forest has expanded its redevelopment plans for the City Ground. New filings reveal ambitions to not only rebuild the Peter Taylor Stand (from 5,000 to 10,000 seats) but also to infill the corners of the Trent End, pushing capacity toward 43,000 – 45,000.
Earlier phases allowed the club to surpass 30,400 capacity. A former adjacent residential block proposal has now been dropped. The revised scheme involves pedestrian, parking and landscaping works, with exact figures to finalise once designs conclude.
https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2025/10/03/forest-broadens-city-ground-expansion-ambitions/
Levy, 20.20 to drive enhanced fan experiences
Levy has formalised a partnership with design consultancy 20.20 to strengthen its work in venue and hospitality experience design. Already collaborating informally in 2024, 20.20 will now become part of Levy’s BUILT by Levy innovation arm while retaining operational independence.
The alliance combines Levy’s operational strength with 20.20’s creative storytelling skills to reimagine food, drink and premium spaces in sports and entertainment venues. Having previously worked at Villa Park and with Championship side Oxford United, the partnership aims to push boundaries in fan engagement.
https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2025/10/02/levy-20-20-to-drive-enhanced-fan-experiences/
