Edgbaston gets green light for hotel & stand redevelopment
Edgbaston Stadium has received the green light for a £42 million redevelopment, marking a significant investment in its future as a multi-use sports and entertainment venue. The project, approved by Birmingham City Council, includes a new 146-room Radisson Red hotel, featuring pitch-view rooms, a rooftop terrace, and convertible hospitality suites. Additionally, the current Priory and Raglan Stands will be merged into a single expanded stand, offering upgraded concourse areas, improved accessibility, and enhanced food and beverage options. With construction set to begin in September 2025, the transformation is expected to be completed ahead of the 2027 Ashes (Cricket) Test against Australia.
Beyond enhancing the fan experience, the redevelopment is part of the Edgbaston Masterplan, aimed at expanding the stadium’s facilities for sports and events. The project is expected to increase the stadium’s annual economic contribution from £35 million to over £40 million and create new job opportunities. Supported by an £18 million loan from the West Midlands Combined Authority, the redevelopment will provide updated hospitality spaces, improved accessibility, and additional visitor amenities
Orlando gets set for Club World Cup amid venue investment drive
Orlando is gearing up to host matches for the expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025, marking a significant milestone for the city’s sports infrastructure. As part of its preparations, Camping World Stadium is undergoing major renovations to meet FIFA’s standards, ensuring a top-tier experience for players and fans alike. These upgrades include enhancements in seating, hospitality suites, and stadium technology, all aimed at elevating the venue’s capabilities. This investment is a key part of Orlando’s strategy to position itself as a premier destination for international sporting events, building on its strong reputation in the stadium industry.
Beyond the Club World Cup, Orlando’s stadium investment drive reflects a broader trend in the industry, where cities and venues are prioritising modernisation to attract global competitions. With increasing expectations for high-tech, fan-centric facilities, stadiums worldwide are focusing on infrastructure, digital innovation, and sustainability to remain competitive. The developments in Orlando highlight how strategic upgrades can not only secure prestigious events but also drive economic growth, tourism, and long-term industry relevance.
SC Braga claims first with new women’s stadium
SC Braga has officially opened Estádio Amélia Morais, becoming the first football club in Portugal to inaugurate a dedicated stadium for its women’s team. The 2,500-seat venue will serve as the home for SC Braga Feminino, who compete in the Liga BPI, Portugal’s top-tier women’s league. Additionally, the stadium will be used by SC Braga’s men’s B team. Located within the Cidade Desportiva (Sports City) complex, the facility includes a 250-space car park, a medical department, and LED lighting. The official opening was attended by club president António Salvador, the Mayor of Braga, and Portuguese Football Federation president Fernando Gomes, underscoring the stadium’s importance in the country’s sporting landscape.
The inauguration event featured a friendly match between SC Braga and Paris Saint-Germain’s women’s teams, with the home side securing a 2-1 victory. This project marks the completion of the third phase of the club’s Sports City development, which now boasts nine training pitches and expanded facilities. The stadium was initially planned for completion before the 2024-25 season, but construction delays pushed the opening back by six months. SC Braga’s investment in a dedicated women’s football stadium highlights the growing recognition and expansion of the women’s game.
AC Milan & Inter Milan ‘set to unveil’ new stadium plans
AC Milan and Inter Milan are set to unveil plans for a new 71,500-seat stadium, which will be built on the current San Siro parking lot. The project, expected to cost between €1 billion and €1.5 billion, will include 13,000 hospitality seats, 55,000 square meters of green space, and underground parking. The new stadium will feature a covered podium structure at the entrance, replacing traditional gates and turnstiles. Meanwhile, the current Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) is planned to be repurposed as a museum and events centre, with part of the Curva Sud stand preserved to create an amphitheatre-like structure. The clubs will present their vision to the Municipality of Milan by early March 2025, with construction expected to begin in early 2027 and completion targeted for 2030.
The project follows a long period of discussions about the future of the San Siro, with both clubs previously considering separate stadium projects in San Donato Milanese and Rozzano. In November 2024, the Milan City Council approved a motion to make the San Siro stadium available for sale, valuing the site at €197 million. Milan and Inter have since submitted an expression of interest to acquire the land and develop the new stadium. This latest plan marks a return to the idea of keeping both clubs in the San Siro area after rejecting a Municipality-backed redevelopment proposal in September 2024. The clubs will now move forward with formalising their project plans as they seek approval from city officials.
Wembley Stadium sets UK 5G mobile network first
Wembley Stadium has become the first sports venue in the UK to deploy a standalone 5G mobile network, installed by EE, its official sponsor. Unlike previous 5G technologies, which rely on 4G infrastructure, this 5G standalone network operates independently, offering increased capacity, faster speeds, and improved reliability. The new network will debut during England women’s UEFA Nations League match against Spain on February 26, 2025. EE’s upgrade is part of a broader multi-year partnership extension with Wembley Stadium, aimed at enhancing mobile connectivity for events across the 90,000-capacity venue.
The new 5G technology is designed to enhance the live event experience, allowing fans to stream, share, and interact more efficiently within the stadium. Beyond fan engagement, the improved network infrastructure has the potential to support Wembley’s wider event operations, including retail point-of-sale systems and live television broadcasting.
National stadium renovation in Podgorica coming soon
The Football Federation of Montenegro (FSCG) has announced plans to renovate City Stadium in Podgorica, which serves as the home of the national football team. The project will focus on constructing a new main stand and replacing the pitch to meet modern standards. The stadium, officially known as Stadion pod Goricom, currently has a capacity of 6,100 seats. The renovation is a collaboration between the FSCG, the Podgorica city authorities, stadium owner JP Sports Facilities, and the project designer. Funding will come from the Montenegrin government and the FSCG, with completion expected within the next two to three years.
Officials involved in the project have expressed confidence in its feasibility. FSCG Secretary General Momir Đurđevac stated that the initiative addresses a long-standing infrastructure need for Montenegro’s largest stadium. Aleksandar Vučković, director of JP Sports Facilities, confirmed that discussions have progressed quickly and that a tender for selecting the contractor will be announced soon. The project aims to improve facilities for both players and fans, ensuring that the stadium remains a suitable venue for international matches.
New stadium to be built in Bjelovar with an unusual feature
The city of Bjelovar has announced plans to build a new football stadium, with construction set to begin in autumn 2025. The stadium will have a capacity of 3,800 seats and meet Croatia’s highest league standards. The project, valued at approximately €8 million, includes additional sports facilities beyond the stadium itself. Funding has already been secured, and the next step involves issuing a tender for the main construction project and obtaining a building permit. Once the necessary approvals are in place, construction will proceed as scheduled.
As part of a broader investment plan, the current Bjelovar City Stadium will also undergo renovations, including the construction of a new grandstand. One of the most notable features of the new stadium project is Croatia’s first indoor shooting range for small arms, which will be located underneath the stands. This element was inspired by the achievements of Bjelovar’s Miran Maričić, who won a bronze medal in the 10-meter air rifle event at the Paris Olympics. The project aims to enhance sports infrastructure in the city, supporting both football and shooting sports.
Penn State offers fresh insight into Beaver Stadium plans
Pennsylvania State University has provided further details on the $700 million redevelopment of Beaver Stadium. The project aims to modernise the 107,000-seat venue while maintaining its status as one of the largest and most iconic stadiums in college football. Renovation work has entered its next phase, focusing on the west side of the stadium, with demolition of the press box and upper deck structures beginning after the 2024 college football season. The plan includes new premium seating areas, upgraded concourses, enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity, and improved amenities such as restrooms and concessions. The renovation is designed to allow for year-round use of the stadium while ensuring it remains operational for Penn State football games throughout the project.
Penn State has partnered with architecture firm Populous for the stadium design, while Barton Malow, AECOM Hunt, and Alexander Construction have been selected as construction managers. Nations Group is acting as a consultant for project development and construction management. The improvements will be implemented over the next three football off-seasons, with new seating options, increased concourse space, escalators, elevators, and sustainability-focused upgrades, including energy-efficient stadium lighting and a commitment to LEED certification. Temporary seating and amenities will be installed during construction to maintain a capacity of over 100,000 for game days.
Rial, B. (2025, February 13). Edgbaston gets green light for hotel, stand redevelopment. The Stadium Business. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2025/02/13/edgbaston-gets-green-light-for-hotel-stand-redevelopment/?utm_source=pocket_saves
Ridley, R. (2025, February 12). Orlando gets set for Club World Cup amid venue investment drive. The Stadium Business. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2025/02/12/orlando-gets-set-for-club-world-cup-amid-venue-investment-drive/
Rial, B. (2025, February 13). SC Braga claims first with new women’s stadium. The Stadium Business. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2025/02/13/sc-braga-claims-first-with-new-womens-stadium/?utm_source=pocket_saves
Ridley, R. (2025, February 12). Milan, Inter ‘set to unveil’ new stadium plans. The Stadium Business. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2025/02/12/milan-inter-set-to-unveil-new-stadium-plans/?utm_source=pocket_saves
Lloyd, O. (2025, February 11). Wembley Stadium sets UK 5G mobile network first. The Stadium Business. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2025/02/11/wembley-stadium-sets-uk-5g-mobile-network-first/?utm_source=pocket_saves
Skóra, P. (2025, February 13). Montenegro: National stadium renovation in Podgorica coming soon. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://stadiumdb.com/news/2025/02/montenegro_national_stadium_renovation_in_podgorica_coming_soon?utm_source=pocket_shared
Ducki, J. (2025, February 12). Croatia: New stadium to be built in Bjelovar with an unusual feature. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://stadiumdb.com/news/2025/02/croatia_new_stadium_to_be_built_in_bjelovar_with_an_unusual_feature
Ridley, R. (2025, February 14). Penn State offers fresh insight into Beaver Stadium plans. The Stadium Business. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2025/02/14/penn-state-offers-fresh-insight-into-beaver-stadium-plans/
