Barcelona unveils sustainable mobility plan ahead of Camp Nou reopening
FC Barcelona has unveiled a sustainable mobility plan to manage fan access to the newly renovated Spotify Camp Nou, which is set to partially reopen in 2025. Developed with Barcelona City Council, the plan prioritises easy access for local residents on match days while facilitating a smooth flow of supporters.
The mobility plan estimates that 36.5% of attendees, around 23,700 fans, will arrive on foot, while others will use cars, metro, motorcycles, coaches, buses, trams and taxis. Parking will be available for 8,000 cars in underground lots, 1,500 on public streets and 3,000 motorcycles, with 2,000 spaces reserved for match days. Special measures will ensure local residents retain access to their homes by all transport modes. To address resident concerns, controlled access points will be established in areas like Carrer Mejía Lequerica and Carrer Felipe de Paz.
The phased reopening of Camp Nou will initially accommodate 65,000 fans, around 60% of the stadium’s final capacity of 105,000. Before renovations, Camp Nou seated 99,000 fans. The club’s first possible Camp Nou match could be against Rayo Vallecano on 16 February, with a potential Copa del Rey game on 5 February. The Spotify Camp Nou renovation project remains on schedule for completion in 2026, promising a state-of-the-art facility.
OHLA to lead construction of Real Zaragoza’s Nueva Romareda Stadium
Global infrastructure group OHLA has secured the €124.5 million contract to lead the redevelopment of Real Zaragoza’s Nueva Romareda stadium, one of Spain’s proposed venues for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The project includes the demolition of the current stadium and the construction of a modern facility designed to meet national and international competition standards.
Construction on the new Gol Sur stand will begin in February 2025, with full demolition of the existing stadium set to follow after the 2024-25 season. Additional work packages for technology, seating and the playing field will be tendered separately in 2026. The project is scheduled for completion by June 2027, with Real Zaragoza expected to debut in the new stadium during the 2027-28 season. During construction, Real Zaragoza will play home matches at a temporary 20,000-seat stadium located at the Expo Zaragoza parking lot. This facility will host games for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons.
The redeveloped stadium, designed by architecture firm IDOM, will expand capacity from 33,000 to 43,184 seats. It is envisioned as a world-class venue capable of hosting events like the FIFA World Cup, for which Spain will co-host matches in 2030 alongside Portugal and Morocco, with opening celebrations in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.
Old Trafford’s future to be decided in the summer of 2025
The Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force held its final meeting of 2024, discussing the future of Old Trafford, home of Manchester United. Established in March, the task force has explored possibilities for the area’s redevelopment, including the construction of a new stadium or the renovation of Old Trafford.
Lord Sebastian Coe, chair of the Task Force, said: “This has been a multi-stakeholder process that has collected views from over 50,000 fans, plus residents, community members and businesses. Today we discussed the outcome of this work in the form of an options report with Manchester United, Trafford Borough Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority to help inform their decision-making process. At every stage we have challenged all involved to recognise the opportunity that sport presents as a powerful driver for transformational urban regeneration and that is reflected in the report. Manchester United will now work together with local authorities to review the findings and agree a path forward in the months ahead.”
Manchester United will continue its feasibility studies and community engagement into 2025, with a decision on whether to proceed with a redevelopment or a new-build stadium expected by summer.
Real Betis unveils vision for revamped Estadio Benito Villamarín
Real Betis has shared its vision for the future Estadio Benito Villamarín, addressing criticisms surrounding its multi-purpose design and premium seating plans. Club president Ángel Haro emphasized the importance of managing the stadium year-round to significantly boost revenue and provide an enhanced experience for all fans.
The stadium overhaul, a central pillar of Betis’s 2022-26 strategic plan, will feature a 60,721-seat venue designed by Rafael de la-Hoz and Gensler. Detailed designs were unveiled in June, but the project has faced opposition from local groups concerned about non-football activities. Haro clarified that the stadium is not being developed as a major concert venue, limiting concerts to two or three. Planned adjacent facilities include a hotel, a clinic and a well-being centre, avoiding high-traffic additions like shopping centres.
Premium seating, which will account for 6% of the stadium’s capacity, is expected to generate up to 25% of ticket revenue, ensuring the project’s financial viability. Haro highlighted that the majority of fans will benefit from an improved, covered stadium with better acoustics, comfort and services, designed with both Betis and its fans in mind.
Selhurst park revamp to start after 2024/25 season
Crystal Palace has confirmed plans to commence construction on the new Main Stand at Selhurst Park following the conclusion of the 2024/25 Premier League season. This ambitious redevelopment will significantly expand the stadium’s capacity from 25,486 to over 34,000 and enhancing the matchday experience for fans.
After a summer of preliminary work, the project has progressed to its final planning stages, which include ongoing negotiations with contractors. Initial enabling works have begun, involving minor modifications to the existing Main Stand and preparations for the site footprint. The club is also working closely with Croydon Council and local residents to finalise minor updates to the original design plans. These updates include an improved seating layout to meet updated safety standards, revised parking arrangements to reduce disruption to the community, and enhancements to the proposed fanzone and Sainsbury’s car park. Additionally, the entrance to the new stand on Holmesdale Road will be upgraded and the materials and overall design of the stand will be refined.
The centrepiece of the redevelopment will be a five-storey Main Stand featuring an iconic all-glass façade, paying tribute to the club’s origins near the historic Crystal Palace. A comprehensive construction management plan has been developed to minimise disruption during the building phase, with measures in place to reduce the impact of construction traffic on the local area.
Luton Town’s new 25,000-capacity stadium approved by Council
Luton Borough Council has approved Luton Town’s plans to build a 25,000-capacity stadium at the Power Court site, marking a significant step forward for the Championship club’s future. The new stadium will replace Kenilworth Road, which has served as the club’s home since 1905. The detailed planning application, submitted in September by Luton Town and its development partner 2020 Developments, also includes plans for a hotel and music venue as part of a wider 20-acre regeneration project near Luton Railway Station. The Power Court stadium will serve as the centrepiece of this transformative development. Initially planned to open with a capacity of 19,500, the club’s Premier League earnings have allowed for the stadium to launch at its full 25,000 capacity.
Work on the project is expected to be completed by 2027, offering a modern and expanded venue to support Luton Town’s ambitions and the local community. Further details are expected to be announced by the club soon, as it moves forward with plans to transition from its historic but smaller Kenilworth Road, which required extensive upgrades last season.
UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Surpasses 300,000 Tickets Sold
Fans from 62 countries have secured their spot at the UEFA 2025 Championship, set to take place in Switzerland from July 2 to 27. Outside the host nation, ticket sales have been strongest in Germany, England, Wales, France and Norway. UEFA announced that tickets for 22 of the 31 matches sold out instantly upon release, with all available tickets for five venues already gone. Over 300,000 tickets have been sold across all sales phases so far. Fans from participating national associations can continue purchasing tickets until mid-January, with another batch to be made available to the general public in February 2025.
This tournament marks Switzerland’s debut as host and is the third edition since the championship expanded to 16 teams, promising an exciting summer for football fans worldwide.
Ospreys secure backing for St Helen’s Stadium redevelopment
Welsh United Rugby Championship Club Ospreys have gained Swansea Council’s backing to transform St Helen’s Sports Ground into their new home for the 2025-26 season. This redevelopment will be a smaller, more tailored facility than the Sansea.com Stadium, their current home. Phase one includes a new 4G pitch, refurbished clubhouse, improved stands and a fan zone, with phase two adding a state-of-the-art training facility and a multipurpose training barn for community use. The total capacity of the stadium will be increased from 4,500 to 8,000. Construction is set to begin in spring 2025, with the team expected to play at St Helen’s by winter.
Ospreys CEO Lance Bradley expressed confidence in meeting the council’s conditions, while Swansea Cricket Club, the current tenant, will remain at the ground for its 150th anniversary in 2025 before relocating. Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart highlighted the project’s alignment with the city’s ambitions for a sports science park and praised the collaboration driving the redevelopment.
Bath Rugby submits revised plans for new stadium
Bath Rugby has submitted updated plans for a new 18,000-capacity stadium at the Recreation Ground, incorporating feedback from the public, stakeholders and Bath & North East Somerset Council. The revised design addresses technical issues raised since the initial submission last year and will be reviewed by a planning committee in the New Year. Key updates include lowering the heights of the West and East Stands, a curved roof design, enhanced riverside landscaping, redesigned facades and an improved seating bowl. The project retains core features from the original plans, including enhanced accessibility, a new Spring Gardens Walk and sustainability measures. Bath Rugby CEO Tarquin McDonald emphasized the club’s commitment to balancing modern stadium needs with the heritage of Bath, highlighting the significant community benefits of the proposal.
The project, delayed since its initial discussions in 2017 and impacted by the pandemic, envisions a year-round venue alongside a revitalised riverside.
