RC Celta de Vigo secures long-term Balaídos stadium agreement
RC Celta de Vigo has reached a long-term agreement with the City Council to continue playing at the Estadio de Balaídos for the next 50 years, with the possibility of extending the concession to 75 years.
Under the terms of the deal, the club will pay an annual fee of €802,000, although this amount may be adjusted depending on future renovation works carried out at the stadium. The agreement grants Celta the right to use the venue for sporting activities, commercialise audiovisual rights linked to matches, and explore additional revenue opportunities such as stadium naming rights and non-football events.
The concession also allows the club to organise cultural and leisure activities at Balaídos, supporting its role as a multi-use venue within the city. At the same time, the City Council retains certain rights, including access to advertising space and the ability to carry out structural works when required for events hosted at the stadium.
The agreement is now entering a 30-day public consultation period, after which it is expected to be formally ratified. The deal is seen as a key step in providing long-term stability for both the club and the stadium, while laying the foundation for future development and investment in the venue.
Manchester United upgrades Old Trafford matchday experience
Manchester United has signed a multi-year agreement with Levy to introduce a series of upgrades at Old Trafford, aimed at improving the matchday experience from next season.
The enhancements will include frictionless grab-and-go kiosks and self-service bars, allowing supporters to purchase food and drinks more quickly and reducing congestion in concourse areas. These systems are designed to enable fans to tap, grab and go without delays, improving overall circulation within the stadium.
A more diverse food offering will also be introduced, featuring a selection of Manchester-based street food vendors, alongside the installation of additional draught-beer taps across all areas of the stadium. New digital signage will support these changes, allowing menus to be updated dynamically depending on kick-off times, event types and demand.
The upgrades are based on supporter feedback and form part of the club’s ongoing efforts to modernise Old Trafford in the short term. They complement a broader programme of investment, including improvements to executive and hospitality spaces, with further updates to concourses expected to be announced later this year.
These developments are being delivered alongside Manchester United’s long-term plans for a new 100,000-seat stadium, with the club aiming to submit a planning application within the next 12 to 18 months.
Venezia FC to operate new Bosco dello Sport stadium
Venezia FC has secured the contract to manage its new stadium within the Bosco dello Sport development in Tessera, following approval of its proposal by the Municipality of Venice. The final step will be the formal signing of a 40-year concession agreement, marking a major milestone in the club’s long-term infrastructure strategy.
The project involves a total investment of €121m, including €33m allocated for future upgrades, and forms part of a wider 116-hectare sports and leisure district. The new stadium will have a base capacity of 18,500 seats, with the ability to expand to approximately 24,400 for concerts and large-scale events. It is designed to host Serie A football, rugby matches and live entertainment, positioning it as a multi-purpose venue.
Designed by Populous, the stadium will feature a semi-continuous seating bowl across the south, east and north stands. The west stand will be dedicated to premium hospitality, offering VIP experiences aligned with modern European stadium standards. Additional fan-focused features include a covered gallery surrounding the stadium, providing services and views across the wider Bosco dello Sport complex.
The development also includes a 10,000-seat arena and supporting infrastructure, reinforcing the ambition to create a year-round destination for sport and events. Construction began following a groundbreaking ceremony in October and is expected to take around 20 months, with completion targeted for spring 2027.
Once finished, the new venue will replace the club’s current home at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo, supporting Venezia FC’s sporting ambitions and future growth both on and off the pitch.
Granada CF’s Los Cármenes redevelopment plans unveiled
Granada CF has presented plans for what it describes as the most ambitious infrastructure project in its history, with a redevelopment of the Nuevo Estadio de Los Cármenes that could increase capacity to around 30,000.
The project will be delivered in multiple phases, starting with a full redesign of the stadium’s entrances to improve access and circulation. The first works will focus on the ‘Fan Gate’, where the club plans to restore the iconic arch from the original Los Cármenes stadium as a tribute to its heritage.
The expansion of the stands will follow, beginning with the Preferencia stand, where a fourth tier will be added. Further phases will gradually extend across the stadium, eventually reaching the Tribuna stand. Each phase will be structurally independent, allowing construction to progress step by step without requiring full connectivity between all sections from the outset.
The redevelopment comes after Granada secured a new four-year concession agreement, which includes an initial investment of around €2.5m to begin increasing capacity from the current 19,189 seats. Once fully completed, the stadium is expected to approach the 30,000 mark, including upgraded hospitality areas.
The project is being funded through a combination of support from Granada City Council, the Provincial Council and the club’s allocation from LaLiga Impulso, the league’s investment programme in partnership with CVC Capital Partners aimed at modernising stadium infrastructure.
Initial works are scheduled to begin this summer, with the club aiming to enhance the fan experience, unlock new commercial opportunities and respond to long-standing demand from supporters.
Construction begins on new 10,000-seat football stadium in Batken, Kyrgyzstan
Construction has started on a new 10,000-seat football stadium in the Kyrgyz town of Batken, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to develop its sports infrastructure.
The project will cover an area of approximately 100,000 square metres and includes a comprehensive training environment, with three full-size pitches and four mini pitches, all supported by changing facilities. The main stadium and one of the training pitches will be equipped with floodlights, enabling matches and training sessions to take place in the evening.
In addition to the sporting infrastructure, the development will feature an accommodation complex for up to 100 people, aimed at supporting both professional and youth players. A 200-space car park will also be included, improving accessibility and event-day operations at the site.
The project forms part of a wider strategy by the Kyrgyz Football Union to raise the standard of football in the country and increase its ability to host international events. Earlier this year, the federation submitted a bid to host the AFC U23 Asian Cup in 2028, outlining plans for stadiums, training facilities, accommodation and transport infrastructure.
