Manchester United officials looking at plans to expand Old Trafford capacity to 88,000 | Scrapped?

[stevoc]

I was following it as temporary stands were suggested.
A complete temporary stadium is a worse idea imo.

Why would you go to the hassle and cost of that venture when all needs done is an extension and some upgrades?
Both feasible without moving or building an extra stadium.

I don't know if you read the story which bumped the thread mate but Richard Arnold has recently said the club don't think theres a way to upgrade and extend the south stand while still playing in the stadium. Doing it in the summer seems like too short a timeframe for such a big project and there are no obvious stadiums close by other than the Etihad that United could move into. Hence my suggestion of building a temporary stadium adjacent to the current one.

Other clubs have did similar recently, take a look at the temporary stadium i posted above that Cagliari are playing in this season while their stadium is being redeveloped.

 

[Zlatattack]

OT does look quite dated. If they do just re-vamp it, i hope it's not a cheap and cheerful job. The stadium needs to be more than just functional, it needs to be symbolic of the club.

I, for one, wouldn't mind the naming rights for the stadium being sold. It's just named after the area the stadium is located in. It's much like Camp Nou. It's not an intentional name, just one that has caught on and that people have grown up with. It's a hard thing to do, but it's the right thing to do. More money=better players=more success.

I wouldn't want it called something like the Bet365 stadium like stoke city have, or the etihad. The name would have to remain linked to manchester united as a brand somehow.

Perhaps something like "The <sponsor name> - Theatre of Dreams". That way it could always be the theatre of dreams, just sponspored by different people.

 

[Judas]

We don't need the money, anyone who would happily see us sell the naming rights for a few extra quid are strange. It's just not needed and I hope it never happens in my lifetime.

 

[witchtrials]

OT does look quite dated

Still looks great to me. As far as I'm concerned the worst case scenario (short of moving from Old Trafford) would be redevelopment into some kind of characterless sports bowl of the type that City have these days. Even though it seems to be fraught with difficulties I'm glad the club is looking at ways of expanding that retain the traditional character of the ground.

 

[deafepl]

Ok i might be wrong here mate but it seems like you weren't following the conversation. No one is suggesting building a temporary stand onto Old Trafford. I was suggesting building a temporary stadium on the land next to OT.

This is supposed to be the amount of land United now own around Old Trafford. Don't think it's 100% accurate but it gives us an idea.

United have plenty of lands, it could accommodate two stadiums, I think they should demolition building such as car park, etc to build a new modern stadium would be the best solution for our long-term in the future, it could cost billion but it is better than expanding the stadium and
revamp because we may need to update stadium again in next two decades or so, it could cost more.

 

[stubie]

United have plenty of lands, it could accommodate two stadiums, I think they should demolition building such as car park, etc to build a new modern stadium would be the best solution for our long-term in the future, it could cost billion but it is better than expanding the stadium and
revamp because we may need to update stadium again in next two decades or so, it could cost more.

I've been saying this for some time, was begining to think I was alone in thinking it

The cost between rebuilding the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand and a new stadium would not be too far apart

 

[Inigo Montoya]

United have plenty of lands, it could accommodate two stadiums, I think they should demolition building such as car park, etc to build a new modern stadium would be the best solution for our long-term in the future, it could cost billion but it is better than expanding the stadium and
revamp because we may need to update stadium again in next two decades or so, it could cost more.

Blimey it's only Salford not Westeros

 

[Judas]

I've been saying this for some time, was begining to think I was alone in thinking it

The cost between rebuilding the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand and a new stadium would not be too far apart

Possibly, but why would anyone want a new hollow stadium instead of building on the one that matters?

I couldn't imagine us playing anywhere else. It's not like when Arsenal moved, they left a tired small old ground. Yes OT is showing its age, but its got the size and qualities for a rebuild. Moving should be the last resort.

 

[stubie]

Possibly, but why would anyone want a new hollow stadium instead of building on the one that matters?

I couldn't imagine us playing anywhere else. It's not like when Arsenal moved, they left a tired small old ground. Yes OT is showing its age, but its got the size and qualities for a rebuild. Moving should be the last resort.

It could be a spurs type situation where it's been built on the same site just further away from the rail line so a new stadium could be levelled off. As the previous poster said why redevelop when it may need doing again 20 years down the line

 

[stevoc]

United have plenty of lands, it could accommodate two stadiums, I think they should demolition building such as car park, etc to build a new modern stadium would be the best solution for our long-term in the future, it could cost billion but it is better than expanding the stadium and
revamp because we may need to update stadium again in next two decades or so, it could cost more.

It will always need to be redeveloped and updated, even if we build a new modern stadium it won't be modern 20 years from now and it too will need upgrades eventually.

The cost of redeveloping Old Trafford £200-500m vs building a new 90,00 stadium £1-2b is the choices the club have and i reckon they will always opt for the former. Old Trafford has been redeveloped multiple times in the last 100 years. The club has always chosen to go the redevelopment route instead of moving to a new stadium.

I think they will make the same choice this time and redevelop eventually. And i hope they do, a new stadium just doesn't appeal to me. Most of them just look ok, i would much prefer keeping all the history associated with OT.

 

[witchtrials]

a new stadium just doesn't appeal to me. Most of them just look ok, i would much prefer keeping all the history associated with OT.

Same here. Can't help but feel that when some people say Old Trafford is "dated" what they mean is that it's got a bit of red brick in it and looks like it belongs in Manchester, instead of being some identikit steel and plastic oval that could be dropped into place anywhere in the world.

 

[OnlyTwoDaSilvas]

I think they will make the same choice this time and redevelop eventually. And i hope they do, a new stadium just doesn't appeal to me. Most of them just look ok, i would much prefer keeping all the history associated with OT.

Same. Some of these new stadiums look state of the art, but also completely soulless. OT still resembles a classic football ground to me. I'd much prefer it to be cleaned up and refurbished than knocked down and turned into something that looks like a big illuminating golf ball like some of these modern bowls seem to do.

 

[Summit]

I don't get people saying OT is a shit hole? It isn't! Granted it isn't all new and shiny like other stadiums and let's face it, this talk of it being a shit hole is because of those stadiums. I agree it could do with something, but a shit hole it is not.

 

[Summit]

We need a full revamp more than anything. The stadium is a shit hole. I can’t think of another giant club that hasn’t had some sort of major revamp or a new stadium in the past 10 years.

We’re always the last to make changes to anything we do.

No it isn't.

 

[SirFergie]

Still looks great to me. As far as I'm concerned the worst case scenario (short of moving from Old Trafford) would be redevelopment into some kind of characterless sports bowl of the type that City have these days. Even though it seems to be fraught with difficulties I'm glad the club is looking at ways of expanding that retain the traditional character of the ground.

Exactly. Anyone who still doesn't get a tingle when they walk up those steps and see that pitch or appreciate it during night games when the mist descends and the floodlights are on don't deserve to walk in it.

 

[Red4Life_#7]

Blimey it's only Salford not Westeros

 

[stevoc]

Same here. Can't help but feel that when some people say Old Trafford is "dated" what they mean is that it's got a bit of red brick in it and looks like it belongs in Manchester, instead of being some identikit steel and plastic oval that could be dropped into place anywhere in the world.

Yeah that could be part of it. It isn't the most visually pleasing stadium but its a football stadium not a museum. It looks the way it does because it's been built in stages over many years. Whatever else it is, it's unique and instantly recognizable and i love that.

I seen a video around the stadiums centenary a few year ago that the club released that showed all the changes, rebuilds and expansions the place has had over the course of it's history. Really hope that continues.

Same. Some of these new stadiums look state of the art, but also completely soulless. OT still resembles a classic football ground to me. I'd much prefer it to be cleaned up and refurbished than knocked down and turned into something that looks like a big illuminating golf ball like some of these modern bowls seem to do.

I love the look of a lot of new stadiums some of them are very impressive. But i have to say the ones that are basically just covered in lights like Bayerns are not for me.

 

[Skills]

I don't get people saying OT is a shit hole? It isn't! Granted it isn't all new and shiny like other stadiums and let's face it, this talk of it being a shit hole is because of those stadiums. I agree it could do with something, but a shit hole it is not.

It's a great stadium. Bernabeu is the only one I've been to which I think is genuinely better looking but still retains its character. The likes of Wembley and the Emirates look shiny and polished, but don't have any character about them IMO.

 

[Summit]

It's a great stadium. Bernabeu is the only one I've been to which I think is genuinely better looking but still retains its character. The likes of Wembley and the Emirates look shiny and polished, but don't have any character about them IMO.

agreed (apart from the Bernabeu as I've never been, but want to rectify that soon). I love walking up to OT, seeing it in the distance ect and never once do I think it is a shit hole.

 

[EyeInTheSky]

Delaying plans won't tackle the logistical problems. If they see a need for Expansion a rejuvenation for business reasons then they would go ahead with it as long as the Business revenue case was compelling.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

It's a great stadium. Bernabeu is the only one I've been to which I think is genuinely better looking but still retains its character. The likes of Wembley and the Emirates look shiny and polished, but don't have any character about them IMO.

Couldn't they build an OT but better. They did it with Yankee Stadium. It still looks like the old stadium, but the inside has been upgraded. They built it over the road. They still have memorial park etc. Surely it is up to the team to build on the history. You could still have a Munich tunnel, museum etc. I understand that some stadiums have no character, so make sure it has character.

 

[Inigo Montoya]

Couldn't they build an OT but better. They did it with Yankee Stadium. It still looks like the old stadium, but the inside has been upgraded. They built it over the road. They still have memorial park etc. Surely it is up to the team to build on the history. You could still have a Munich tunnel, museum etc. I understand that some stadiums have no character, so make sure it has character.

In time DT, they have to. That stadium has seen building and expansion since the post WW2 era. We can't keep doing it. Spurs, Arsenal has. Chelsea always looking for new premises. Anfield will have to go too at some stage.

Ultimately they will have to look at how to maximise vocal support and atmosphere and keep the tradition. Keeping the name is significant as a link to the history of Utd but change doesn't necessarily mean a sterile atmosphere.

 

[Zlatattack]

Blimey it's only Salford not Westeros

 

[DomesticTadpole]

In time DT, they have to. That stadium has seen building and expansion since the post WW2 era. We can't keep doing it. Spurs, Arsenal has. Chelsea always looking for new premises. Anfield will have to go too at some stage.

Ultimately they will have to look at how to maximise vocal support and atmosphere and keep the tradition. Keeping the name is significant as a link to the history of Utd but change doesn't necessarily mean a sterile atmosphere.

To me you have to build a stadium where the crowd are relatively close to the playing area. The government refusing safe standing at the moment if not helping the atmosphere aspect, but can understand why they have done it. It will be interesting to see Spurs ground next season and what their facilities are and what sort of atmosphere they generate. I definitely don't like The Emirates, it is not a patch on Highbury for atmosphere. The London Stadium is the same, as it is an athletics stadium.

 

[Inigo Montoya]

To me you have to build a stadium where the crowd are relatively close to the playing area. The government refusing safe standing at the moment if not helping the atmosphere aspect, but can understand why they have done it. It will be interesting to see Spurs ground next season and what their facilities are and what sort of atmosphere they generate. I definitely don't like The Emirates, it is not a patch on Highbury for atmosphere. The London Stadium is the same, as it is an athletics stadium.

We had better matches at the Boleyn,Highbury,White Hart Lane despite some of the results. It was always charged.

You're right,the seating needs to be close to the pitch

 

[Motorman]

Sitting at the top of the SAF should allow everyone to see all the other stands and see the sky. At the moment it feels very shut off, especially in the quadrant (back row) where you can only just about see the opposite corner flag.

So the thought of a brand new stadium does excite me, as I think we would really go to town on it and it would be the best stadium in the world.

But...
It doesnt feel right.

I think "all" we need to do is raose the roof to open it all up, try to extend on SBC stand and give it a a bit of TLC, i.e. decor etc.

Not much to ask for but a new stadium feels the wrong option at the moment.

 

[Nate Dogg]

 

[Sandikan]

Wembley would be super convenient for me, 20mins away

No chance though in hell!

 

[Sandikan]

Ok i might be wrong here mate but it seems like you weren't following the conversation. No one is suggesting building a temporary stand onto Old Trafford. I was suggesting building a temporary stadium on the land next to OT.

This is supposed to be the amount of land United now own around Old Trafford. Don't think it's 100% accurate but it gives us an idea.

This is like a classic "if only", we hadn't jammed it right next to a station

 

[Florida Man]

We don't need the money, anyone who would happily see us sell the naming rights for a few extra quid are strange. It's just not needed and I hope it never happens in my lifetime.

So unlike your tagline suggests...

 

[Gopher Brown]

Wouldn’t need to be the Etihad, could be Ewood Park or the Britannia or Hillsborough, if the rivalry gets in the way too much (hence not suggesting Elland Road)

 

[Adisa]

Wouldn’t need to be the Etihad, could be Ewood Park or the Britannia or Hillsborough, if the rivalry gets in the way too much (hence not suggesting Elland Road)

Those stadiums aren't even big enough for season ticket holders.

 

[T A]

I think some extra money from leasing contract and a chance to finally fill all Etihad's empty seats for the first time ever would tempt them. Come on City, let's make history together this time

 

[Nate Dogg]

Barca will be spending half billion on renovating Camp Nou, it makes you wonder how they can generate such vast amounts of money and obtain the best structural engineers to take on such a project when all we hear from United/Glazers 'oh it's difficult cuz of the railway line'.

 

[predator]

I think a new stadium is inevitable for United. OT currently is outdated when it comes to hospitality facilities. The new stadiums all cater to fans of every type much better than the old stadiums. I personally would welcome a new stadium being constructed given its attendance was the highest in the premier league, like OT.

 

[United_We_Stand]

Barca will be spending half billion on renovating Camp Nou, it makes you wonder how they can generate such vast amounts of money and obtain the best structural engineers to take on such a project when all we hear from United/Glazers 'oh it's difficult cuz of the railway line'.

Bartomeu said the project will "finance itself", with naming rights for the stadium being sold to the highest bidder to ensure the club does not fall behind in the transfer market.

"The Espai Barca has its own economic independence," the president said.
"It will be financed by naming rights and other types of investment. It will not interfere with the management of the club. We can still make signings."

 

[cyril C]

500 quid? The average adult season ticket price is £740, and there’s already some seats that go for close to a grand. The only ones close to £500 are up in the clouds, which a south stand second tier wouldn’t be. Infact, a second tier in the south stand would go for £798-836 if they’d be similar prices to the north stand T2.

When your seats is about 10/F up in the sky,

I'm no expert on the matter mate but i doubt renting a temporary stadium would cost hundreds of millions. There are companies that will design and build them for you.

This is the temporary stadium Cagliari are using this season. 16,000 Capacity and built for a reported 6-7m euros.

No need, there is existing vacant one. Swansea or Wembley (after Spurs) would do, just have to forget about HOME advantage for a few seasons.

 

[T A]

Barca will be spending half billion on renovating Camp Nou, it makes you wonder how they can generate such vast amounts of money and obtain the best structural engineers to take on such a project when all we hear from United/Glazers 'oh it's difficult cuz of the railway line'.

Barcelona is a national club, "local" government will assure that their symbol always have everything they ask for. Spain government wont risk preventing this because they dont want to see a coach from an Arab club moaning about "his people's liberty not politics" at some English football press conferences again. In fact, they are as corrupt as each other with the story between Spain capital bank and their proud Los Blancos.

United simpy just doesnt have those luxury profiles

 

[DomesticTadpole]

If we do get work done or a new stadium, just make sure it isn't the firm that built Wembley.

 

[Nate Dogg]

Bartomeu said the project will "finance itself", with naming rights for the stadium being sold to the highest bidder to ensure the club does not fall behind in the transfer market.

"The Espai Barca has its own economic independence," the president said.
"It will be financed by naming rights and other types of investment. It will not interfere with the management of the club. We can still make signings."

Thanks for the explanation.

It still makes you wonder why we keep using the same lame excuse of the railway line in this technological advance era.

Also, does anyone know who did the work on the north stand and the quadrants, if i was United i would be looking to sue the construction company?