Aston Villa will close the North Stand for the remainder of next season as they accelerate plans to expand Villa Park, which is expected to increase the stadium’s capacity to 50,000. In order to ensure that these ambitions are achieved in due time, the club has chosen to close the stand and not use it for the upcoming campaign.
Villa announced around 12 months ago that it would increase the capacity of the North Stand from 5,000 to 12,000 people, with a target completion date of the end of 2027. The villa is currently opting for fast-track redevelopment. The stand, located directly opposite the iconic Holte End, will undergo an extensive refurbishment, with works expected to be completed by next summer and fully operational in the 2027/28 season.
Premier League teams, who are also set to compete in next season’s Champions League, will see their match-day capacity reduced to around 37,000 before enjoying a significant increase next year. There are currently 42,640 supporters at Villa Park.
According to the Birmingham Mail, Villa said the new stand would incorporate operational efficiencies, reduce costs and streamline the construction process. The improvements to the North Stand will also include new first team changing rooms, medical facilities and physiotherapy facilities.
Francesco Calbo, Villa’s Head of Business Operations, said: “Temporarily reducing the capacity at Villa Park is not a decision we take lightly, but it is the right one and one we have taken with the long-term future of our supporters and the club at the heart of our thinking.”
“Completing the redevelopment in one season will reduce disruption, improve the Villa Park experience more quickly and ensure responsible investment while complying with financial regulations.”
The temporary closure of the North Stand means affected season ticket holders will be moved to an alternative section. The club has confirmed that those affected will be given the opportunity to renew their tickets at the same price point in other areas of the ground. Families are also allowed to immigrate together.
Those affected will also be given priority access to return to the newly redeveloped North Stand upon reopening, with Villa aiming to provide the same or comparable seating wherever possible.
Villa have established themselves as stable favorites in the Premier League’s top six, largely due to the influence of manager Unai Emery. The Spaniard has led the club to European competition for the past three seasons and is expected to continue his impressive run this year.
