22 Mar 2018 11:29:16
Just been reading with interest that Liverpool are planning to further develop Anfield and increase the capacity in excess of 60,000.
City are in the process of increasing their capacity with Spurs, Chelsea and even Everton building new modern stadiums all significantly increasing on their current capacities.
I think it's about time Manchester United started the re development of the South Stand and push our capacity towards 90,000.
In my opinion Old Trafford (certainly during the Fergie era) has always been a huge attraction. The history and sheer size of the place must make it a magical place to play for any footballer. However with a lot of top Clubs either improving or moving into new stadiums we are set to lose this advantage. We must modernise, keep ourselves ahead of the competition, prove to the rest that we won't rest on our laurels and demonstrate that not only are we still the biggest Club in England but offer an attractive and viable alternative to both Real Madrid and Barcelona. Our stadium, our beloved Old Trafford, The Theatre of Dreams should be a shining beacon of our strength and power.
I think this is crucial to the future of our Club and at the moment I just see us getting dragged back into the pack.
If we have to sell the naming rights to Old Trafford in order to fund it then so be it. Alternatively we could sell the advertising rights to the name of the stands. We could have the Budweiser Stratford End or the Kellogg's K Stand, whatever it takes to stay ahead.
With the increased capacity I'd like to see all hospitality and corporate seating moved to the North and South stands with lower and subsidised tickets behind both goals in particular the Stratford End. I wouldn't even be against certain sections behind the goals returning to pay at the turnstile, with affordable beverages inside, meaning fans would arrive earlier helping build the atmosphere before KO.
I've enjoyed reading stories from AJH, RedMan and others re counting their experiences before football became showbiz entertainment and sterile.
I can see no reason why football can't be returned to its working class roots and still live side by side with the corporate executives. Some willingness on behalf of the Club and creative thinking is all that's needed.
We need to stay ahead of the competition, now is the time to be brave not only on the field but off it as well.
22 Mar 2018 11:48:32
Good post Danny. I agree I think we have to extend the capacity at old Trafford especially with the rivals increasing or building new stadiums. I personally wouldn’t sell rights to the stands like you suggested because I feel that is the final step in selling our soul to the corporate beast. Already we seem to be more interested in commercial deals as opposed to investing to win the top honours. Really the most important thing is to get us winning on the pitch because there is a whole new generation of young football fans that we will lose to city and other teams and that could be damaging for the future. Increasing the stadium is important but we need to recapture what made people fall in love with Man Utd. The passion, the entertainment and most importantly the glory. We do that and we will still be a step above the chasing pack.
22 Mar 2018 12:06:08
Thanks Park, I totally understand your point about corporate sponsorship but if that's the difference between funding the stadium and still remaining competitive in the transfer market then maybe it's a pill will might need to swallow. Anything that can give us the competitive edge. The naming of the stands was a bit tongue in cheek but naming rights for Old Trafford are a potentially vast untapped resource. As long as any money generated would go straight back into the Club I think is something worth considering at the very least pal.
22 Mar 2018 12:16:06
I think we should develop the stadium also, however I'd be more inclined to give fans enough room to actually sit/ move around comfortably rather than cramming them in like sardines, might make fans feel the club cares about them rather than their money which in turn might have a positive effect on the atmosphere at the ground? Just a thought.
22 Mar 2018 12:40:11
Yeh that’s true Danny. I think we have to be realistic and move with the times otherwise we will be left behind. You are right the key is the money earned being re invested in the club. I thought the moving of fans to the L stand against Brighton was a really positive step and the atmosphere was definitely much better. We need to get the stadium bouncing off each other and so I love the idea about the turnstiles or cheaper seats in the heart of the Stretford end.
Dbrooks I would like to see the reintroduction of safe standing. Dortmund’s yellow wall is a sight to behold and the atmosphere is unbelievable. Whenever I get the opportunity to go the old Trafford I always get a ticket in the Stretford end as I prefer standing and the atmosphere is so much better. I’ve been told to sit down whilst sitting in other areas of the ground. Things like this will pack a huge difference in the atmosphere. It’s a universal problem though as most big clubs in England have pretty poor atmosphere.
22 Mar 2018 14:25:39
Haha DBrookes, I am guessing you have never been in an all standing stadium? Going to a football Match and moaning about legroom, Jesus Christ.
Danny,
I would be against any commercialisation of the stadium myself to be honest, it will always be old Trafford to many people even if it had a different name, the MEN arena hasn’t been called that for 7 years but you would be hard pushed to find someone in Manchester who doesn’t call it that now (I know this is commercial as well just making a point) .
Doubt they would change the name to Stratford End as well unless we are looking at moving the club closer to our southern supporters ;)
22 Mar 2018 15:11:29
GDS2 - Exactly it will always be Old Trafford but if sponsorship provided the money to modernise and increase the capacity then I personally wouldn't be against it.
I get your point and if money can be raised by other means then so be it. I'm assuming increasing the capacity would require a massive financial commitment and my worry would be we may struggle to compete in the transfer market as well as financing stadium improvements.
I really think it's important to keep progressing and maintain that competitive edge in every aspect of the Club. The playing field has been levelled and other Clubs are catching up fast.
22 Mar 2018 19:27:28
I wouldn't mind the introduction of safe standing either and believe it would be the best solution for the lower tiers. However upper tiers people should be given adequate room if they are forced to sit like they are at the moment. I'm sorry but if £50 for a seat that doesn't really have enough room for you to sit down already has fans annoyed before the games have even started. Btw no I have not been to an all standing ground but I also fail to see any relevance in that.