Leeds United season ticket waiting list busts myth about Elland Road expansion claims
It goes to show the size and scale of the Leeds United fanbase
For those lucky enough to be there on the night, Elland Road sounded twice its capacity at full-time following the dramatic comeback win over Sunderland in February.
A sea of white scarves twirled above heads as ‘I Predict A Riot’ was punched into the air by supporters while the Leeds United squad jumped in celebration on the pitch. Good days such as those will live long in the memory and must be cherished.
In due time, another 17,500 supporters will be able to witness such action live in person thanks to stadium expansion proposals put forward by the 49ers Enterprises. The plan is to keep Elland Road open at full capacity while two-phase works are carried out.
United chairman Paraag Marathe has admitted that doing this adds a layer of complexity onto construction but has good reason for it. He noted how the ground has become a fortress for the club.
“What’s of paramount importance is to keep the cauldron and electricity of the stadium today – it is a special place, over 100 years old,” said Marathe last month.
“Elland Road is a place that players and managers from other clubs don’t like playing at because it’s been called a cauldron or a hurricane of noise.”
Here, he was talking about the atmosphere once works have been completed but clearly a reduced capacity in the meantime would hamper the home advantage that visiting clubs fear. This home advantage would be especially needed upon a Premier League season.
The jump up to a 53,000-seater stadium would not be a quick job either way, and the board have outlined that progress will be completed in two stages. “The first phase will likely be 47,000 then up to 53,000,” Marathe outlined.
