You mean that we're going up to THREE tents ?I’m imagining a far wider range of hospitality options.
Folley said "It could go up to 22,000" sounds like a pretty definitive upper limit to me.They'll quickly recognise if ticket availability becomes an issue and they'd be mad not to address it.
So I'd rather start small, have the stadium largely full with a great atmosphere and then go for expansion as soon as ticket availability becomes a problem ( to the extent that it is now ).
If we then go on to sell out a 22k stadium with fans still being unable to get tickets, then I'm sure that further expansion would be considered.
From the very beginning Bill has said that he wants to change the fan demographic, less old geezers, more youngsters. So having home tickets readily available is a key part of that.
Hopefully from 2027 onwards, the days of wanting to go to the odd game but struggling to find a ticket at short notice will be over.
That’s good to hear.On the Solent interview, Foley mentions the 18,500 is expandable with a south stand capable of having a second tier which would increase capacity to 22,000.
If it is to be on the footprint of the current athletics stadium then the ends would be oriented South West and North East much the same as the old Dean Court so I guess we could have our South End again.Oooh - first indication of potential orientation of the new ground. Sounds like we’ll be the first club to rotate their stadium twice!
For all of the points fiddling, database refreshing, tent erecting, analysis of number that have been said to be going on, we’ve ended up getting to the same point that the fans knew 8 years ago.I've always said 18k would he a nice sweet spot between giving us extra room and not going into white elephant territory.
Not necessarily, that 3,500 increase of a whole tier is about the equivalent of the current North stand.I think you’re probably right. Those numbers for a second tier does sound more likely to be a stand along the length of the pitch rather than behind the goal.
Watch LASK tonight in Europe if you can - nice tidy stadium (19k I think) - similar to Swansea but next level up. Think it was £70mish so similar ballpark.Just looked up Swanseas capacity - chose that as I like their ground, close to the pitch good view etc. They are just over 21,000. If we end up with something a bit bigger than that I will be happy.
I suspect 18,000 is a test the water thing as well as being a practicality - it may take a fair bit longer to build at the larger capacity which could impact on our ability to move in on time.
This timescale would also seem to fit in quite nicely with the expiry of our lease with Structadene for the current ground which I think is in about 5 years.
First and foremost, this news is great... Regardless of capacity, it's fantastic news to hear things are actually underway, plans are being made and one would assume architects and designs have been approved (to a degree)...
Good points, shouldn’t just take for granted staying in Kings Park.And in Kings Park too. Imagine weird it'd be if it wad build out towards Ringwood or someone closer to home.
Our home is staying where, I assume, most want it. Thst is a massive plus, and peace of mind imo...(haven't slept properly in years, worrying about it... )
Haha that is a good find DJ.For all of the points fiddling, database refreshing, tent erecting, analysis of number that have been said to be going on, we’ve ended up getting to the same point that the fans knew 8 years ago.
That said though, we’ve had 8 years of establishing ourselves in the top two divisions since then. So demand could be seen as a little higher. Especially with a growing younger fan base.
Still makes me chuckle somewhat though.
No, I don't think it is a final upper limit.Folley said "It could go up to 22,000" sounds like a pretty definitive upper limit to me.
I would put my house that walk up ticket sales will not be a thing in 2027.
Spot on. BCP will be all over this in any talks with AFCB. I wouldn't be surprised if this initial 18.5k with potential to expand in later years - if more travel infrastructure is put in place - is all part of that equation.I wonder if the capacity is partly being effected by the infrastructure or rather the lack of. There are no lifts at Pokesdown railway station, the buses are rammed after a match and there will be (and I am guessing here) another 1,000 or so cars parking in the streets around the stadium. At the very least I would have thought there must be discussion about shuttle bus and train services on match days and we may have restrictions on cars.
For all of the points fiddling, database refreshing, tent erecting, analysis of number that have been said to be going on, we’ve ended up getting to the same point that the fans knew 8 years ago.
That said though, we’ve had 8 years of establishing ourselves in the top two divisions since then. So demand could be seen as a little higher. Especially with a growing younger fan base.
Still makes me chuckle somewhat though.