Elland Road renaming update emerges at Leeds United amid 49ers plans
Leeds United have exciting times ahead, with Premier League football and a stadium expansion on the agenda.
Construction work on Elland Road is due to start across the next year, but completion of the stadium is not expected until 2030.
Upon completion, the venue will have a capacity of 56,500, making it the seventh biggest club stadium in England.
However, there have been concerns over the potential renaming of Elland Road, and an important update has emerged.
49ers’ position on renaming Elland Road revealed
When the capacity of Elland Road increases, Leeds will be in line to host major world football events.
The last major international tournament match to be held at the stadium was a Euro 1996 matchup between Spain and Bulgaria.
Of course, news of expansion will be welcomed as Leeds are in a position where they should be able to fill a 56,500-seater stadium.
| Venue | Club | Capacity |
| Old Trafford | Man United | 74,310 |
| Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | Tottenham | 62,850 |
| London Stadium | West Ham | 62,500 |
| Emirates Stadium | Arsenal | 60,704 |
However, as happens with stadium work, there is always a risk that the name will be changed, often controversially.
Leeds do not hold plans to rename Elland Road, though, according to Leeds Live (17 June).
There were concerns among supporters regarding how the stadium would be funded, with many fearing the club would offer up the chance to buy naming rights.
Sources have made it clear that the 49ers hold no such plans as they recognise the iconic Elland Road name and the meaning attached to it.
Elland Road news will be a huge relief for Leeds United supporters
If the sources are correct, then this news will be pleasing for several reasons for Leeds supporters.
Firstly, it demonstrates that the 49ers are not willing to sell the Yorkshire club’s soul, which is something several other owners in English football have done.
Secondly, it shows that the Elland Road outfit’s finances are in good order, with £120million being invested into Leeds.
Of course, the stadium expansion will affect finances, and Leeds will likely have to raise funds elsewhere, with Red Bull stepping in when needed too.
That may mean an increase in season ticket prices, but surviving in the Premier League will go a long way to helping finances.