England: Stoke finishing expansion with record capacity

source: StadiumDB.com / StokeCityFC.com; author: michał

England: Stoke finishing expansion with record capacity In the brief history of bet365 Stadium it has never accommodated that many people. On Saturday up to 30,089 fans can enjoy the return of Premier League football.

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They may have lost their first game of the season, but Stoke City are yet to play at home in the 2017/18 campaign. Their first chance comes this Saturday at 18:30 against Arsenal. For many fans the stadium itself will be an attraction itself.

It may be nearly 20 years old, but in 2017/18 it might feel brand new. It's now being given the finishing touches, ending a half-year upgrade project. Let's recap what's been done at bet365 Stadium for the ongoing campaign.

bet365 Stadium© Phil Grieg, Stoke City FC

First, in March construction work began on a brand new south-eastern corner section, which for the first time in history brings capacity of the stadium to over 30,000. According to latest information released by the Premier League, it's exactly 30,089 seats. With this area now ready for use, the stadium may have lost some of its uniqueness owed to irregular shape. At the same time it's much better prepared to cope with actual ticket demand.

The capacity increase is the more impressive that the stadium now has 12 platforms for disabled supporters. Three at each end and 6 in the east stand, all with elevators for wheelchair users and persons with limited mobility. This way bet365 can meet accessibility requirements.

Other fans will also notice changes as 17,000 new red and white seats were installed at all stands apart from the western one. Delivered by German company Stechert, these may be like the old ones but give the 20-year-old stadium a fresh new look. New toilets and catering facilities are also being delivered.

bet365 Stadium© Phil Grieg, Stoke City FC

bet365 Stadium© Phil Grieg, Stoke City FC

bet365 Stadium© Phil Grieg, Stoke City FC

bet365 Stadium© Phil Grieg, Stoke City FC

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