The ambitious plans of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney for the redevelopment of Wrexham AFC’s Racecourse Ground are becoming even more extensive.

Increased capacity and iconic design

New details about revised proposals for the construction of a new stand on the Kop End were revealed following a recent supporters' group meeting. The club, owned by the Hollywood stars, is pushing for its third consecutive promotion to reach the Championship. Currently, Wrexham has permission to build a 5,500-seat stand on the Kop End, but recent discussions suggest the redevelopment could be even more ambitious and on a larger scale.

The updated plans envision increasing the capacity of the new Kop End stand to 7,000 seats, a response to the growing interest in the North Wales club following the global success of the documentary series Welcome to Wrexham. Club CEO Humphrey Ker described the updated designs as standing out on the city’s skyline, as the club aims to create a distinctive and recognizable structure. Last October, new architects were brought into the project to ensure that the Kop redevelopment aligns with plans to modernize other parts of the Wrexham stadium. Leading the project is the firm Populous.

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What else will change?

As part of the redevelopment, Racecourse Ground pitch is set to be replaced within 24 hours of the final match of this season, allowing the stadium to host international football and rugby matches. The club also plans to relocate the dugouts to meet modern standards. Reynolds and McElhenney are actively involved in reviewing the revised plans, taking fans' feedback into account.

The new Kop stand will offer seating and standing areas, as well as improved facilities for disabled fans. Enhancements to food and beverage services and the creation of a multifunctional space are also priorities. The project may also include a hall of fame dedicated to club legends and the installation of a mining wheel to honor the region’s industrial heritage. Detailed plans will be released at a later date.

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Will they make it in time for the Euros?

The Welsh government has allocated over £17 million in public funds for the Kop project. To approve the increased capacity, an updated planning application will need to be submitted. Despite delays, club managing director Michael Williamson expressed hope that the new stand will be ready by the summer of 2026. This deadline is particularly significant as Wrexham is set to host matches during next year’s UEFA Under-19 European Championship.