Featured image credit: Stoke City
Stoke City’s plans for a new fan zone at bet365 Stadium have been approved by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
The Championship club revealed plans for the fan zone back in October and the facility is slated to open around the start of the 2024-25 season.
Renderings, designed by AFL Architects, were released to showcase the space, which will feature a main stage and LED screen as well as food and drink outlets, covered areas for supporters to congregate, a dedicated children’s area, toilets, and more.
Plans for the £1.5m (€1.8m/$1.9m) project have now been approved by the local council. The space will be located adjacent to the North Car Park at bet365 Stadium, and use of the area will be limited to between 9am and 11pm.
A planning report from the council, published by the Stoke Sentinel, said: “The proposed operational development located within the wider football stadium curtilage is considered to be acceptable subject to conditions required to protect amenity within the area with regard to the control over hours and nature of use along with the finished appearance of the various structures.”
The fan zone marks the latest investment in the club’s five-year development programme focusing on its stadium and training ground.
Speaking in October, the club’s chief operating officer, Simon King, said: “In our dialogue with supporters, it has been clear that there is significant appetite for a fan zone to be introduced as part of a first-class matchday experience, creating a hub of activity where fans can gather and enjoy live entertainment.
“We also believe a facility like this will present an opportunity for regular supporter engagement and community activities. Much like other parts of our venue, it is our intention for it to be used for way in excess of 20-30 home match days each year.”
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