September 26 – Portuguese champions Sporting CP have set out a 10-year plan to overhaul their current stadium in Lisbon.
Sporting CP said the strategic vision for the next decade is made up of “ambitious initiatives”, which aim to transform the club into a “unique, global and distinctive” brand and entity.
The plans have outlined a number of objectives for the club, including filling in the moat surrounding the Jose Alvalade Stadium to allow for 2,000 extra seats, which would increase the capacity to 52,095.
Even with the upgrade, Sporting’s ground will still be dwarfed by rivals Benfica’s 64,642-seater stadium next door.
A new water recycling system will also be installed for responsible management of water resources and as part of a journey towards an increasingly sustainable club.
The club said it will also buy back the Alvaláxia commercial space next to the José Alvalade Stadium which it sold in 2007, and which would now be developed into an entertainment hub allowing the club to generate more revenue on match days and non-match days. Reports suggest it would also house a new club museum.
The club have also pledged to ‘reinvent’ the matchday experience for fans as they look to develop the hospitality options at the stadium. Front of that line is the introduction of ‘VIP Lion Seats’, which will give clients access to exclusive lounges and allow them to watch the players enter the stadium up close.
Sporting have opened the season with a perfect start, tallying six out of six league wins alongside an important 2-0 victory against Lille in the Champions League.
Ruben Amorim’s side will face Casa Pia this weekend with a view to their second UCL challenge, this time versus PSV, in midweek.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1732298839labto1732298839ofdlr1732298839owedi1732298839sni@g1732298839niwe.1732298839yrrah1732298839