In order to deal with the ever-growing interest in the Premier League matchday experience, from the pre-match preparations and excitement to watching their respective sides in the flesh, the need to enhance the stadium size is as rife as ever.
Between now and the end of the decade (2030), all clubs in the English top flight will be looking to improve their stadium in some way, shape or form to ensure that fans get the optimal experience when attending their ground.
But, in terms of how many fans each ground can hold, what changes are expected? Per The Sun, the capacities of each of the current 20 Premier League’s sides – by 2030 – have been estimated, with four clubs expected to have moved home by then.
1-5
Manchester United, Newcastle United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United
Irrespective of its evident deficiencies, Manchester United’s stomping ground of Old Trafford, under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS-led team’s vision, will boast a stadium capacity of 100,000, making it the biggest stadium in England.
St James’ Park is enshrined in Premier League history for its raucous atmosphere and long trip up to the away section. As things stand, Newcastle United's stadium in the northeast holds 52,000 matchgoers but is expected to be increased to 70,000 in five years’ time.
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As is Stamford Bridge, located in west London. Home to five-time English champions, Chelsea, its capacity is projected to increase from 40,341 to 70,000. Tottenham Hotspur’s state-of-the-art ground, widely regarded as the best ground in the top flight, is not expected to increase in size.
West Ham United fans are also next expected to add seats to their relatively fresh stomping ground, the London Stadium. Unfancied by the east Londoners’ fan base, it currently holds 62,5000 fans – both home and away – and has no plans to grow.
Every Premier League Club’s Stadium Capacity by 2030 Estimated
Rank
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6-10
Manchester City, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Arsenal, Everton
Manchester City, regardless of their outcome in the ‘Trial of the Century, are planning to make advancements in their stadium size – from 53,400 to 62,000 by the time 2030 comes around. Aston Villa’s home, Villa Park, is one of the most underrated grounds in the country thanks to it being steeped in history and architectural beauty and is expected to increase in capacity from 42,640 to 62,000.
Elsewhere, Anfield – recognised as one of the most atmospheric grounds in world football – is, after its recent renovation, not expected to be worked from now until the end of the decade. Nor is the home of Arsenal, which can home just north of 60,000 attendees.
Everton have played their home games at Goodison Park, a 39,572-strong stadium, since 1892 but it’s soon coming to an end. Bramley-Moore Dock will be their new home ahead of 2025/26 and with that comes an increase in capacity – 52,888.
Every Premier League Club’s Stadium Capacity by 2030 Estimated
Rank
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11-15
Crystal Palace, Southampton, Leicester City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Wolverhampton Wanderers
Crystal Palace are expected to see a hefty size increase before the conclusion of the 2020's, going from 25,486 to 34,000, which will make Selhurst Park the 11th-biggest stadium in the entirety of the English top tier.
Despite Southampton spending some time in the Championship over the years, most notably in 2023/24, the St Mary's stadium is still a sight to behold. Homing 32,384 fans, the south coast outfit are not expected to grow in size.
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Neither are Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. Brighton’s American Express Stadium and Molineux, home of Wolverhampton Wanderers, are also not expecting any increases in capacity before 2030. The former can seat 31,876 fans on a matchday, while the latter can fit just less (31,750) when the Old Gold welcome opposition teams to their small, yet mighty, stomping ground.
Every Premier League Club’s Stadium Capacity by 2030 Estimated
Rank
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16-20
Nottingham Forest, Ipswich Town, Fulham, Brentford, Bournemouth
The finances involved in developing stadiums – particularly in terms of adding extra seats – is not something every club can aspire to do. And that is perhaps the case for those between 16th and 20th. Nottingham Forest, despite solidifying their status as a regular in the top tier, are set to remain at their 30,404-seater City Ground by the time 2030 comes around. Elsewhere, Ipswich Town’s Portman Road is also expected to not grow in size or stature.
Brentford, who are situated in the west of the capital, have cemented their status in the top flight over the years after being confined to the lower leagues. Their stadium holds, in comparison, a capacity of 17,250 and there are no plans in place to make it any bigger any time soon. Despite being the smallest of the 20 sides who are currently plying their trade in the Premier League, Bournemouth also don’t have any plans in the pipeline to work on their stadium size, with the Vitality Stadium set to plateau at 11,307 matchgoing supporters.
Every Premier League Club’s Stadium Capacity by 2030 Estimated
Rank
16
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