Wrexham AFC looks set to soon expand on its home stadium with new approval for expansion. The Welsh club had a new proposal approved during a meeting with the Wrexham County Borough Council’s on Monday. The plan is to add a 5,500-seat stand to the historic Racecourse Ground.
First, Wrexham must tear down the existing kop to make room the new stand. The old stand has reportedly been in subpar condition for over a decade.
Owners and co-chairman Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney issued a statement on the news. “With planning committee approval now secured, we can move forward with the Kop Development, starting with the demolition of the existing structure,” claimed the duo.
“The derelict state of the Kop, has long been an eyesore and we hope that by the start of the 2024/25 season, it will be brought back into use, with another 5,500 fans able to watch games live, as well as providing a superb backdrop for those watching on TV.”
“We would like to thank the planning committee for the positive decision they have made and all those who have been involved with our application.”
Wrexham historic stadium gets expansion, facelift
Racecourse Ground is an historic stadium in the United Kingdom. Initially built in 1807, and opened for soccer games in 1864, the stadium has been Wrexham’s only permanent home. In fact, it is the oldest stadium that still currently hosts international soccer matches.
The Wales national soccer team began playing competitive matches at the ground in 1877. Nearly a 150 years later, the Dragons still occasionally play games at Racecourse Ground.
The club determines complete funding for the stadium expansion later this month. However, the club has announced that ownership is making a “significant financial contribution” towards the new stand.
Reynolds and McElhenney previously purchased the Welsh team in 2020. Nearly 99% of Wrexham Supporters Trust members approved of the decision.
PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images
