People make so much of a big deal about capacity being too low. Our current capacity is 39,572. The new capacity is 52,888. That's still 13,316 extra seats, which is adding more than 1/3 of the current capacity on top.
Other teams stadium capacities may be bigger, but how many of them sell out on a regular basis? It sounds like they have done extensive research in this project, and projections will be based on a number of factors. But 1 of them will have been a sustainable capacity crowd. Its no use having 10,000 extra fans for maybe 2 games a season just so people can pick and choose what games to go to and be guaranteed to get a seat when they want. It insentivises getting a ticket and being there on a regular basis, while also expanding the scope for individual ticket sales, on top of an increase in season ticket up takes. That to me is a good thing.
Additionally is the potential scope for increased capacity through safe standing. I imagine if it is given the go ahead, this could account for a few thousand additional fans.
I think it's probably right for what we actually need right now. People suggesting our attendences would instantly almost double may very well be right. But I doubt that additional boom would last. Just the same way we have increases in season ticket up takes when we have a good season and lots of those fans don't renew past 1 or 2 seasons when either performance drop off or they realise the commitment of going every week, sometimes twice.
Looking forward to seeing it getting started anyway. And I wouldn't be surprised if the 52,888 is tweaked before it's completed, especially if we continue to improve in years leading up to its completion.
