In 2024, Aston Villa Football Club appointed Stadia by GL events to design and deliver a build contract, providing crucial improvements and modernisation to Villa Park providing an enhanced experience for fans.
The Stadia team were initially brought on board to replace existing seating and install safe standing at the ground. however, after meeting with the club and showcasing other services provided by Stadia, the project was re-focused to include construction works that would significantly increase stadium capacity, without re-building the stands. This work included reconfiguring the existing concrete terraces and installing new seating, the replacement of existing seats and the installation of safe standing areas throughout the stadium to provide a safer and more engaging environment for fans.
The Project
The key challenge of this project was executing a significant stadium reconfiguration within an extremely tight timeframe. With limited availability between the end of the football season and the beginning of the next, combined with a large-scale music concert scheduled in between, meticulous planning and execution were required. The work also needed to comply with the strict safety and structural regulations outlined in the Green Guide and by the local authorities. Ensuring compliance while maintaining the highest standards of spectator experience was vital.
Stadia by GL events was tasked with providing a bespoke solution, working closely with Aston Villa FC and their consultant both pre and post-contract. The team was responsible for delivering design input, construction methodology and program planning to ensure smooth execution.
The Process
To meet the demands of the project timeline, the Stadia team developed a detailed programme of work, with each stage meticulously planned to ensure seamless delivery. This structured approach ensured that work could be completed efficiently within the available time frame, the stadium remained operational where necessary during the construction and the installation met the highest safety standards and design specifications.
The Result
The Aston Villa Stadium Seating Bowl Reconfiguration project was successfully delivered on time and within budget. By removing concrete terracing, reconfiguring the terrace and seating layouts including the addition of rails, installing new seating – including VIP seating and safe standing areas – and upgrading vomitory and terrace handrails to meet safety regulations, the stadium’s capacity was increased and safe standing areas provided, allowing more fans to experience live matches safely at Villa Park. Hospitality and VIP sections were improved, enhancing comfort and spectator experience; all whilst remaining compliant with Green Guide and local authorities’ safety requirements.
Through strategic planning and expert execution, Stadia reinforced its reputation as a leader in stadium infrastructure solutions, helping Aston Villa FC create a world-class venue for both football matches and large-scale events.
What’s more, with the stage set for successful work by the Stadia team, the GL events UK temporary structures team were brought on board by Aston Villa to deliver additional hospitality suites on site for their UEFA Champions League matches. As well as structures, other GL events UK business units joined forces to delivery HVAC, lighting and power distribution for the hospitality structure, whilst Xpect Furniture provided high quality furniture for one of the fixtures.
This is testament to the capability of GL events UK’s business units working collaboratively together to deliver a world class facility and solution for a client, working to a very tight timeframe.
