Aston Villa have moved a step closer to confirming Villa Park as a host stadium for UEFA Euro 2028, unveiling detailed plans to expand and upgrade the historic ground as part of wider preparations for the tournament.
The club’s North Stand redevelopment – backed by planning approval from Birmingham City Council – is intended to raise the stadium’s capacity to more than 50,000, keeping it in line with UEFA requirements for hosting international fixtures in 2028.
The redevelopment will see the iconic North Stand transformed and expanded to house over 12,000 seats, alongside upgrades to the surrounding areas of the stadium.
This is part of Villa’s ongoing North Ground regeneration project, which avoids a full rebuild in favour of adapting the existing structure, meaning capacity will not dip during construction.
Aston Villa President Nassef Sawiris described the council’s sign-off on the project as a major milestone, with construction set to begin next year and conclude in the second half of 2027, in perfect time for Euro 2028 fixtures scheduled at Villa Park.
The expansion not only boosts matchday attendance figures but also enhances Villa Park’s standing amongst Britain’s premier stadiums, placing it comfortably above 50,000 capacity, a critical factor in being selected as a Championship venue alongside Wembley, Tottenham and others.
Transport and infrastructure key to hosting Euro 2028
Aston Villa and local authorities are also addressing transport infrastructure, a key requirement for staging a major tournament.
The stadium’s main rail station, Witton, has been earmarked for significant upgrades to cope with the increased footfall expected during Euro 2028, with the West Midlands Combined Authority backing a £25 million improvement plan.
These works aim to widen platforms, improve queuing and overall accessibility for the thousands of supporters expected to travel by train on matchdays.
The synergy between stadium expansion and transport upgrades has been crucial in ensuring Villa Park meets UEFA’s expectations. The improvements will not only benefit tournament visitors but also long-term supporter experience, easing overcrowding and improving safety on non-event days.
The development project also includes enhancements to commercial and fan engagement spaces around the ground, such as The Warehouse — a multi-purpose venue designed to serve fans and local communities year-round — as well as rejuvenated retail and hospitality facilities that will serve Villans beyond just football matches.
Villa Park’s transformation responds to the increasing demands on stadiums in the modern era, where capacity, accessibility and atmosphere are equally important to organisers, fans and broadcasters alike.
With the renovation timeline aligned to the Euro 2028 calendar, Villa Park is positioning itself as one of England’s most compelling international venues.
FGG Says
Villa Park project is a textbook example of how to prepare for a major tournament without losing sight of local supporters. The North Stand expansion and transport improvements show that hosting big matches requires more than seats, it demands infrastructure that works.
Villa Park evolving past 50,000 capacity is significant, but ensuring fans can arrive and depart safely and comfortably is just as important. If this partnership between club, city and regional transport bodies continues to deliver, Villa Park could set a standard for future host stadiums, proving that historic grounds can grow without losing their soul.