Sheffield Wednesday owner hints at Michael Jordan Hillsborough visit as stadium vision outlined

Sheffield Wednesday chairman David Storch has outlined his plans to transform Hillsborough and hinted that the iconic stadium could one day welcome six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan.

Storch joined talkSPORT's Weekend Sports Breakfast to discuss his first 104 days as Sheffield Wednesday owner, with Arise Capital Partners having completed their takeover earlier this summer.

The American businessman has already overseen significant investment in the club, including an £8m commitment towards improving Hillsborough and the training ground, while he also revealed plans to make the matchday experience more comfortable for supporters.

And when asked about the possibility of Jordan visiting Hillsborough, Storch appeared to leave the door open.

“There’s a few basketball players that I still have close relationships with, one of which is considered by me and others to be the greatest basketball player of all time,” Storch said.

Asked whether the six-time NBA champion could soon make an appearance at Hillsborough, the Wednesday chairman simply replied: “Let’s see, let’s see.”

Sheffield Wednesday outline major Hillsborough improvements

Storch's immediate focus, however, is on addressing the numerous issues that have affected Hillsborough in recent years.

The chairman revealed that around 100 work orders are currently being carried out at the stadium as part of Arise's plans to improve the infrastructure and matchday experience.

“Hillsborough needs a lot of work. Right now, there are 100 work orders that are being executed against,” Storch said.

Among the projects are improvements to the stadium's water and hot water systems, a new WiFi programme and replacement elevators.

Storch also promised significant changes to the food and beverage operation, with Molson Coors expected to increase the pouring capacity by eight times.

Delaware will provide the food, while the club is also working to make it easier for supporters to enter and leave Hillsborough and purchase merchandise.

“The quality of the food will be improved,” Storch added. “We're going to try and make it easier to get in and out of the stadium. We're going to try and make it easier to buy merchandise.”

The club's store was also expected to reopen shortly after Storch's comments.

Sheffield Wednesday players feeling the benefits

The improvements are not only being noticed by supporters.

Sheffield Wednesday striker Lowe told The Star that changes to Hillsborough and the training ground had already made a significant difference to the players' daily environment.

“It's massive,” Lowe said. “It's massive because, even like you say, the stadium's had a little refurb. The training ground's a lot better than it was.”

He also highlighted improvements to the food provided after matches and training, as well as upgrades to the gym and other facilities.

“Little stuff like that does help massively,” Lowe added.

“You say our nutrition is key, but if you're not getting food, sometimes there is no food, or whatever the situation is, we've rectified all those small little problems that maybe you don't see every day.”

The striker believes the changes have created a more positive atmosphere throughout the club.

“It boosts the energy of everyone because you are coming into a better working environment,” he said.

“Everyone comes into work that little bit happier because it's just a better environment to be in.”

With 13 new players arriving during the summer, Wednesday are attempting to rebuild on and off the pitch following a difficult campaign.

The club's League One campaign begins away to Leyton Orient, with supporters now hoping Storch's investment can help Hillsborough become a more modern and welcoming home as the Owls target an immediate return to the Championship.

FGG Says: Hillsborough improvements could restore pride for Wednesday fans

Hillsborough is one of English football's most historic stadiums, but years of underinvestment left supporters frustrated with the condition of their home.

Storch's early investment is therefore significant. Improving basic infrastructure such as water, WiFi, food, elevators and access may not sound glamorous, but these are precisely the details that shape the matchday experience.

The possibility of Michael Jordan visiting would certainly create a memorable moment, but the bigger story is the attempt to restore Hillsborough as a stadium Wednesday fans can be proud of.

If Arise can deliver on its promises while the team succeeds on the pitch, the club could finally begin to rebuild the connection between supporters, stadium and ownership.