Football club submits plan for £1.5m fan-zone

Stoke City have revealed plans for a fan zone at the bet365 Stadium, with a planning application now submitted to Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

The new facility, which is estimated for completion around the start of the 24/25 season, marks the latest major investment in the club’s five-year development programme at the stadium and training ground.

Sketches designed by AFL Architects show the fan zone, proposed for development adjacent to the North Car Park, featuring a main stage and LED screen alongside several food and drink outlets, covered areas for supporters to congregate, a dedicated children’s area and restrooms.

“It has been a long-held ambition of the club to construct a fan zone, primarily to enhance the matchday experience at the bet365 Stadium,” said vice chairman Richard Smith.

“During the past 12 months we have commenced the process of designing a high quality facility for Stoke City supporters, for which we are now in a position to submit our application for planning.

“Despite rising production costs causing the Club’s scheduled programme of infrastructure investments to increase significantly, there remains a steadfast commitment to fulfil our ambitions and make our facilities as good as they can be.”

Stoke City’s COO Simon King added that the prospective fan zone highlights the club’s desire to maximise the potential of the bet365 Stadium.

He said: “In our dialogue with supporters, it has been clear that there is significant appetite for a fan zone to be introduced as part of a first-class matchday experience, creating a hub of activity where fans can gather and enjoy live entertainment.

“We also believe a facility like this will present an opportunity for regular supporter engagement and community activities.

“Much like other parts of our venue, it is our intention for it to be used for way in excess of 20-30 home matchdays each year.

“It remains our ambition to hold more significant events at the bet365 Stadium, and clearly a high quality fan zone will be a great addition to our offering.”