10 hours ago
1
Manchester United have called on supporters to help them create 'the best stadium in the world' as they launched a new fan survey for their proposed 100,000-seater arena.
Back in March of this year it was announced that United want to build a 100,000-capacity new Old Trafford under a vast 'umbrella' – complete with a public plaza twice the size of Trafalgar Square and their own version of Wembley Way in a breathtaking 'city of the future'.
Now, as part of a detailed fan survey released this evening to season ticket holders, club members and hospitality fans, United are testing the market for their bold ideas, one of which includes selling seat licenses.
Daily Mail Sport revealed back in July that there were controversial plans afoot to propose seat licences - commonplace in the United States but not yet seen in the Premier League - and it has now been confirmed that this forms part of the survey.
'Seat licences have been used in many stadium projects across the globe,' United wrote.
'Unlike the vast majority of venues where they are mandatory for all seasonal product holders, we are exploring an entirely optional version, with standard season tickets still available.
Manchester United hope to have a brand new 100,000-capacity stadium open for 2030
'Our intention would be to ensure traditional season ticket holders still receive the normal benefits such as the same seat for every game and the ability to apply for away game and cup final tickets.
'Seat licence holders would also benefit from new – yet to be determined – benefits.
'The seat licence option is just one of several potential initiatives being explored and we will conduct more research with fans around alternative options in the coming months.'
United have outsourced this new fan survey to market-leading research company CSL, and they hope it can help inform the eventual stadium design and facilities amid scepticism from some parts of the fan-base that key decisions have already been made.
More than 50,000 fans provided their thoughts last year when consulted about the stadium, which has a proposed opening date of 2030 although no work has yet commenced, while a second wave of research took place back in July through focus groups.
United are said to be prioritising the atmosphere of a new stadium, which is to be built next to the current Old Trafford site.
'Atmosphere is central to our vision,' the statement read.
'We know it is the passion and noise of our supporters that inspires our players. Protecting and enhancing that strong fan culture is critical to our plans.
Match-going supporters, as well as official members, are being consulted in a new survey
'That's why we're committed to ensuring our core community of match-going fans can continue to attend, feel valued, and play a genuine role in shaping the new stadium with us.
'The Stretford End, in particular, should continue to be a vibrant, vocal stand full of loyal fans who set the tone on matchdays.'
United fans who take the survey will be faced with a series of randomised and hypothetical product and pricing scenarios in the new stadium, which is estimated to cost in the region of £2billion, although the club insist no pricing decisions have been made at this point.
