Wrexham's new Kop stand is advancing rapidly, paralleling the football club's remarkable rise in recent years. The £70 million development at the Racecourse, the oldest international football ground still in operation, is regarded as a "real symbol of hope." Previously neglected, the Kop has become emblematic of the club’s recent resurgence under its Hollywood owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who are targeting Premier League status. The stand is expected to be operational by the start of the next season.
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Aidan Miller, the club's chief strategy officer, oversees the project and is focused on the long-term development of the Championship team, which had been playing non-league football just three years ago. Miller commented on the club's swift transitions through the leagues, emphasizing the importance of preparing the organization for the next level. "We've always gone to the next level from the footballing side before the rest of the club is necessarily ready to," he said.
The new Kop stand will increase the stadium’s capacity to over 18,000 with an additional 7,500 seats, following the approval from Wrexham County Borough Council. It will include modern facilities such as dressing rooms and hospitality areas, making the Racecourse fit for Premier League standards should the team gain promotion. Reynolds and McElhenney finalized their takeover of the club from Wrexham Supporters' Trust in February 2022 and have expressed their ambition to elevate Wrexham to the top tier of English football.
The team has achieved three consecutive promotions to reach the Championship, narrowly missing out on the play-offs last season. Beyond football, the owners have actively supported local community initiatives, contributing to a revitalized atmosphere around the club. Miller noted a palpable sense of optimism among staff and the broader community.
In addition to the Kop redevelopment, Wrexham is undertaking improvements at three other sites. Significant work is being carried out at the academy in Rossett, including new pitches, and upgrades to the women's team base at The Rock, which includes a new pitch and gym facilities. At Colliers Park, a new pavilion for the first team has been constructed.
Miller highlighted the importance of these developments for the club's long-term sustainability, expressing the owners' commitment to investing in the women's team and enhancing facilities overall. Looking ahead, chief executive Michael Williamson has expressed that the ideal capacity for the ground could be between 26,000 and 29,000.
Wrexham has also acquired The Turf, a historic pub adjacent to the ground, to secure land meant to support the club's future. "It's just continuing to take those steps forward," Miller stated, reflecting on the ongoing enhancements to the Racecourse experience.