Imagine stepping into a stadium that doesn't just host games—it ignites the very soul of football fandom, where every roar and chant echoes through history. Manchester United is on the brink of turning this vision into reality, and they're not doing it alone—they're asking fans like you to shape it. But here's where it gets controversial: how do we balance cutting-edge luxury with keeping tickets affordable for everyone? Dive in as we explore the latest developments in their ambitious new stadium project, and discover why your voice could redefine what 'the best fan experience' truly means.
Manchester United has just kicked off the next exciting chapter in their journey toward building a groundbreaking new stadium designed to offer unparalleled experiences for supporters worldwide. Building on the initial reveal of their vision back in March, the club is now reaching out to all fans to gather insights on a variety of potential features, from top-notch facilities and seating arrangements to different pricing models. This initiative underscores their dedication to putting fans front and center in every decision about the future of Old Trafford.
The survey, expertly managed by the renowned market research firm CSL, is a key part of this inclusive process. It draws from the club's previous fan engagement efforts, including a massive research phase in autumn 2024 that saw over 50,000 supporters participate—setting a new benchmark for involvement in club-related studies. This was followed by targeted focus groups in July, and the fresh data collected here will directly influence the upcoming design phases. Think of it as a collaborative blueprint: your feedback helps ensure the new venue isn't just a structure, but a living extension of the passion that makes United special.
To make it easy for everyone to join in, all match-attending fans—such as season ticket holders, official members, and those who enjoy hospitality packages—will receive an email tonight (Thursday) with a direct link to the survey. If you're one of them, we urge you to click through and share your thoughts right away. For supporters who've chosen to opt out of marketing emails, don't worry—you can still participate by visiting this page starting at midday tomorrow (Friday) and using the provided link. Just remember to have your Supporter ID handy if you have one, as it might be needed for verification.
At the heart of this project are some guiding principles that aim to create the ultimate stadium for the world's greatest team and its devoted fanbase, with input from supporters woven into every thread of the design and build. Atmosphere isn't just a nice-to-have; it's the lifeblood of the experience. We all know it's the electric energy and thunderous cheers from fans that fuel the players on the pitch. That's why protecting and amplifying that iconic fan culture is non-negotiable in these plans.
To achieve this, the club is focused on keeping the core group of match-going fans engaged, valued, and empowered to influence the new stadium's direction. Take the Stretford End, for example—that legendary stand should remain a buzzing hub of vocal, loyal supporters who set the matchday vibe. And this isn't just about the present; accessibility for younger fans is crucial, with affordability as a cornerstone to ensure future generations can carry on the vibrant traditions that have always made Old Trafford unforgettable. To make this work, the strategy involves offering some of the most premium options available, which would help fund and keep the cheapest tickets at levels that are easy for everyone to access. And this is the part most people miss: it's a delicate balancing act, where luxury drives affordability, but it raises questions about whether it truly democratizes the game or inadvertently creates divides.
To bring this vision to life, fans are being asked about their preferences, priorities, and expectations through the survey, covering everything from facilities and seating to pricing structures. To facilitate this, the survey includes a range of hypothetical scenarios across different seating types—from basic general admission to high-end hospitality suites. These are purely for gauging interest and demand early on, not final commitments. No pricing has been locked in yet, and the broad spectrum tested reflects industry-standard research methods used in major global stadium projects, ensuring decisions are backed by solid data. Keep in mind that each fan might see a randomized selection of these scenarios, so options could vary even among friends in the same seating area.
The survey also delves into potential interest in a seat licence system—a concept where fans could pay a one-time fee or installments to secure the right to purchase tickets for matches and events at Old Trafford over a set period. This isn't mandatory; it's an optional add-on, with traditional season tickets still fully available. For clarity, think of it like reserving your favorite spot at a concert venue year-round, but in football terms, it could mean guaranteed access without the hassle of buying each time. Seat licences are common in stadiums worldwide, but unlike many where they're required for season tickets, United's version would be entirely voluntary. Traditional holders would keep perks like fixed seats for every game and priority for away matches or cup finals, while licence owners might enjoy additional benefits (still to be defined). This is just one idea among many, and more fan research on alternatives is planned soon.
Ultimately, the goal is to fund the new stadium while keeping football accessible and preserving the match-going culture for generations to come. That's why this open, dialogue-driven approach is so important—it helps strike the right equilibrium, with fans guiding every step. The survey closes at 23:59 GMT on November 6, so don't miss your chance to weigh in.
*Important note: Due to legal guidelines, only fans 18 and older can complete the survey. Younger supporters' opinions will be gathered through other means, like focus groups.
For a sneak peek at the 'world's best stadium,' check out these galleries featuring conceptual images from Foster + Partners, and watch the video 'A new home for United' for exclusive visuals of a stunning 100,000-capacity venue.
But here's where it gets controversial: Introducing optional seat licences could spark debate—does this empower dedicated fans or risk pricing out casual supporters? And what about subsidizing cheaper tickets through premium options? Is this innovation or inequality in disguise? We want to hear from you: Do you support making seat licences voluntary to keep traditions alive? How do you feel about balancing luxury with affordability? Share your views in the comments below—agree, disagree, or offer your own take. Let's discuss!
