Sir Jim Ratcliffe Pushes for Manchester United Stadium Decision by December

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the minority shareholder overseeing football operations at Manchester United, is urging the club to finalize its stadium plans by December. Ratcliffe advocates for the construction of a new stadium with a capacity of 100,000, projected to cost over £2 billion and take approximately six years to complete. This new facility would be built adjacent to the iconic Old Trafford, allowing the club to continue using the existing venue until the new one is operational. The alternative to a new stadium involves a significant renovation of Old Trafford, which would likely result in reduced revenue due to sections being closed during the refurbishment. Additionally, the club may need to find a temporary home while the work is underway. Collette Roche, United’s chief operating officer, is spearheading the project and has been actively researching global stadium designs, consulting with various stakeholders in the industry. Roche's research includes discussions with executives from Real Madrid about the ongoing reconfiguration of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, as well as an assessment of SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. SoFi Stadium, which opened in 2020, boasts a capacity that can expand to over 100,000 and features advanced technology, including a massive LED canopy. It serves as a venue for both NFL games and concerts, highlighting the potential for a multi-purpose facility. James T Butts Jr., the mayor of Inglewood, praised SoFi Stadium as a premier sports venue, emphasizing its unique advertising opportunities and the comprehensive entertainment complex surrounding it.