It is to close for the whole campaign so that they can push on with the increase of Villa Park’s capacity to over 50,000 by the start of the 2027/28 season.
Villa Park’s capacity for 26/27 is expected to be set at 37,000, saying this is the best way they can carry out the changes needed while also trying to cause minimal disruption.
Mixed reaction to this news from fans on social media, some preference for the previous designs, especially now the club say whole stand is being closed.
Some are nervous at future ticket prices. Others say while it affects them, they’re happy and excited to see what is happening.
“The temporary closure of the North Stand will require the relocation of affected season ticket holders for the 2026/27 season. The Club recognises the impact this will have on supporters, and will offer those affected the opportunity to renew their ticket in an alternative area of Villa Park at the same price level. Affected supporters will also get priority access to return to the redeveloped North Stand for the 2027/28 season. Further information will be shared directly with impacted supporters in due course.
“This decision has been taken following extensive planning and assessment, and reflects the Club’s commitment to minimising disruption for supporters while delivering meaningful improvements to both the fan and footballing experience at Villa Park. The new, accelerated plan for the works also incorporates operational efficiencies, which will lead to significant cost savings and a shorter timeline.
“The redevelopment supports the Club’s broader strategy by increasing overall stadium capacity to over 50,000 and maximising the benefit to the Club and local area of all events held at Villa Park, including UEFA Euro 2028.
“By completing the works within a single season, the Club will limit disruption to one campaign rather than extending it across two seasons. This will allow us to open the new North Stand standard seating and concourse facilities for the full 2027/28 season, meaning supporters can enjoy the new stand sooner
“The redevelopment will also deliver substantial football infrastructure benefits, including the creation of approximately 500 square metres of new first-team changing, medical and physiotherapy facilities, alongside the upgrade of all player competition areas. These improvements will ensure the Club is fully compliant with UEFA and Premier League regulations, while supporting the ongoing development and performance of the first-team environment.”
“The Club would like to thank supporters, particularly those directly affected, for their understanding and continued loyalty.”
Here’s what fans had to say after Aston Villa announce a North Stand redevelopment plan for 2026/27 that will affect thousands of fans…
@LewisT_66: Hold on… so Purslow’s plan was changed by Heck because they didn’t wanna close the North Stand while in the Champions League, and we’re now going to close the North Stand while in the Champions League
@aaron_l16: Should’ve just gone with the brand new stand then 🤷♂️
@mcauley26: Thats a lot less seats in what could potentially be a UCL campaign season. Prices last time were ridiculous so I worry. Also should have stuck with the original plan if they were gonna close the stand anyway. Gonna effect the atmosphere no matter what they say
@1874and1982: It’s SUPER unfortunate as I’m 90% sure I was gonna get to the front of the waiting list this season but it’s gotta happen. I just hope the club don’t punish people on the waiting list for not being able to go as much next season due to this… #AVFC
@UTV_AVFC82: That’s a huge call considering the lost match day revenue from the probable Champions League games. The club will have considered all of that so we must trust that they are doing what is best for the club. Exciting news for all, but I can understand those season ticket holders in the north stand will be feeling a bit apprehensive about next season. Biggest question for me is what will ticket prices look like? Also is there much point in getting a membership next season? 6000 less seats to me suggests probably not.
@kpvilla: As a season ticket holder for years in the lower north it’s welcomed by me that it will accelerate the new stand I would imagine that the away allocation will be significantly reduced to accommodate more home supporters. And maybe a tweak in design to allow more of the Purslow model.
@dylanastle1: Not ideal as a season ticket holder who has sat in the same seat for 12 years, however understandable and we gain the benefit down the line, let’s just hope they don’t balls up this seat relocating when renewing season ticket for next season #avfc
@_kjs1874: Im already feeling faint about the prices they’re gonna roll out to make up for losing a stands worth of attendance 😂
North Stand Closure – FAQs (While Stand is Closed)
General / Overview
Why is the North Stand being closed?
This decision has been taken following extensive planning and assessment, and reflects the Club’s commitment to minimising disruption for supporters while delivering meaningful improvements to both the fan and footballing experience at Villa Park. The new, accelerated plan for the works also incorporates operational efficiencies, which will lead to significant cost savings and a shorter timeline.
How long will the stand be closed for?
For the entirety of the 2026/27 season.
Will the entire North Stand be closed, and what will the stadium capacity be during the works?
Yes, in order to complete the works, the entire North Stand will be closed meaning that Villa Park will have an approximate capacity of just over 37,000 next season. This figure is, however, subject to change.
Why can’t the work be done during the off-season?
The scale of works required is not something that we can complete during the off-season. By completing the works within a single season, the Club will limit disruption to one campaign rather than extending it across two seasons. This will allow us to open the new North Stand standard seating and concourse facilities for the full 2027/28 season, meaning supporters can enjoy the new stand sooner.
Will match ticket prices increase as a result of the reduced capacity this season?
No decisions have yet been made on ticket prices for next season.
Season Tickets & Renewals
I am a North Stand season ticket holder – can I still renew?
Yes but you will need to choose a seat in a different part of Villa Park while the works to the North Stand are ongoing.
Will I have to pay more if I move to a higher-priced seat?
Yes, your season ticket for the 2026/27 season will be priced no higher than if it were in the same price zone as your current seat, with the exception of Price Zone 1, where you will be charged at Price Zone 1 prices.
Can I choose not to renew this season and return later, and how would this affect my tenure, loyalty status, or away ticket priority?
You can pause your season ticket if you wish. This will not impact your away ticket priority, tenure, or ability to purchase a season ticket in the redeveloped North Stand.
Is the option to not renew and return later only available to those affected by the North Stand redevelopment?
Yes.
If I opt not to renew and become a member instead, will I receive any additional priority for match tickets?
No.
Will all North Stand season ticket holders be able to secure a seat elsewhere in the stadium?
Yes, every North Stand season ticket holder will be able to purchase a season ticket elsewhere in the stadium.
Seat Relocation Process
How do I choose my new seat, and how will priority be determined?
You can renew your season ticket by selecting an alternative seat that is not currently occupied by another season ticket holder during the renewal window in early June.
Will there be a chance to relocate after the initial renewal window, including to seats that become available through non-renewals?
Yes, you can wait until the end of the renewal window and choose from the remaining available seats, including any not renewed, before additional season tickets go on sale.
Will I be able to visit the stadium to view seats before making my choice?
Unfortunately, this will not be possible. However on the ticketing website there is a ‘view from my seat’ function available from every block in the stadium.
Seating Options & Flexibility
What areas of the stadium will be available?
All areas of the stadium will be available however, you will not be able to select another season ticket holder’s seat until the end of the window. If you move into price zone 1 then you will pay a price zone 1 price.
Can I move again later if I’m not happy with my new seat after the first home game or during the season?
Yes but this is subject to availability.
Groups & Social Seating
Can I relocate with friends or family?
Yes, If you have family members, you can be relocated together. The same applies to those on your friends and family list – you can select seats as a group.
Can supporters not affected by the redevelopment move to sit with others who are?
Yes, subject to availability.
Can someone else select a seat on my behalf?
Yes, you are able to select a seat through your nominated friends and family.
If we wish to relocate as part of a larger group, can we do this?
The club will consider requests for larger groups to move together and will accommodate them where possible. However, this may not be feasible depending on group size. In such cases, please contact the ticket office at northstandseasontickets@avfc.co.uk.
Accessibility
Will accessibility needs and specific seating requirements be accommodated?
Anybody who has any specific accessibility requirements when they selected seats in North Stand will be able to select seats that suit them best and we will endeavour to find a solution that works best for them.
Wider Impact
Will match ticket availability, season ticket resale, or waiting lists be affected?
Inevitably, ticket availability will be affected during the period that the North Stand is closed. However, when the new stand opens, there will be a significant increase in the number of GA and Season Tickets available as a result of the increased capacity.
Will a season ticket waiting list operate during the season while the North Stand is closed?
Yes the waiting list will operate during the season and the increased number of seats on offer will be allocated according to priority on the waiting list.
Key Concerns
What happens if the project overruns in to the following season?
We have a robust programme that will ensure GA seats are available at the start of the 2027/28 season. Hospitality areas are due to complete in October 2027.
Will the away end capacity be reduced to allow more tickets for home fans during this period?
Premier League regulations stipulate that we have to provide a minimum of 3,000 tickets to every visiting team. The only exception to this is if the capacity of the stadium is less than 30,000. As this will not be the case during the works, we have to continue to provide visiting teams with the same number of tickets as they currently receive.
Has the club considered the impact on atmosphere, and why is the project not being delayed?
Investment in the upgraded North Stand will modernise the stadium as part of our ongoing efforts to make meaningful improvements to both the fan and footballing experience at Villa Park. The improvements will also ensure the Club is fully compliant with UEFA and Premier League regulations. The club has undertaken noise assessments through the current season and our supporters will continue to be able to generate an electric atmosphere at Villa Park during the works.
How will the North Stand look during the construction works?
The North Stand roof will be removed at the end of Summer 2026, but the existing stand structure is retained and refurbished through next season. Works on the new roof will be taking place through next season and will be completed in Summer 2027.
Communication
When will I be contacted with next steps and how will updates be shared?
Our Head of Ticket Operations will contact you with full details before season ticket renewals go on sale, at which point we will confirm the timelines and process for selecting your seat for the 2026/27 season.
FAQs – When the North Stand Reopens (Following Season)
General
What will the final stadium capacity be once the redevelopment is complete, and how many additional seats will be added?
The North Stand development will add over 5,500 new seats to Villa Park. Alongside other ongoing seating optimisation works, total capacity at Villa Park will increase to over 50,000
Priority & Seat Allocation
Will existing North Stand season ticket holders be given priority to relocate back, and how will this process work?
Yes, the club will endeavour to allocate all existing North Stand Season Ticket holders a seat as close to their existing location as possible. You can either choose to renew your season ticket in this seat or choose from any of the available seats within the new North Stand.
Seat Options
Can I choose to stay in my relocated seat instead of moving back to the North Stand?
Yes absolutely, if you have enjoyed the experience in the new seat you can choose to stay there. Should you wish to return to the North Stand, your first season will be heavily discounted but thereafter you will be paying the price of that seat in that price zone.
Pricing
Will price zones in the North Stand change when the stand reopens?
The club will be looking at the price zones in the new North Stand but no decision has been made at this point.
Accessibility (Post-Completion)
Will accessibility provision improve as part of the redevelopment?
Yes, there will be over 50 new wheelchair bays generated as a result of the redevelopment.
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