Mattio Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 Just been reading about St. Mary's on Wikipedia and it says in reference to possible expansion the following All stands bar the Itchen can be built upon and expanded if ever deemed necessary, which would give an approximate capacity of around 50,000. However this would cost a similar amount to how much it cost to build the stadium in the first place. However, due to the upcoming Rugby World Cup, the stadium could be expanded to around 45,000 - 50,000 by the IRB as it has been chosen to host pool matches during the Rugby World Cup. The club will not pay anything for the expansion, however this is all subject to approval and planning permission. It says citation needed which gives the impression that its all fabricated but does anyone know if there's actually any truth in this? Sorry if its been asked before I couldn't find it in search. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingsland Nick Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 There are only about 10 good teams in international rugby, so there will only be about 6 pool games between good teams, and I very much doubt whether any of them will be at St Mary's. 32,000 will be more than big enough for the matches played there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobM Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 It could be true, it could be utterly made up. That's the beauty of Wikipedia. There have been mentions and mumblings of Cortese negotiating with the council about the expansion of SMS onto the surrounding areas, with the suggestion that if that couldn't go ahead he would look to build a new stadium elsewhere. It's all rumour and guesswork though. Anybody really in the know will be under very strict NDA terms so couldn't possibly comment, so take anything you read with a pinch of salt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farawaysaint Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 I dunno, 32000 is a small number ofd seats for the RWC but then I live in S.A and most of our provinvcial teams stadiums are huge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingsland Nick Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 And nine of the grounds being used for the 2011 RWC are smaller than St Mary's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Chalet Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 I dunno, 32000 is a small number ofd seats for the RWC but then I live in S.A and most of our provinvcial teams stadiums are huge My only experience with South African rugby is George stadium, Gosport Borough would give their capacity a run for it's money! My feeling is the IRB wouldn't pay tens of millions to expand our stadium for a few pool games. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 Just been reading about St. Mary's on Wikipedia and it says in reference to possible expansion the following All stands bar the Itchen can be built upon and expanded if ever deemed necessary, which would give an approximate capacity of around 50,000. However this would cost a similar amount to how much it cost to build the stadium in the first place. However, due to the upcoming Rugby World Cup, the stadium could be expanded to around 45,000 - 50,000 by the IRB as it has been chosen to host pool matches during the Rugby World Cup. The club will not pay anything for the expansion, however this is all subject to approval and planning permission. It says citation needed which gives the impression that its all fabricated but does anyone know if there's actually any truth in this? Sorry if its been asked before I couldn't find it in search. Wikipedia can be edited by anyone in the world. It is made up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farawaysaint Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 My only experience with South African rugby is George stadium, Gosport Borough would give their capacity a run for it's money! My feeling is the IRB wouldn't pay tens of millions to expand our stadium for a few pool games. To be fair I did say Provinvial stadiums Put in perspective a few Universities have bigger stadiums than the Bidwest eagles. (And much bigger followings.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 It's probably balls. So move on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
georgeweahscousin Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 When we expand to 50k, do we upgrade from a MEGA store to a GARGANTUAN store? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trader Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 And nine of the grounds being used for the 2011 RWC are smaller than St Mary's. I see wiki has already been edited with this pearl of wisdom. They won't need big stadia in the 2011 RWC as its in New Zealand and there's hardly anyone there to fill them. The place is practically empty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 When we expand to 50k, do we upgrade from a MEGA store to a GARGANTUAN store? Nice word gargantuan. Way underused. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectisSaint Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 I see wiki has already been edited with this pearl of wisdom. They won't need big stadia in the 2011 RWC as its in New Zealand and there's hardly anyone there to fill them. The place is practically empty. Lots of sheep, baa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattio Posted 7 November, 2010 Author Share Posted 7 November, 2010 I see wiki has already been edited with this pearl of wisdom. They won't need big stadia in the 2011 RWC as its in New Zealand and there's hardly anyone there to fill them. The place is practically empty. It must have been someone on here because that bits been on there for months, just never bothered to ask about it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitey Grandad Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 Nice word gargantuan. Way underused. Indeed, I've just looked up its origin. I didn't know he had a son, Pantagruel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danbert Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 The clue is in the bit about the club getting this expansion gratis and for nothing. But improbable surely... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 (edited) A thread about St Mary's isn't complete without this... Created by a Southampton based architect firm (Dalton Crawley) and put on youtube in February 2010. Not sure why they did it, but it is just called a "design exercise". Maybe just an architect haing fun in his free time or maybe the club asked them for rough designs? After all, one month later Cortese revealed in an interview with BBC radio Solent they did have plans for expanding the stadium or possible relocation. Edited 7 November, 2010 by Matthew Le God Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Chuckle Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 Because we need 30000 empty seats on match days! Ground is fine as it is in terms of size. Toilets, screens, PA System all need improving before making it bigger. Hopefully the Rugby World cup will at least mean a new PA system! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 (edited) Because we need 30000 empty seats on match days! Ground is fine as it is in terms of size. All four seasons at St Mary's in the Premier League, the club averaged over 30k. If Cortese/Liebherr family provide the funding to support the club as a mid table or better top flight team, then expansion of stadium or a new stadium would be required. 32k simply wouldn't be big enough if they wanted to compete in the Premier League again. Edited 7 November, 2010 by Matthew Le God Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dune Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 The location isn't logistically viable for expansion. As much as I like the in town location we'd have to move imo for a bigger ground. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nexstar Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 The location isn't logistically viable for expansion. As much as I like the in town location we'd have to move imo for a bigger ground. But the ground would be expanded upwards, rather than outwards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_lambden Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 A thread about St Mary's isn't complete without this... Created by a Southampton based architect firm, Dalton Crawley, and put on youtube in February 2010. Not sure why they did it, but it is just called a "design exercise". Maybe the club asked them for rough designs? After all, one month later Cortese revealed in an interview with BBC radio Solent they did have plans for expanding the stadium or possible relocation. So only Itchen and Kingsland extended there , that must be around 45,000 by effectively adding an extra tier to both stands. Not sure if the atmosphere would be any better in those stands though :/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dune Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 So only Itchen and Kingsland extended there , that must be around 45,000 by effectively adding an extra tier to both stands. Not sure if the atmosphere would be any better in those stands though :/ But it'd give a boost to the local economy if you were a producer of tartan blankets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubleonothing Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 Not sure why its so relevant that grounds in the 2011 world cup are going to be smaller than SMS? Of more relevance is the fact that there are grounds at the 2015 world cup which will be smaller than SMS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dune Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 But the ground would be expanded upwards, rather than outwards I'm talking about roads and access and parking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 I cant see how the kingsland could be extended......not much room behind there anyway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 I cant see how the kingsland could be extended......not much room behind there anyway In the design in the youtube video, the footprint of the stadium doesn't really get any bigger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitey Grandad Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 Hmm, more stands to close in round 1 of the FA Cup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc_saint Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 I cant see how the kingsland could be extended......not much room behind there anyway The Itchen is the only stand that CANNOT be extended due to the offices and hopsitality etc in it. Chapel, Northam and Kingsland are all able to have the roof taken off, and then extended, and then roof goes back on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Chuckle Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 Matthew Le God knows what he's talking about He's football researcher for Football Manager invade you didn't know??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 I cant see how the kingsland could be extended......not much room behind there anyway Take inspiration from St James' Park, Newcastle. They managed very well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dune Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 If I could choose how our stadium would be i'd like to build one like the Dell. Something like the old highbury would be perfect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 If I could choose how our stadium would be i'd like to build one like the Dell. Something like the old highbury would be perfect. I think I understand what you mean in terms of atmosphere..... something like Juventus are trying to acheive by tearing down the Stadio Delle Alpi and moving to something more compact? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fan The Flames Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 I cant see how the kingsland could be extended......not much room behind there anyway There's plenty of space there to do something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dune Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 I think I understand what you mean in terms of atmosphere..... something like Juventus are trying to acheive by tearing down the Stadio Delle Alpi and moving to something more compact? Exactly. A small pitch and stands that are close to the pitch. You can't beat grounds like this for atmosphere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitey Grandad Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 I think I understand what you mean in terms of atmosphere..... something like Juventus are trying to acheive by tearing down the Stadio Delle Alpi and moving to something more compact? I still have the copy of 'La Stampa' that I bought when it was announced (I am learning italian, slowly). 'La Juventus si fa lo stadio all'inglese' - Juventus are building an english-style stadium. The first without barriers, 40,200 capacity, €105m. ( 21st November 2008 ) . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint_mears Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 With ticket prices going to around £40+ i doubt very much we would sell out like in the past in the PL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 With ticket prices going to around £40+ i doubt very much we would sell out like in the past in the PL. how do you know this..? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dune Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 With ticket prices going to around £40+ i doubt very much we would sell out like in the past in the PL. The writing is on the wall in that respect. You only have to look at the booking fee and the matchday surcharge to see where we're going. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CB Fry Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 With ticket prices going to around £40+ i doubt very much we would sell out like in the past in the PL. Yes we would. Saints in the Prem would see the corporate dollar making a significant reappearance for a start, and we'd shift a bucket load of season tickets. But we won't need to even think about expanding the ground until we'd been in the Prem for at least three seasons, and we'd have to have generated some kind of waiting list for season tickets. What we don't need is to panic and build a 42,000 stadium we don't need, purely to satisfy the ego of our chairman. Regardless of the size of the stadium, Saints v Wigan in the Premier League is never going to pull in any more than thirty thousand. And Saints v AN Other Championship team is only ever going to pull in less than that. Our stadium, at the moment, is the perfect size for our needs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitey Grandad Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 We had a referees' meeting with Gordon Strachan when he was still manager and I asked him if he felt that we should expand St. Mary's. His view at the time was that there was no need. Interestingly, even then he used the word 'they' when referring to the club. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 (edited) Yes we would. Saints in the Prem would see the corporate dollar making a significant reappearance for a start, and we'd shift a bucket load of season tickets. But we won't need to even think about expanding the ground until we'd been in the Prem for at least three seasons, and we'd have to have generated some kind of waiting list for season tickets. What we don't need is to panic and build a 42,000 stadium we don't need, purely to satisfy the ego of our chairman. Regardless of the size of the stadium, Saints v Wigan in the Premier League is never going to pull in any more than thirty thousand. And Saints v AN Other Championship team is only ever going to pull in less than that. Our stadium, at the moment, is the perfect size for our needs. Every season at St Mary's in the Premier League averaged over 30k. It will be too small for the demand the moment Saints get back there. Certainly no harm getting the planning process done now and even construction started for expansion so it is ready for a return if the Liebherr's are providing funding to support a Premier League team. Edited 7 November, 2010 by Matthew Le God Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Garrett Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 Would we sell out a 40000+ seater week in week out though ?! I'm not sure we would. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docker-p Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 When SMS was built I seem to remember reading somewhere that it was engineered such as the two side stands could expand by 7K each, and the ends by 5k each. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjii Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 Would we sell out a 40000+ seater week in week out though ?! I'm not sure we would. We would if we were doing well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CB Fry Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 Every season at St Mary's in the Premier League averaged over 30k. It will be too small for demand the moment Saints get back there. Certainly no harm getting the planning process done now and even construction started for expansion so it is ready for a return if the Liebherr's are providing funding to support a Premier League team. We need to be averaging 30plus, fine. We need to sell out for all games against the likes of Wigan and co. We'd need waiting lists for season tickets. We'd need the kind of demand there used to be at the Dell. Averaging 30,000 does not mean we just need to add in 10,000 more seats and bingo, the fans flood in. We've got a stadium reflective of the size of our fanbase - not the maximum number of fans that would turn up for a FA Cup Quarter final with Man United, but the amount of fans that will turn up regularly for a Premier League season. You don't build a stadium based on the number of fans that could turn up for the single biggest game of the season. You build it to a realistic number, and with a view to a good atmosphere. I know in your little computer game world you can take these little fantasy football decisions without ramifications but here in the real world it would be foolish to blunder in and build an expansion we simply don't need. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 (edited) Really is pathetic to bring it back to petty insults about me researching FM. Saints between 2001 and 2005 averaged over 30k in a 32k stadium every year, including the relegation season! No need to wait until back in the Premier League, the club will know that the first season in the Premier League will see a return to over 20k season ticket holders/3k away fans/increased corporate interest etc etc. It will become difficult to get a ticket again if you aren't a season ticket holder. A larger stadium also allows the club to be more flexible with ticket pricing and thus easier to build the supporter base even further. Until 2009 the club had never had real investment in the team if further player investment occurs the club will build the numbers of match going fans. If the Liebherr/Cortese really is to establish the side in the Premier League then a bigger stadium is needed. Cortese has already said as much in the March interview on the BBC. Edited 7 November, 2010 by Matthew Le God Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edprice1984 Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 To be honest there is no need for an expansion for the RWC in 2015. Most likely St Mary's will get two or three games at best, probably hosting Scotland/Argentina or Fiji. The IRB and RFU will look to sell out the ground with an attractive fixture but won't give us any of the big five. The smallest ground will be Kingsholm in Gloucester which will hold 18-20K in 2015. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkSFC Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 We've got a stadium reflective of the size of our fanbase and you base the size of our fanbase on what? The capacity? If the ground only holds 32,600 (or whatever it is) the maximum attendance is 32,600. Unless you build it, they cannot come.... Your "fanbase" figure is based on the size of the stadium. Remind me how many went to Wembley? 50,55000? In the Premier league once re-established I see no reason why 40k is not regularly achievable. I think a stadium capacity of 44-48 k would achieve sell outs several times a season at least. It would also set the club up for future success, European adventures, European/world cup games down the line. If the expansion was a second tier on three sides excluding the Itchen then even if "only" 32000 turned up for say Wigan it would still be a great atmosphere!! I also hope they would put more hospitality along the Kingsland! Set the bar too low and you stifle success, set it too high and all you do is miss the target!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveygwyatt Posted 7 November, 2010 Share Posted 7 November, 2010 St Mary's wont be expanded, we will move to a new ground.. talks have already happened.!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now