Sports
Wrexham AFC Secures Approval for 7,750‑Seat Kop Stand Expansion
Wrexham AFC’s planned redevelopment of its historic Kop Stand has gained further approval, with the local planning committee endorsing an increase to 7,750 seats. The decision, made by Wrexham County Borough Council’s planning committee on 5 October 2026, allows an additional 2,250 seats to be added to the stand that was originally approved in March 2025 for 5,500 seats. The expanded stand will bring the Racecourse Ground’s total capacity to just over 18,000. The work is part of a £70 million project that reflects the club’s ambitions since Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took ownership in 2021. Construction began in December 2025, with McLaren Construction appointed to carry out the work, and the new stand is expected to be operational in early 2027, in time for the 2026‑27 season. The expansion includes a second tier within the approved design and existing footprint of the stand, and aims to give the Racecourse Ground greater flexibility to host international football matches and other major sporting events. Transport and parking plans accompany the development, with measures to encourage supporters to use public transport, promote bus and rail services, and maintain park‑and‑ride arrangements. Free matchday parking at Eagles Meadow is also highlighted. The project marks a significant change for a stadium whose long‑unused Kop once stood as a reminder of more difficult years, and it is part of the wider transformation of Wrexham AFC as the club rises through English football and attracts a growing international following.