The Groupama Arena in Budapest. Copyright: Lagardere Sports HungaryThe Groupama Arena in Budapest. Copyright: Lagardere Sports Hungary
The Groupama Arena in Budapest. Copyright: Lagardere Sports Hungary

Stunning photos reveal model for new ‘iconic’ Peterborough United stadium as club prepares for big attendance spike

Peterborough United have released images of a stadium in Hungary which will be a model for their new ground.

Senior figures have been impressed by the Groupama Arena in Budapest, the home of Ferencvárosi TC, which they hope to use as an inspiration when moving to a new stadium, probably on the Embankment. Posh co-owner Jason Neale told the Peterborough Telegraph: “The way it works is the concourses behind one of the grandstands can be moved, creating the space for exhibitions and concerts. They have over 200 non-football events which they host at the stadium on an annual basis. Everything from exhibitions to wedding events to corporate functions. This could be a real epicentre for businesses in the Peterborough region. It’s very easy to commute to Peterborough from the north and London. The way the stadium looks is important as well. It needs to be an iconic stadium from a visual perspective and a stadium with a substantial uplift in attendance. New stadiums get a bounce in the number of people who become regular match day attendees. In some studies it has been a 40 to 50 per cent bounce. So we think there will be a big uplift in ticket-holders, but the stadium will also become profitable without matches being played. We will also look to partner with the new university if we can do something that benefits us and them.” Dr Neale said the club is considering naming rights to the new stadium, with current sponsors of the London Road ground Weston Homes given the first option. He added: “It’s an exciting time. The team is doing well on the pitch and things are going well off it.” The club hopes to open a new stadium in time for the 2022/23 season with capacity for 17,500 fans – potentially rising to 23,000 – with the option for safe standing after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the city council. Along with Posh matches, it is hoped the new stadium will hold large concerts and events in the city centre.