Manchester United, the iconic English football club, is mulling over a dramatic move from their historic home, Old Trafford, to a brand-new, state-of-the-art stadium. The proposed stadium would boast a whopping 100,000 seats, making it the largest in the Premier League by a considerable margin.
Practical reasons dictate that the club should ignore the easy emotional appeal of “stay and renovate” and go with the clear choice of “build new.” Old Trafford is so constrained by the neighboring landlocked facilities of the United training complex and the Old Trafford cricket ground that a major expansion there is impossible. If the club is going to continue at an elite level, a new stadium is the only viable path.
Naturally, this grand endeavor is not without its expense. The new stadium could cost more than £2 billion, and that is on the assumption that this monumental project will not uncover any surprises that cost a lot more than they should—what construction project ever goes smoothly? The club is looking into different ways to pay for the construction, including a potentially lucrative deal to sell the naming rights. Personally, I think the new place could very well be called “[Insert Corporate Sponsor Here] Presenting The Theatre of Dreams.”
Though the United supporters hold its beloved ground close to their hearts, it is no secret that the 114-year-old stadium has seen better days. Some have felt like the club has neglected its infrastructure, given leaky roofs and outdated facilities. Now, with the proposed new stadium (which is not a done deal, by the way), there is an opportunity to create a modern, world-class venue that still pays homage to the old ground. The task force exploring stadium options, as Manchester Nightly News put it, is keen on incorporating distinctive features of Old Trafford into a new build.
Regarding potential names for the new stadium (it’s quite a long shot from the current state of things, but why not dream a little?), ‘New Trafford’ would seem to be the leading candidate. However, if United is going to make a fresh start, why not pick a fresh name? ‘The Red Devils’ Lair’ and ‘Fergie’s Fortress’ could take the place of the obvious ‘New Trafford.’ And for those who think United should embrace their innovative side, there’s always the possibility of ‘The Blockchain Bowl’ or ‘The Metaverse Arena.’
The nostalgia of leaving Old Trafford may be hard for some people to push through, but a stadium that can hold 100,000 fans could generate a revenue stream capable of funding a competitive squad. And think of all the nice bathrooms!