A new state-of-the-art super-stadium will be built in Lincolnshire – if England’s bid to co-host the 2028 UEFA European Championships is successful.
LincolnshireWorld.com has seen plans for a 75,000 seater stadium, currently dubbed Yellowbelly Arena.
The many eye-catching extras planned for the pitch include a retractable roof, secure standing areas, four adjacent 4G slots which will also be available for community use, and plenty of shelving in the lobby.
Super-stadiums are so called because the venues are built to accommodate a number of different sports, a temporary sliding surface on the pitch with easy to fit additional seating means the arena could quickly be transformed into a venue suitable for the basketball, boxing or ice hockey.
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have submitted a joint bid to host the Euros in six years – and if successful, Lincolnshire would indeed be put on the football map.
“Bringing international football to the county would be a no-brainer,” explained Olaf Lopri of Davril-Fish Architects, who drew up the exciting plans.
“Lincolnshire’s road and rail networks are second to none, and with Humberside Airport located in the north of the county, we are ready to welcome fans from all over the continent, be it Spain, Germany or, dare I say it, San Marino.
“This stadium could create a huge boost for jobs and tourism, unheard of in the region.”
Lincolnshire – the birthplace of international footballers Ray Clemence, Chris Woods, Patrick Bamford and John Oster – currently has four clubs classified as elite teams.
But it is understood Lincoln City, Scunthorpe United, Grimsby Town or Pinchbeck United are not expected to move into the facility.
However, the arena hopes to be licensed to use for 30 live events each year, including music concerts, American football, Davis Cup tennis and the Lincolnshire FA County Cup finals.
“We are currently considering several possible sites for the project, should we receive the green light,” said Orla Flipo, Lincolnshire County Council’s portfolio holder for international sport.
“Lincoln is a clear favorite because of its infrastructure, while Grantham and Stamford are strong options as they are close to the A1 and on major rail routes.
“But at this point it would be crazy to rule out Grimsby, Boston or Kirkby on Bain.”