[imga=left]http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40411000/jpg/_40411565_keithwyness203i.jpg[/imga]Following the release of images this morning of the proposed new stadium in Kirkby, Everton chief executive Keith Wyness has revealed a few other details behind the proposal, including the importance behind the proximity of the seats to the pitch.
As rumoured, the club have also based the designs on FC Colognes impressive[SIZE=-1] RheinEnergieStadion[/SIZE] stadium.
As rumoured, the club have also based the designs on FC Colognes impressive[SIZE=-1] RheinEnergieStadion[/SIZE] stadium.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo newspaper, Keith Wyness said: "When we started this process, we strongly felt we did not want to go down the road of a bowl-shaped stadium, like many clubs had done before.
"The four stands are definitely a nod to tradition. I feel it is important that fans have a sense of place. We looked at the Cologne stadium in Germany and felt it had one of the best atmospheres of the World Cup stadia
"That was to do with the proximity of the seats to the pitch and the four stands, giving it a very clear and exciting atmosphere with great acoustics.
“It also allows us the opportunity to expand by filling the corners and going up to 60,000 seats"
Wyness also revealed that the cost of the stadium will be around £150m, similar to what Arsenal's Emirates stadium cost.
“The stadium will be in the region of £150m, which compares with the better-quality stadia built recently.
“We compare reasonably favourably in terms of expenditure with the stadium component of Arsenal’s Emirates development, for example.“
“We will have more than 3,000 corporate places. We will put in around 40 new boxes and really excellent facilities for sponsors and fans at every level of support, including families.”
“We are still working on the iconography of the stadium. There is scope for us to improve on it and we are considering several options.
"The four stands are definitely a nod to tradition. I feel it is important that fans have a sense of place. We looked at the Cologne stadium in Germany and felt it had one of the best atmospheres of the World Cup stadia
"That was to do with the proximity of the seats to the pitch and the four stands, giving it a very clear and exciting atmosphere with great acoustics.
“It also allows us the opportunity to expand by filling the corners and going up to 60,000 seats"
Wyness also revealed that the cost of the stadium will be around £150m, similar to what Arsenal's Emirates stadium cost.
“The stadium will be in the region of £150m, which compares with the better-quality stadia built recently.
“We compare reasonably favourably in terms of expenditure with the stadium component of Arsenal’s Emirates development, for example.“
“We will have more than 3,000 corporate places. We will put in around 40 new boxes and really excellent facilities for sponsors and fans at every level of support, including families.”
“We are still working on the iconography of the stadium. There is scope for us to improve on it and we are considering several options.
“We have not gone for light towers (Like FC Colognes) but have not ruled out something iconic.”
“We are working with a major naming rights company and it will be a big part of funding for the stadium.
“If everything goes to plan, we would hope to take possession some time early in the summer of 2010 to allow us to test events, allowing us to start then for the 2010 season.
“But, even if we decide to go, that is subject to planning and we know that can be a tricky road.”
“It is a key revenue stream, and there has been a lot of interest in it already.”
“We are working with a major naming rights company and it will be a big part of funding for the stadium.
“If everything goes to plan, we would hope to take possession some time early in the summer of 2010 to allow us to test events, allowing us to start then for the 2010 season.
“But, even if we decide to go, that is subject to planning and we know that can be a tricky road.”
“It is a key revenue stream, and there has been a lot of interest in it already.”
This is like Chinese water torture. Drip, drip, drip. I suppose we're getting there though. Maybe we should start a check-list and tick things off when Mr Wyness gets around to telling us. Thus far we have:
! I'll have two!
