Leeds United's Nottingham Forest request explained and Elland Road update for pre-season action
Leeds United are giving themselves as much time as possible this summer for work on the Elland Road redevelopment, with help from the Premier League.
The Whites have pressed ahead with work on a new and enhanced West Stand at their Elland Road stadium this summer. Planning permission was granted earlier this year for the first phase of a two-stand development proposal at the ground, which will ultimately take the capacity up to around 53,000. The West Stand is the first to be redeveloped and no sooner had the 2025/26 home fixtures finished last season than builders moved in to begin preparatory work. Since the Brighton game demolition of the old ticket office and LUTV studio, the removal of floodlights and the knocking down of banqueting suites has taken place.
In order to maximise the time available for work to carry on without supporters in that area of the ground, Leeds made a request to the Premier League to begin the 2026/27 season away from home. They were duly handed an away day at Nottingham Forest, giving them an extra week before supporters return to Elland Road for the home game against Brentford, currently scheduled for August 29. Leeds are also away from home on the final day of the season when they finish their campaign at Crystal Palace.
Additionally the YEP understands that the West Stand will not be open to supporters for any pre-season friendlies at Elland Road this summer. The Whites are close to finalising and announcing a friendly against Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig, which has been in the planning for months. Red Bull are a boardroom partner of Leeds owners 49ers Enterprises, along with a club sponsor. The energy drinks company’s logo adorns the front of Leeds kits.