Fulham have revealed the full extent of their revamped Riverside Stand, which is set to offer supporters a variety of high-class experiences once it opens to the public. The long-running construction will finally be complete during the 2024/25 season after an eye-watering outlay well in excess of £100million.
Fans have been left frustrated by high season ticket prices and a series of delays since work on the Riverside Stand began in 2019. The renovation will see Craven Cottage grow to 29,300 seats and boost the owners’ capacity to raise matchday revenue.
It will also cater for those with cash to splash, as the Cottagers have unveiled a number of the exuberant features of their new development. Fans can choose from one of seven matchday experiences offered up by the Riverside Stand.
The Sky Deck provides views of the River Thames and a range of food and drink pop-ups, while The Gourmet experience involves one of two new Michelin Star establishments with fine wines and champagnes.
The other top-tier restaurant is accessible through The Brasserie package, complete with luxury seats on the halfway line. And The Dugout will see guests sit directly behind the coaching staff and within touching distance of the sideline, as well as giving access to food and drink pre- and post-match.
Members of the public will be able to purchase a range of the matchday experiences from April 9 onwards, although the full extent of the Riverside Stand’s amenities will not be open until December.
Responding to fan frustration at the cost and timescale of the development, a Fulham spokesperson told The Sun earlier this year: “World-class premium experiences and hospitality offerings including restaurants, bars and rooftop terraces will open and become available during the course of the 2024/25 season. A matchday like never seen before.
“When fully completed, the New Riverside stand will offer a range of amenities for supporters on match days and the community, throughout the year, and will be a real game-changer for the Club and local area.”
Fulham’s construction project is one of multiple currently being undertaken by Premier League clubs. Everton are hoping to move into their new state-of-the-art ground at Bramley-Moore Dock by the start of the 2025/26 season.
Bourmemouth are hoping to build a bigger stadium by 2027, while Nottingham Forest are hoping to replace the Peter Taylor Stand with a larger structure that will take their overall capacity to 35,000.