Renovation of Allianz Stadium planned
Allianz Stadium in London is supposed to be modernised at a cost of 663 million pounds. The stadium is to host 15 non-sporting events per year - instead of the three currently permitted - in order to finance the refurbishment.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) wants to invest 663 million pounds (860m USD / 778m EUR) in England's current national rugby stadium. Just last year, a naming rights deal was concluded for the first time in the stadium's 118-year history. It is now called Allianz Stadium. The last major building work at Allianz Stadium was carried out almost 20 years ago, when the South Stand was remodelled to increase capacity from 75,000 to 82,000.
The globally active insurer Allianz SE is not only engaged in the Allianz Stadium in London. In an interview with stadiaworld, Daniela Bauer, Global Head of Partnerships at Allianz Group, discusses current partnerships, potential partners, and future engagements. You can find the entire interview here.
The stadium is to be extensively remodelled to improve transport links and increase spectator comfort. To fund the refurbishment work, the number of non-sporting events should be increased. Currently, Allianz is only allowed to host three concerts per year, each with a capacity of 55,000 spectators. This number is to be increased to 15 concerts per year with a capacity of 75,000.. However, this will require the approval of Richmond City Council. A decision on the planning and licensing permission is expected to be made by September this year.
In a document on its project plans the RFU said: “Of the concerts that are held here, two events are required to take place on Saturdays and no single act is allowed to perform across three consecutive days. These restrictions make it difficult to attract top global artists. As a result, Allianz stadium has missed opportunities to host world-renowned performers in recent years – at a time when the concert industry is booming.”
In contrast, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is allowed to host 30 non-sporting events per year, while the figure for Wembley Stadium is even higher at 32.
The RFU further stated: “Despite its iconic status, Allianz stadium remains underutilised, with the pitch and stands sitting empty for up to 340 days a year – a figure that rises during Rugby World Cup years. This significant underuse represents a major missed opportunity to generate the revenue necessary to fund essential improvements and enable the game of rugby to flourish nationwide.”
It added: “We want Allianz Stadium to be a best-in-class, multi-event venue. Meeting our ambitions for Allianz stadium will require significant investment. To generate the revenue needed over the coming years we need to increase the number of major non-sporting events hosted at the stadium. These events will help unlock the financial potential of the venue, enabling us to elevate the stadium experience for visitors and neighbours alike, while investing in the game of rugby across England.”
The RFU hopes to start the refurbishment work after the conclusion of the 2027 Six Nations Championship. (stadiaworld, 18.03.2025)
