King Power Stadium: Home of Leicester City Football Club

King Power Stadium is a football stadium located in Leicester, England. It is the home of the Leicester City Football Club and has a seating capacity of 32,262. The stadium opened in 2002 and is situated alongside the River Soar.

King Power Stadium has hosted several memorable events, including the club’s historic Premier League title in 2016. Moreover, since 2021, the stadium has also been the primary home of Leicester City Women. The stadium has become a significant landmark in the city and attracts visitors from all over the world.

Key Takeaways

King Power Stadium is the home of Leicester City Football Club and has a seating capacity of 32,262.
The stadium has hosted several memorable events, including the club’s historic Premier League title in 2016.
King Power Stadium has become a significant landmark in the city and attracts visitors from all over the world.

Stadium Overview

Location and Capacity

King Power Stadium is a football stadium located in Leicester, England, and is the home stadium of Leicester City Football Club. The stadium is situated alongside the River Soar, approximately 1 mile south of Leicester’s city center and main rail station. The stadium has an all-seated capacity of 32,262, which was expanded from its original capacity of 32,000. Plans are in place to further expand the capacity to 40,000.

Opening and Construction

The stadium was opened in 2002, replacing Leicester City’s previous home at Filbert Street. The construction of King Power Stadium took approximately 15 months to complete, and the total cost was around £37 million. The stadium was built by Birse Construction, and the design was created by Populous, a global architectural firm.

Design Features

King Power Stadium is a modern stadium that combines the traditional features of a football stadium with modern design elements. The stadium has four stands, each with a different name: the AirAsia Stand, the West Stand, the East Stand, and the Family Stand. The stadium’s exterior is made of red brick, and the stands are covered with a translucent polycarbonate roof. The pitch is made of natural grass and measures 105 meters by 68 meters.

The stadium also has several unique design features, including a large screen located in the south-east corner of the stadium, which displays match highlights and other information. The stadium also has a large statue of former Leicester City chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who died in a helicopter crash in 2018. The statue is located outside the stadium’s main entrance and serves as a reminder of his contribution to the club.

Overall, King Power Stadium is a modern and well-designed football stadium that embodies the spirit of Leicester City Football Club. Its unique design features and capacity make it one of the most iconic stadiums in the Premier League.

Leicester City FC

Leicester City Football Club is a professional football club based in Leicester, England. The club was founded in 1884 and has a long and storied history. The club has won several major trophies, including the Premier League title in the 2015-2016 season, which was a remarkable achievement given the club’s relatively modest resources.

Ownership

Leicester City FC is owned by King Power International Group, a Thai conglomerate that also owns the King Power Stadium, the club’s home ground. The club’s ownership has been the subject of some controversy in recent years, with allegations of corruption and improper influence being made against the owners.

Home Ground History

Leicester City FC’s home ground is the King Power Stadium, which has been the club’s home since 2002. The stadium has a capacity of 32,262 and is located in the Filbert Way area of Leicester. The stadium is known for its excellent facilities and modern design, and has hosted many significant matches over the years.

Significant Matches

The King Power Stadium has hosted many significant matches over the years, including several high-profile Premier League matches. One of the most memorable matches in the club’s history was the 2015-2016 season, when Leicester City FC won the Premier League title against all odds. The club’s remarkable achievement in winning the title was celebrated by fans around the world, and cemented the club’s reputation as a true underdog success story.

Overall, Leicester City FC is a club with a rich history and a bright future. The club’s recent success has put it on the map as one of the most exciting and dynamic teams in English football, and fans around the world continue to follow the club’s fortunes with great interest.

Events and Usage

Non-Football Events

King Power Stadium is not just a football stadium, but also a popular venue for various non-football events. The stadium has hosted concerts, conferences, exhibitions, and other types of events. Its central location and modern facilities make it an attractive choice for event organizers.

One of the most notable events hosted at King Power Stadium was the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The stadium was one of the venues used for the tournament, and it hosted three matches, including a quarter-final. The stadium’s capacity and facilities made it an ideal choice for the tournament, and it was praised by both fans and players.

In addition to sports events, King Power Stadium has also hosted concerts by popular artists such as Elton John, Bon Jovi, and Kasabian. The stadium’s pitch can be covered, allowing it to be used for concerts without damaging the playing surface.

Community Involvement

King Power Stadium is not just a venue for events, but also a hub for community involvement. The stadium hosts various community events and initiatives throughout the year, including charity fundraisers, school visits, and football coaching sessions.

One of the most notable community initiatives hosted at King Power Stadium is the “Foxes Foundation.” The foundation was established by Leicester City Football Club to support local charities and community projects. It has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for various causes, including children’s hospitals, homelessness, and mental health.

The stadium also hosts regular “open training” sessions, where fans can watch the Leicester City football team train and meet the players. These sessions are free and open to the public, and they provide fans with a unique opportunity to see their favorite players up close and personal.

Overall, King Power Stadium is not just a football stadium, but a versatile venue for various types of events and community involvement. Its modern facilities and central location make it an ideal choice for event organizers, while its community initiatives demonstrate the stadium’s commitment to giving back to the local community.

Economic Impact

Local Economy

King Power Stadium has a significant impact on the local economy. The stadium is located in the heart of Leicester, and its presence has helped to boost the local economy. According to a report by Deloitte, the stadium generated £90 million for the local economy in 2019/2020. This included spending on matchdays, non-matchday events, and other activities.

The report also found that the stadium supports around 2,200 jobs in the local area. These jobs are spread across a range of sectors, including hospitality, retail, and transport. The stadium also supports local businesses, as many fans visit local pubs, restaurants, and shops before and after matches.

Employment Opportunities

The stadium provides a range of employment opportunities for people in the local area. These include matchday roles such as stewards, catering staff, and ticket sellers. The stadium also employs people in non-matchday roles such as marketing, finance, and administration.

In addition, the stadium works closely with local schools, charities, and non-profit organizations to provide employment and training opportunities for young people in the area. This helps to promote social mobility and provides young people with valuable work experience.

Overall, King Power Stadium has a positive impact on the local economy and provides a range of employment opportunities for people in the local area.

Access and Transportation

King Power Stadium is located in the south of Leicester City Centre, making it easily accessible by public transport or by car.

Public Transport

The stadium is approximately a 20-minute walk from Leicester Railway Station. Alternatively, visitors can take one of the many bus services that stop near the stadium. The stadium is served by several bus routes, including the 47, 48, 49, and 80. Visitors can also use the Park and Ride service, which operates from Enderby and Meynell’s Gorse. The Park and Ride service is a convenient option for visitors who want to avoid city centre traffic and parking fees.

Parking Facilities

For visitors who prefer to drive, there are several parking options available. The stadium has its own car park, which can be pre-booked on the Leicester City Football Club website. Parking in the stadium car park costs £18 per car. Visitors can also park in one of the many city centre car parks and take a short walk to the stadium. The closest city centre car park to the stadium is the NCP car park on Welford Road.

It is worth noting that match days can be very busy, and traffic around the stadium can be heavy. Visitors are advised to plan their journey in advance and allow plenty of time for travel and parking. Additionally, the stadium prioritizes the accessibility of its facilities for disabled visitors, with each area of the ground having access for wheelchair users. Two new wheelchair accessible turnstiles have been introduced for the 2021/22 season, located in the West Stand at turnstiles 4 and 9 [1].

Stadium Tours and Visitor Experience

Tour Types

King Power Stadium offers a variety of tours to suit different interests and schedules. The standard stadium tour takes visitors behind the scenes to see the players’ tunnel, the dugouts, and the press conference room. Visitors can also explore the trophy cabinet and learn about the history of the club. These tours are available at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm on selected dates throughout the year.

For those who want a more in-depth experience, Legends Tours are available. These tours are hosted by former players such as Gerry Taggart, Matt Elliott, or Steve Walsh, who share their personal insights and stories about the club. The Legends Tours are subject to availability and are announced on the official website.

Visitor Facilities

King Power Stadium has a range of facilities to make visitors’ experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. The stadium has a number of food and drink outlets, including the Walkers Pie Shop, which serves traditional British pies, and the Banks’s Bar, which offers a variety of drinks and snacks.

The stadium also has a club shop, where visitors can purchase official merchandise and souvenirs. The shop is open on match days and during selected hours throughout the week.

Visitors with disabilities are catered for at King Power Stadium. The stadium has dedicated seating areas for wheelchair users and their companions, as well as accessible toilets and lifts. Assistance dogs are also welcome at the stadium.

Overall, King Power Stadium offers visitors a memorable experience with a range of tours and facilities to suit different interests and needs.

Sustainability Efforts

King Power Stadium, home of Leicester City Football Club, has made significant strides in its sustainability efforts in recent years. The club has partnered with waste management company Bakers Waste to improve recycling at the stadium and its training ground. In addition, the stadium has been recognized as a zero-waste facility, making it the first venue of its size to receive this distinction [1].

Energy Efficiency

King Power Stadium has implemented several energy efficiency measures to reduce its carbon footprint. The stadium has installed LED floodlights, which are more energy-efficient than traditional lighting systems. In addition, the stadium has implemented a Building Energy Management System (BEMS) to monitor and control energy usage throughout the facility. The BEMS has helped the stadium reduce its energy consumption by up to 20% [1].

Waste Management

King Power Stadium has also made significant strides in waste management. The stadium has implemented a comprehensive waste management program, which includes recycling and composting. The program has helped the stadium achieve zero waste status, with all waste being diverted from landfills [1].

In addition, King Power Stadium has partnered with Bakers Waste to improve recycling at the stadium and its training ground. Bakers Waste will seek to assist in “challenging current practice” to improve recycling at the 32,000-seat King Power Stadium [1].

Overall, King Power Stadium’s sustainability efforts serve as an example for other sports venues to follow. By implementing energy-efficient measures and comprehensive waste management programs, the stadium has reduced its carbon footprint and achieved zero waste status.

References:

[1] At Sports Stadiums, Reducing Waste Is a Team Effort – The New York Times

Future Developments

Expansion Plans

Leicester City Football Club has submitted plans to expand the capacity of the King Power Stadium to 40,000 seats. The expansion plans have been approved by the Leicester City Council, and the construction work has already started. The stadium expansion project is expected to be completed in the near future.

The expansion of the stadium will provide more seating capacity for the fans, which will increase the revenue of the club. The expansion will also allow the club to host more events and concerts, which will further boost the club’s revenue. The expansion will include the addition of new stands, hospitality areas, and other facilities.

Technology Upgrades

In addition to the expansion plans, Leicester City Football Club is also planning to upgrade the technology at the King Power Stadium. The club is planning to install state-of-the-art technology, including a new sound system, high-definition video screens, and Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the stadium.

The new sound system will provide better audio quality for the fans, while the high-definition video screens will provide a better viewing experience. The Wi-Fi connectivity will allow the fans to stay connected to the internet while they are at the stadium, which will enhance their overall experience.

The technology upgrades will also benefit the club by providing new revenue streams. The club will be able to sell advertising space on the video screens and generate additional revenue from the Wi-Fi connectivity.

Overall, the expansion plans and technology upgrades at the King Power Stadium will provide a better experience for the fans and generate more revenue for the club.