I have a number of Luton Town supporting friends who are naturally excited about their new stadium plans. The BBC footy web site confirms that Luton Council passed the plans yesterday, and two things struck me. Firstly, with their history they could claim that a return to the Championship, and perhaps even the Premiership is a realistic goal, yet they are building a stadium with only a small increase on our own new capacity. Very sensible. More importantly, the council statement refers to the impact that the new stadium will have on visitors’ perception of the town of Luton, particularly with the conferencing and other facilities it will contain, again like us.
I think this is a very good point. When you visit new stadiums in previously very ordinary areas, (I’m thinking of Derby County, Cardiff, Newcastle, West Ham, amongst others), then it’s true that your perception of that part of the world changes for the better. Making a city appear more attractive is good for business, tourism and not least attracting new talent to our club, something which many feel has been a problem in the past.
I think this is a very good point. When you visit new stadiums in previously very ordinary areas, (I’m thinking of Derby County, Cardiff, Newcastle, West Ham, amongst others), then it’s true that your perception of that part of the world changes for the better. Making a city appear more attractive is good for business, tourism and not least attracting new talent to our club, something which many feel has been a problem in the past.