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Hollywood club Wrexham unveils new Kop stand design
Cristina Lago Deputy Editor
The external brick facade will pay tribute to Wrexham’s 'Terracottapolis' nickname (Image: Wrexham AFC)
Wrexham AFC has unveiled the plans for its new Populous-designed Kop stand at its STōK Cae Ras stadium.
The Welsh club is owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who bought it in 2020 for £2m and have since invested millions of pounds in it.
The 5,500-capacity Kop stand includes provision for safe standing, hospitality and accessible seating. It will be visible from Wrexham’s city centre.
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The design creates a home end for the club’s fans that will reinforce the atmosphere within the stadium. The roof is designed to amplify sound from the spectators towards the pitch.
Subject to a separate planning application, the stand’s design can also support an increase in capacity should this be required in the future.
The new Kop stand has been designed by renowned sports and entertainment architect Populous (Image: Wrexham AFC)
Rooted in the local community
The inclusion of player and officials’ facilities within the new stand will allow fans to welcome the team onto the pitch through a player tunnel.
At the rear of the stand, an external brick facade built against a glass wall will pay tribute to Wrexham’s ‘Terracottapolis’ nickname. The brick colour and textures are similar to the historic Ruabon red brick from the local area.
Two dragons from the club’s crest are embossed into the brick facade at one corner of the stand.
Michael Williamson, Wrexham AFC chief executive, said: “The distinctive design of the new Kop stand embodies the history and heritage of Wrexham – rooted in the local community creating a timeless, authentic piece of civic architecture that complements other landmarks. It will provide an iconic landmark standing at the gateway to the city, giving it a true sense of place.
“The upgrading of facilities to meet UEFA Category 4 specifications are central to our wider vision of bringing international sport back to Wrexham and the benefit this will bring to the local community of hosting these events in North Wales.”
Founded in 1864, Wrexham AFC is the third oldest football club in existence. Its home stadium, the Racecourse (Cae Ras in Welsh) is said to be the world’s oldest international sports ground.
Following some turbulent decades, the club was promoted to League One from non-league football and made an impressive start to the 2024-25 season.
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