Wrexham Stadium: Latest Updates

The Wrexham Stadium, officially known as the STōK Cae Ras, is at the heart of a transformative journey for Wrexham AFC, fueled by the ambition of Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. As the world’s oldest international football stadium still hosting matches, this historic venue is undergoing significant upgrades to match the club’s meteoric rise through the English football leagues.

For the latest insights into football stadium developments, platforms like xtraspins.com offer a wealth of information on global sports venues. This article delves into the most recent updates surrounding the Wrexham football stadium, its expansion plans, and its evolving role as a community and cultural hub.

A Historic Venue with a Modern Vision

The Wrexham AFC stadium, located at the Racecourse Ground, has been the home of Wrexham AFC since 1864. With a rich history dating back to its use for horse racing in the early 19th century, it holds the distinction of hosting Wales’ first international football match in 1877. The Wrexham FC stadium, now known as STōK Cae Ras due to a 2023 sponsorship deal with STōK Cold Brew Coffee, is the largest stadium in North Wales and the fifth largest in Wales. Its current capacity stands at approximately 13,341, but ambitious plans are in place to significantly expand this figure.

Since Reynolds and McElhenney took over the club in 2021, the Wrexham football stadium has been a focal point for redevelopment. The owners’ vision is to transform the venue into a year-round destination, accommodating the club’s growing global fanbase, as popularized by the *Welcome to Wrexham* documentary series. The stadium’s redevelopment is not just about increasing capacity but also about enhancing fan experiences, meeting UEFA regulations, and supporting the local economy.

The Kop Stand Redevelopment: A Key Milestone

One of the most significant updates to the Wrexham Stadium is the redevelopment of the Kop Stand, a project that has been in the works for years. The original Kop, once the largest all-standing terrace in the English Football League, was deemed unsafe in 2008 and remained unused until its demolition in January 2023. Since then, a temporary stand with a capacity of around 3,000 has been in place, but the club is now moving forward with a permanent solution.

In October 2024, Wrexham AFC appointed Populous, the renowned architectural firm behind Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, to redesign the new 5,500-capacity Kop Stand. The updated design, unveiled on February 3, 2025, includes safe standing areas, hospitality lounges, accessible seating, and facilities for the Wrexham AFC Community Trust. The stand is set to be completed by the summer of 2026, in time for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship, which the Wrexham FC stadium is scheduled to host. This timeline was confirmed by Wrexham’s CEO, Michael Williamson, who emphasized the project’s role in restoring the stadium’s traditional four-sided enclosure.

The new Kop Stand is designed with future expansion in mind, potentially allowing for further capacity increases. The project has faced challenges, including bureaucratic hurdles and the rejection of a £20 million UK Government Levelling Up Fund bid in 2023. However, the Welsh Government stepped in with £25 million in funding, and Wrexham Council reallocated £17 million to ensure progress. The appointment of Populous reflects the club’s commitment to delivering a world-class Wrexham AFC stadium that meets the expectations of fans and the community.

Broader Stadium Expansion Plans

Beyond the Kop, Reynolds and McElhenney have outlined a long-term vision to increase the Wrexham Stadium’s capacity to between 45,000 and 55,000, which would make it one of the largest in the UK. This ambitious goal aligns with the club’s aspirations to reach the Premier League, a dream that seems increasingly plausible after three consecutive promotions, with Wrexham securing a place in the Championship for the 2025/26 season.

The next phase of redevelopment is likely to focus on the Wrexham Lager Stand, which currently has a capacity of 4,200. Plans discussed in a 2024 club advisory board meeting suggest that this stand could be replaced with a larger structure, potentially adding 5,000 to 10,000 seats. The club is also exploring the development of all four corners of the stadium to create a fully enclosed arena, enhancing the atmosphere and fan experience. These upgrades will include improved media and broadcast facilities, a convention center, and a hotel, positioning the Wrexham football stadium as a multi-purpose venue.

In May 2025, the club began a £1 million pitch replacement project, marking the start of a broader summer transformation. Drone footage shared by fan accounts on X captured the removal of the old pitch, highlighting the scale of the ongoing work. These improvements are crucial for maintaining the stadium’s Category 3 status, allowing it to host international matches and high-profile fixtures.

Challenges and Community Impact

The redevelopment of the Wrexham AFC stadium has not been without obstacles. Bureaucratic red tape, as noted by Reynolds and McElhenney, has delayed progress, particularly around issues like diverting a sewer and removing an electricity cable. A lease held by the Wrexham Supporters’ Trust also needed to be surrendered, adding complexity to the Kop project. Despite these setbacks, the club’s commitment to sustainable growth has resonated with fans and local authorities.

The Wrexham Stadium’s transformation extends beyond football. The new Kop Stand will feature an exhibition space for community use on non-matchdays, and the broader Wrexham Gateway project aims to revitalize the Mold Road corridor with improved transport links and commercial developments. These initiatives are expected to bring significant economic benefits to Wrexham, a city with a population of just over 45,500.

The Future of STōK Cae Ras

The Wrexham FC stadium, under its current STōK Cae Ras moniker, is poised to become a symbol of the club’s Hollywood-backed resurgence. With the Kop Stand set to open in 2026, and further expansions planned, the stadium will soon accommodate more fans than ever before. The global spotlight brought by Reynolds, McElhenney, and *Welcome to Wrexham* has made sell-out crowds a regular occurrence, underscoring the need for increased capacity.

As Wrexham AFC prepares for the Championship, the Wrexham football stadium will play a pivotal role in the club’s journey toward the Premier League. The combination of historic significance, modern upgrades, and community focus ensures that the Wrexham Stadium will remain a cherished landmark for fans and a beacon of ambition for the city. Whether it’s the roar of 15,000 fans in 2026 or the dream of 55,000 in the future, the STōK Cae Ras is ready to write the next chapter in its storied history.