New Aberdeen Beachfront Stadium Proposal Gets SFA’S Backing
Scottish football’s governing body has thrown its backing behind proposals for a new stadium at Aberdeen beach.
The Scottish Football Association (SFA) believe the plans would have a transformative impact on the region’s sporting profile and ensure that Aberdeen could be considered for more regular international fixtures.
The new stadium could provide an arena for international matches, including the women’s and men’s under-21s and youth internationals.
A report by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce and MKA Economics projected that the facilities could inject at least £1 billion into the local economy over the next 50 years.
Pittodrie, the current home of Aberdeen FC, has demonstrated it can host senior men’s international fixtures, but the Club has only hosted ten such internationals in over 50 years, with the last one in 2017, when over 16,000 fans watched Scotland take on the Netherlands in a friendly.
Women’s football is the fastest growing sport in the world and top-class facilities in the North-East, that meet UEFA and FIFA standards, could provide an alternative option for the international women’s U-17 and U-19 teams with a first-class arena in which to potentially inspire a new generation of supporters.
The excellent training facilities at Aberdeen FC’s Cormack Park combined with a new stadium at the beach would allow the region to become a sporting hub of excellence at which international sides could base themselves during breaks from domestic campaigns.
Ian Maxwell, the SFA chief executive, said: “Keeping Aberdeen FC in the city with a new stadium, close to its spiritual home of Pittodrie, would benefit not only the club but the city as a whole.
“A modern stadium which includes facilities that meet strict criteria set by UEFA would ensure the North-East is a viable option to host future international matches involving Scotland National Teams of all levels.
“The plans are also in keeping with the Scottish FA strategy, the Power of Football, in particular building a united and successful future for our national game.”
Aberdeen FC chairman, Dave Cormack, welcomed the backing of the SFA.
He said: “It’s clear that the combined offering of our excellent training facilities at Cormack Park with a stunning new beachfront stadium would be appealing for our national teams, both men’s and women’s, at all levels. It would help promote diversity and inclusion in Aberdeen and further boost the already substantial £1 billion projected economic uplift from the new stadium, which was identified by the recent Chamber of Commerce economic impact report.
“Being in the running to host international fixtures on a more regular basis, instead of just one every five years or so, could generate a significant and welcome boost to the local economy, attracting visitors to Aberdeen, increasing footfall and spend in the city centre and enhancing our international profile.”
Image Credit: Aberdeen FC / Aberdeen City Council
