x

Ashton: The Stadium Will Be Ready - Ipswich Town News

Town CEO Mark Ashton says Portman Road will be ready to host Liverpool on the opening day of the season, despite 104 separate projects which have been ongoing throughout the summer involving more than 200 workers.

Promotion to the Premier League means the Blues have to upgrade numerous areas of the stadium, among them a new TV studio, media suite and press box.

The number of camera positions around the ground will increase from five or six to 46 or 47 with VAR now required.

The players’ dressing rooms and officials facilities are being upgraded, while mid-tier digital advertising is being added to stands.

Areas of the Cobbold Stand will have safe standing, while 800 fans are having to move seats due to the various works.

The floodlights are also being upgraded, there will be a new players’ lounge, new seating in the directors’ box, new bar and kiosk areas and the ground’s reception is being refurbished among the many projects.

"If it didn’t give me some anxiety, I’d be telling you lies, but I have a very dedicated, very professional team, who are working tirelessly and the stadium will be ready,” Ashton told TownTV when asked whether he had any concerns about the projects not being finished on time during a tour of the currently ongoing work.

"There will be some works that we need to go into the season and continue on with, that’s for sure. We’re in continued dialogue with the Premier League, they seem happy with the programme of works, but there’s a lot to do.

"I’m grateful to my staff and I say this to the fanbase, please understand, I’m not talking about me, I’m talking about the teams that run this business, are working tirelessly day and night to get this stadium ready and I’m so proud of them.

"I’m so grateful to the fanbase again because the support they’ve shown in season tickets, memberships, shirts [with 20,000 having been sold already], community activities in the summer, have been incredible.

"We have a helluva lot to do but we’ve talked about us being together and as long as we’re together as one, we’ll have the stadium ready, we’ll be ready on the pitch, we’ll be ready off the pitch for Liverpool and ready to open our doors to the world come 17th August.”

What to read next:

[Podcast] The Naked Football Show - Listen Again
This week's Naked Football Show is now available online.
Miller's Withdrawal From Wardley Fight Confirmed
Queensberry Promotions has confirmed that Jarrell Miller has been forced to withdraw from his fight with Fabio Wardley at Portman Road, due to a shoulder injury.
Sheehan Nominated For Manager of the Year
Ipswich Town Women’s manager Joe Sheehan has been nominated for the FAWNL Premier Division Manager of the Year award.
Planning Committee Unanimously Backs Aquatics Centre
Ipswich Borough Council’s planning committee unanimously backed the aquatics centre development proposed for the car park behind the Cobbold Stand earlier today.
Miller Pulls Out of Wardley Fight - Reports
Jarrell Miller is reported to have pulled out of the interim WBA World Heavyweight title fight with Fabio Wardley at Portman Road, leaving the Town-supporting boxer looking for a new opponent the fight on Saturday 7th June.
New Signing Wood Starts For U18s in Draw With Watford
Recent signing Charlie Wood made his Town U18s debut as David Wright’s side drew 1-1 with Watford at Playford Road in their final Professional Development League Two South home game of the season this afternoon.
Fulham Linked With Johnson
Fulham are reportedly interested in Town right-back Ben Johnson.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Morsy: Never in Doubt That Humphreys Would Have Amazing Season at Wycombe
Town captain Sam Morsy has revealed he would have liked to have seen Cameron Humphreys go on loan to a Championship side in January following his excellent season at Wycombe Wanderers.
Former Blues Defender Smith Celebrating First Club Trophy of Career
Former Blues defender Tommy Smith is celebrating winning the first club trophy of his long career, Auckland FC having claimed the A-League Premier Plate in their first season.