Wrexham AFC have erected a temporary stand behind the goal at the Kop End of the STōK Cae Ras. The new structure will boost the capacity of the stadium by nearly 2,300.
In the Loop
The club have been keeping fans in the loop by sharing frequent updates and photos on their social media pages. The temporary structure has a capacity of 2,289 and accommodation for an additional 20 wheelchairs with access via Crispin Lane. It is for home fans only, and the club said it hoped the stand would be available for use starting December 23, when they face off against Welsh rivals Newport County at the STōK Cae Ras.
The applications for the relevant permissions and licences were made simultaneously with the construction. However, safety sign-off and council agreement still needed to be finalised at the time of writing.
Single Tier
The stand consists of a single tier with a metal framework across the top for advertising hoardings. The club would like to thank Wrexham University and the Welsh Government for their support in allowing this to happen. As well as all those who will be involved at short notice from the Council for the statutory licensing process.
Priority for Fans
A Club spokesman said: “The costs of the temporary stand will be greater than generated from ticket sales, but the Board felt the priority was to enable more fans to see the team live and address the frustration felt by some that they can’t get a ticket for games. “The temporary stand will be ￡20 for adults, ￡15 for Over-65s/Under-21s, ￡9 for Under-18s and ￡6 for Under-11s.
This pricing reflects that the stand will not have a roof and fans will be exposed to any inclement weather. The tickets will be available to members in the first instance via the normal sales process once the required licences to use it are in place.”
Social Media Comments
Fans were quick to comment on X, the former Twitter social media channel.
“What a day the 23rd will be with that view from the tech end.”
“A thing of beauty, even if temporary.”
@coachzusi exclaimed, “Wow! That went up fast!”
The decision came following delays to the new 5,500 seater Kop Stand, which was meant to be in place for the start of next season. The club said they wanted to allow more fans to see the Reds following increased ticket demand.
Wrexham AFC Women
In other club news, Wrexham AFC Women have drawn against The New Saints in the Bute Energy Welsh Cup Semi-Final. With the competition now into the final four teams, the fixture will be hosted at a neutral ground, with the match set to take place on March 3, 2024.
Gareth Davies
Wrexham AFC players Luke McNicholas and Liam Hall visited Hillbury House Care Home to collect donations for North Wales Superkids, which Club legend Gareth Davies handed over.
The home has taken care of our former promotion-winning captain for a number of years, and both goalkeepers got to meet him and learn more about the club’s history while collecting the donations.
Davies, 74, captained arguably the club’s greatest-ever team, which earned promotion in the 1977-78 season, as well as leading the Red Dragons in the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
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