Wrexham find room for 2,250 extra Kop seats without expanding approved footprint. Credit: Roberts and Daughter
Wrexham AFC’s new Kop stand will be able to hold 7,750 fans after councillors approved plans to add a second tier on Monday, October 5, an increase of 2,250 seats that remains within the stand’s approved footprint at the Racecourse Ground.
That detail stands out from the latest planning decision. Rather than extending the Kop’s footprint to accommodate more supporters, Wrexham are adding the extra capacity vertically through a second tier incorporated into the approved design.
The numbers are significant. Adding 2,250 seats to the previous 5,500 increases potential capacity by 40.9 per cent, while the club says the finished Racecourse will be able to hold just over 18,000 spectators.
How Wrexham are fitting 2,250 more seats into the new Kop
Wrexham confirmed in an official club statement that the extra seats will form a second tier. Crucially, the club says that additional capacity fits within the approved footprint.
Planning permission for 5,500 seats was granted in March 2025 before Wrexham submitted plans for another 2,250. New Civil Engineer subsequently reported that the revised proposal introduced the extra upper tier.
The principle is straightforward. Instead of taking up more ground around the stadium, another level of seating provides room for roughly two-fifths more supporters in the new end.
Bigger capacity still creates a challenge outside the Racecourse
Keeping those seats within the approved footprint solves one part of the planning equation, but another 2,250 supporters still need to reach and leave the Racecourse. Transport and parking therefore became an important consideration during the planning process.
Concerns had previously been raised over the impact of the additional capacity, with the BBC reporting on issues surrounding parking and matchday transport. Wrexham’s submission was subsequently supported by an updated Travel Plan.
The club has committed to greater promotion of bus and rail travel, continued work with Transport for Wales and bus operators, and maintaining existing park and ride schemes. Free parking at Eagles Meadow on matchdays also forms part of the approach.
Why Wrexham want a 7,750-seat Kop
The obvious benefit is ticket availability. Wrexham say demand remains strong among local supporters as well as the international visitors now regularly travelling to the city for matches.
There is a longer-term purpose as well. Growing the Kop to 7,750 seats takes the Racecourse beyond 18,000 overall, with the club identifying future international matches as part of the reasoning behind the additional capacity.
The planning decision therefore does more than change a number on a blueprint. By adding another tier within the approved footprint, Wrexham have found room for 41 per cent more seats in the new Kop and thousands more supporters at the Racecourse.
About The Author
