The Racecourse. Credit: Wrexham AFC Fanzone on YouTube
Michael Williamson has set a definitive ceiling on Wrexham’s stadium ambitions. The Racecourse Ground cannot physically hold more than 28,000 to 32,000 supporters, regardless of how high the club climbs through English football. That figure represents the absolute maximum based on the site’s geographical footprint.
Williamson outlined a three-phase expansion plan in an interview with The Leader. Phase one centres on the new Kop Stand, taking overall capacity to 18,000 once the 7,500-seat planning application gains approval. McLaren Construction has started enabling works, with completion targeted for 2026/27.
Williamson told The Leader: “I believe 18,000 is a good stepping stone for where we need when we talk about being prepared to arrive in the Premier League. Now, that doesn’t mean that’s our end goal.”
Phase two pushes toward 23,000 seats via the Mold Road Stand or Wrexham Lager Stand. Phase three builds to 28,000 by developing both stands and filling corners near the Tech Stand.
Geography creates the hard limit
Williamson was explicit about physical constraints. He told The Leader: “Just from the footprint, we wouldn’t be able to go over between 28,000 and 32,000, depending on the mix of how we set it up. We know the overall total capacity is at 28,000 to 32,000 range, it’s just how do you phase one, phase two, and phase three to arrive there.”
This represents a significant reality check. Co-owner Rob McElhenney previously suggested the stadium could hold between 45,000 and 55,000 supporters. The CEO’s confirmation of a 32,000 ceiling tells a different story. The Racecourse sits in a constrained urban location with university land and established infrastructure creating boundaries that cannot be moved.
Premier League viability remains the key question
A 28,000 to 32,000 capacity would rank among smaller Premier League venues, but not the smallest. Bournemouth operates with 11,307 seats, while Brentford holds 17,250. Both clubs thrive despite limited capacities. Wrexham’s maximum would exceed most current bottom-half grounds.
The commercial model matters more than raw numbers. Matchday revenue from 28,000 premium seats with modern hospitality could generate significant income. The new Kop includes extensive hospitality lounges and retail space designed to maximize revenue per supporter rather than chasing volume. Building to 18,000 first allows the club to test demand before committing to further construction.
The timeline depends on planning approvals
Wrexham faces an immediate bureaucratic hurdle. All planning applications across Wrexham County Borough Council are frozen due to phosphate pollution regulations. The club needs approval to increase the Kop from 5,500 to 7,500 seats, and that application sits in limbo.
Williamson expressed confidence the approval will come. He told The Leader: “I think there’s support for that, everyone understands why there’s need for that and why it makes sense to move forward with that at this time.”
The 2026 UEFA European Under-19 Championship provides a firm deadline. Wrexham is scheduled to host matches, and the new Kop must be operational. Missing that target would damage the club’s reputation and cost future hosting opportunities. McLaren Construction has begun preliminary work to stay ahead of the approval process, but the phosphates delay adds pressure to an already tight schedule.
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Shows how far the club has come to even be considering a 32k stadium.