Fan reactions to new football stadium revealed

Twelve chimneys have been incorporated in to the design with one becoming a high-rise bar giving citywide views

Birmingham City's new 62,000-capacity stadium, part of a multi-billion pound redevelopment in the city, has been welcomed as "mind-blowing" and "iconic" by fans.

The club unveiled its ambition for the stadium in Bordesley Green on Thursday, which will have twelve chimneys surrounding the ground, a retractable roof and moveable pitch, and will host different events.

Tom Wagner, club chairman, said it would be visible from 40 miles away and become a "beacon for excellence in Birmingham".

Clair Giblin who co-hosts the Tilton Talk Blues fan podcast, said she could not believe how far the club had come, adding: " We've gone from a stadium nearly falling apart to a 62,000 seater."

"It's just mind-blowing, really, but fair play to them, because they've made it iconic, and it's unique and rememberable, and it's going to be a tourist attraction in itself," she said.

The ground will have a retractable roof that can close in 20 minutes and a moveable pitch

The distinctive chimneys reflect an old brickworks that sat on the site, as well as providing structural support for the roof.

Plans also suggested that one tower would contain a lift to a bar overlooking the city.

The "steep bowl" design is aimed to amplify the match-day experience for fans with markets, cafes, restaurants and play areas within the grounds.

Craig Courtney, who also hosts the Tilton Talk podcast, said seeing the artist impression images for the first time left him thinking: "How is this happening to us?"

"We just didn't ever think it would happen now, considering where we've been over the past few years, I cannot wait," he said.

Dr Tom Bason, who teaches sport and event management at Coventry University, said the club would have to balance the task of filling the stadium during events and match days.

"If they get big concerts that will sell out 62,000 easily, but they will have to weigh up against the possibility that they may not be playing football to a full capacity every week.

"If the stadium isn't being built for another four or five years, that gives the club time to build up the support over the years and get more fans engaged and going on a regular basis," he said.

The Championship club said its ambition is for the new stadium to be completed for the start of the 2030/2031 football season.

Mr Courtney had high hopes Blues fans would be able to pack out the new stadium.

"We took over 50,000 to Wembley last year, so 62,000... it will be tough, but we will do it.

"We are big enough as a club, and we're only getting bigger," he said.