Stadium vision, scope & size

“It’s about creating a space that reflects the club’s identity, serves its community, and stands the test of time.”[1]

What can be done differently to support women?

The Guidance recommends that you should focus on creating family-friendly environments, integrating robust safety measures, ensuring inclusivity for a diverse fanbase, and maximising multi-purpose functionality. Achieving this requires a clear understanding of the needs of all user groups, including players, supporters, media teams, venue staff and visitors attending alternative events such as live music concerts.

It’s also important to recognise that whilst men’s football has enjoyed stability for many years, the women’s game is rapidly evolving, meaning that stadiums must be designed with adaptability at their core.

Considerations for new stadiums

Establishing a well-defined plan at the outset is essential to the long-term success of any stadium project. Your vision should consider factors such as size, intended use, scalability for future expansion, environmental and sustainability goals, budget and funding sources, as well as the different projected revenue streams – including ticketing, premium experiences, hospitality, sponsorship and merchandise sales.

Considerations for existing stadiums

Making use of an existing sports stadium will significantly reduce initial capital costs, simplify planning and reduce the need for new construction. It’ll however likely be necessary to modify the previous facilities to be suitable for the culture and specific needs of women’s football. The old stadium may have been built to outdated regulations for example with toilet provision tailored to a majority male demographic.

Site considerations and site masterplan

“Thoughtful design in this area not only enhances accessibility and movement but also shapes the overall experience of the venue.”[2]

What can be done differently to support women?

The Guidance highlights that travel costs and journey times significantly influence attendance figures, particularly among newer or more casual supporters (which are more common with the women’s game). You should also consider how simultaneous match days at nearby stadiums affect accessibility and avoid operational conflicts wherever possible.

The Guidance also points out that many football matches take place in the darker winter months, and this can be a time when female fans may feel unsafe walking to and from the stadium. You should consider the use of active and passive safety measures, such as active frontages, increased lighting and noise, CCTV and visible security guards/chaperones.

Considerations for new stadiums

When choosing a stadium location, it’s essential that you evaluate natural conditions carefully. Key factors include ground level (to minimise earthworks, costs and environmental impact), local native species, trees and fauna, and potential archaeological finds throughout construction. You should also carry out a flood risk assessment and ensure all legal requirements are met — including thorough due diligence, planning applications, and compliance with relevant planning conditions.

The links between the proposed site and the wider urban area should also be assessed. The aim here is to mitigate congestion and promote sustainable transport options. Staggered arrival times may also be encouraged by creating flexible, multi-use areas like plazas for markets, play spaces for children and relaxation zones, which could even be used on non-matchdays. The Guidance also provides detailed recommendations for fan zone development.

Considerations for existing stadiums

You’ll need to assess the stadium’s capacity for expansion, its structural integrity, accessibility and inclusion measures (as explored below), media broadcasting ability and any heritage preservation or historical elements. The existing building security, lighting, power and data connectivity will also require evaluation. Unused spaces like old car parks may be capable of conversion to exciting fan zones or other popular amenities.

The pitch, players and other participants

“By ensuring the safety and comfort of the players and technical staff you enable them to perform at their best and this enhances the overall game experience for everyone.”[3]

What can be done differently to support women?

The Guidance states that dressing rooms must be able to accommodate squads of up to 26 players with a substantial number of support staff. The facilities therein should accommodate every gender while ensuring privacy for those who need it, avoiding the use of urinals. Thoughtful additions, such as family rooms for relatives, baby-feeding areas and multi-faith rooms can help create an environment that truly reflects the diversity of the modern game.

When considering the pitch, note that female players in England are cited as preferring natural or hybrid playing surfaces. However, you may need to comply with specific league rules, such as a requirement for a 100% grass turf pitch.

Considerations for new stadiums

For atmospheric enhancement and greater spectator enjoyment, crowd seating should be positioned as close as possible to the touchline while ensuring the safety and free movement of players, match officials, stewards and media staff. It is also crucial to ensure adequate pitch access for emergency vehicles and equipment.

Dugouts will need to be capable of housing at least 24 individuals per club, and the Guidance recommends installation of a pitch-side toilet for players. Separate changing rooms should be available for the different groups of participants including match officials, the club mascot, ball kids, under 18s and a medical treatment area.

Considerations for existing stadiums

One of the main considerations recommended by the Guidance is the removal of urinals and the provision of toilets and counter space. Temporary modular units can be used where possible to increase facilities.

Architecture and construction

“Drawing from ongoing discussions in this field, the advice is not prescriptive but encourages designers to approach the task with ambition and creativity.“[4]

What can be done differently to support women?

The Guidance recommends that your stadium design should prioritise fan safety and comfort in contrast to the intimidation focus of men’s football stadiums. Daylight should be optimised, thermal comfort should be considered and floodlight glare on fans mitigated as much as possible. It’s also important to consider aspects such as the spacing around seating to avoid women feeling crowded or intimidated.

Considerations for new stadiums

Appointing the right expertise with clear responsibilities is essential to achieve the best outcome. Your team should be led by an architect with proven stadium design experience and must coordinate effectively with clear communication throughout the process. Professionals should be proficient in environmentally-conscious construction practices.

The interior of a new women’s stadium should feel exciting and versatile, embodying a commitment to inclusivity, flexibility, and creating a welcoming, vibrant environment. Design the roof with adaptability in mind, and the acoustics should balance external noise against internal sounds to enhance the fan experience.

Considerations for existing stadiums

You should consider the historical significance of the ground and preserve it wherever possible. The stadium should integrate with the local environment to enhance the urban experience, and colour schemes and interiors can be updated to align with the club’s vision. Materials can be recycled and reused to reduce environmental impact.

Media facilities

“Delivering high quality broadcasting is an increasingly important driver for the success of women’s football and the expansion of the fanbase”[5]

What can be done differently to support women?

The broadcasting approach differs for the women’s game in several ways. Key aspects recommended by the Guidance include the prevalence of content creators, as well as the effect of the differing relationship between players and fans.

Considerations for new stadiums

Designing direct internal access routes around stadiums helps media teams to thrive. The Guidance contains recommendations for the commercial advertising setup, camera positions (which must be coordinated with the broadcaster to ensure they align with certain requirements), and the journalist working area which should accommodate at least 30 people. The Guidance also recommends a press conference room, presentation studios and TV studios.

Considerations for existing stadiums

Media staff must be capable of working safely and comfortably, and any existing roof construction should not limit camera angles. Advertising boards should be protected and careful consideration should be given to the size and access of the broadcasting compound.

Fan and support facilities

“The unique demographics of fans and staff can influence traditional habits and rituals, consequently impacting the design of stadium support facilities.”[6]

What can be done differently to support women?

Your goal should be to create a stadium experience that encourages fans to arrive early and stay longer. Women and children fans tend to be shorter and therefore may require enhanced viewing facilities. Alcohol consumption is typically lower however WSLF is considering relaxing restrictions on drinking whilst spectating.

Employees should find themselves part of a supportive workplace, with considerations made for menopause, feminine waste disposal and nappy bins.

Considerations for new stadiums

Design of the stadium bowl is key to shaping the fan experience. Specialists and local authorities should be consulted to ensure compliance with safety measures. You can boost revenue by incorporating premium seating, space for sponsorships, and pop-up merchandise stores. Signage and a police room should be included as part of the stadium facilities.

Support facilities for consideration include a physical ticket office, staff breakout rooms, space for logistical operations (such as efficient distribution of goods and waste), a staff canteen and a DJ booth.

Considerations for existing stadiums

When adapting an existing fan terrace, you should often look to increase the quality of fan sightlines. Previous seating areas can be converted to safe standing areas, and existing crush barriers should be altered to safeguard the correct height of attendees.

Menu offerings in the concourse can be simplified for efficiency, and technology can be bought to assist with stock control and data analysis.

Accessibility, inclusion and safety

WSLF wishes for the entirety of women’s stadiums to be a “family zone” which allows children and vulnerable people to thrive.

To ensure accessibility, you need to understand the entire journey of a disabled fan. Plan for accessible parking, step-free routes to seating areas, and accessibility in any bars or restaurants along the way. Factor in the use of mobility scooters, assistance dogs, and provide sensory rooms and accessible toilets. It’s crucial to engage an architect with expertise in upgrading stadium accessibility to meet these needs effectively.

For both new and existing stadiums, a Venue Operations Centre should be developed for monitoring and controlling stadium safety. Police or emergency services can be consulted on its design.

How we can support you

By designing football stadiums with the specific needs of women in mind, you can enhance team performance, attract a more diverse fan base, and drive greater economic impact. Making your stadium multifunctional creates opportunities to boost revenue and ensure long-term financial sustainability.

The WSLF Guidance provides a clear framework to help your design team achieve these goals.

For legal assistance in stadium development, please contact Carly Thorpe.

[1]Women’s Football Stadium Design Guidance, page 44

[2] Women’s Football Stadium Design Guidance, page 66

[3] Women’s Football Stadium Design Guidance, page 112

[4] Women’s Football Stadium Design Guidance, page 90

[5] Women’s Football Stadium Design Guidance, page 126

[6] Women’s Football Stadium Design Guidance, page 194