Fans set to get first look at revamped Premier League stadium with new feature ‘among largest in UK’

SOUTHAMPTON fans are set to get their first look at the revamped St. Mary’s Stadium this weekend.

The Saints host Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon in their opening home match of the season.

RexSouthampton fans will get a first look at the changes made to St. Mary’s on Saturday[/caption]

PAThe new safe standing area in the Northam Stand is one of the largest in the UK[/caption]

Following the 1-0 loss at St. James’ Park, Southampton are back on home soil for matchday two.

Home supporters attending the match against Forest will be able to enjoy the new safe standing area in the Northam Stand.

The are spans the whole length of the stand and is one of the largest in the UK.

It is part of several changes made to St. Mary’s this summer following promotion last term.

The club have also relocated away fans and moved their family area within the ground.

Meanwhile, there are further plans to improve the external spaces and footprint of the stadium.

Areas behind both the Northam and Chapel stands are to be developed into fan parks.

Southampton have confirmed these new areas will feature outdoor entertainment as well as food and drink stands.

The Saints have played at St. Mary’s since 2001 after leaving The Dell to move into their 32,384-capacity home.

GettySouthampton host Nottingham Forest following an opening weekend loss to Newcastle[/caption]

Saturday’s clash with Forest will mark the return of top flight football to the venue.

Southampton secured an immediate return to the Premier League back in May after beating Leeds in the Championship play-off final.