Ipswich forced to make huge number of stadium changes for Premier League return including ref massage room and VIP boxes
IPSWICH’s return to the Premier League has led to a huge overhaul at Portman Road.
Kieran McKenna has led The Tractor Boys into the top flight after 22 years away following back-to-back promotions.
YouTube / Ipswich Town FCPortman Road is undergoing major work ahead of their return to the Premier League[/caption]
YouTube / Ipswich Town FCThis is the new Players Lounge for families and friends of the squad[/caption]
YouTube / Ipswich Town FCThe final touches are being put on the area[/caption]
YouTube / Ipswich Town FCA safe standing area has been put in[/caption]
YouTube / Ipswich Town FCGlass panels have also been placed in front of fans[/caption]
YouTube / Ipswich Town FCNew fan bars on the concourse are being developed[/caption]
YouTube / Ipswich Town FCThe main reception has been modernised[/caption]
Over the summer, they have brought in six new signings to bolster their squad and give themselves the best possible chance of avoiding relegation at the first time of asking.
They are Omari Hutchinson, Jacob Greaves, Liam Delap, Arijanet Muric, Conor Townsend and Ben Johnson.
But while work is going on in the boardroom, the main focus has been on getting the stadium ready to meet Premier League regulations ahead of their opening game against Liverpool on Saturday.
In a tour with managing director Mark Ashton, that includes a number of key transformations such as the refurbishment of the referees’ changing rooms.
Separate rooms for male and female officials are being developed and will have space for masseuse facilities.
A new lounge is also being built for players’ loved ones to relax in before and after games.
This is because the existing one is being turned into a 75-seater international media suite.
Other upgrades include the Ipswich crest being taken down outside the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand and being replaced by a new one that will light up for fans to see as they approach the ground.
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Match officials are having the changing rooms renovated
Referees are being given more space and room for masseuse facilities
YouTube / Ipswich Town FCThe Ipswich crest has been taken down and will be replaced by a light up one[/caption]
YouTube / Ipswich Town FCA new TV studio is being built above the new tunnel[/caption]
YouTube / Ipswich Town FCThe press room has been improved as it prepares to welcome high-profile managers[/caption]
A TV studio is being built above a new tunnel and will be in operation after their Premier League opener against Liverpool.
This will house Sky Sports and TNT Sports pundits when Ipswich games are televised at Portman Road.
Five new media suites are being built for broadcasters, the home dressing room is being improved, while facilities for away fans are also being touched up.
A full VAR programme is being installed, while their broadcast operation is being increased from a “five or six camera feed” to a “46 or 47 camera feed”.
Stadium steps have been painted white, entrances painted black, and the floodlights are being upgraded between now and September.
Seats have been re-arranged, while a safe standing area has also been implemented and glass protection installed by the front row.
Advertising hoardings at both ends of the stadium are being digitalised, while a new fan concourse and bar area is being developed.
Draft beer will also now be on offer in the Cobbold Stand.
The main reception and press room have also had major renovations, with the Directors Box in the process of being improved too.
YouTube / Ipswich Town FCThe steps in the stands have been painted white[/caption]
YouTube / Ipswich Town FCWalls at the entrances of the ground have been painted black[/caption]
YouTube / Ipswich Town FCHuge construction is taking place days out from the start of the season[/caption]
YouTube / Ipswich Town FCManaging director Mark Ashton gave Ipswich fans a look at the upgrades[/caption]
YouTube / Ipswich Town FCThe floodlights are also being upgraded[/caption]
