Why Leeds United Should Prioritise Removing the Boxes from the South Stand

As Leeds United looks to the future with ambitions of Premier League promotion and European football, one clear priority should be addressed as part of the club’s growth: removing the executive boxes from the South Stand at Elland Road.

The South Stand is the beating heart of Elland Road’s atmosphere. It’s where the noise starts, where generations of fans have stood shoulder to shoulder, and where the passion for Leeds United burns brightest. But the presence of corporate boxes dividing the upper and lower tiers creates a physical and emotional disconnect—not just in the stand, but in the overall experience of a matchday at Elland Road.

Capacity is Key

Right now, demand for Leeds United tickets massively outweighs supply. Sell-outs are the norm, and loyal fans are routinely left empty-handed. The club has ambitions to expand Elland Road to 55,000+ seats in the coming years, but any steps that can be taken immediately to bridge that gap should be treated as urgent.

By removing the executive boxes from the South Stand, the club could open up a significant number of new seats in one of the most iconic areas of the stadium. This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about putting fans first, reinforcing the atmosphere, and building momentum for long-term development.

Atmosphere Over Hospitality

While corporate hospitality has its place in modern football, it should never come at the expense of a club’s soul. Leeds United is a club built on working-class roots, defiance, and loyalty. The South Stand has always reflected that spirit. Executive boxes sitting between passionate fans in the lower and upper tiers dilute the energy that makes Elland Road such an intimidating place for opponents.

Removing the boxes would reunite the stand and allow fans to generate a more unified wall of noise. Think of Dortmund’s Yellow Wall or Celtic Park’s relentless support—Leeds already has the raw ingredients. Unleashing the full potential of the South Stand could take the Elland Road atmosphere to an entirely new level.

Financial Viability

Some may argue that removing hospitality boxes would reduce revenue. In the short term, perhaps. But in the long term, the benefits of increased capacity, more season tickets, and better matchday experience could far outweigh the loss of corporate sales in that specific area.

In fact, more modern and lucrative hospitality options could be incorporated into future redevelopment plans, possibly in other parts of the ground or in a new, purpose-built West Stand. The South Stand, meanwhile, should be returned to the fans.

A Clear Statement of Intent

Taking out the boxes would send a powerful message: that Leeds United remains a club of the people. It would show that fan experience is being prioritised, that the club is ready to adapt and evolve, and that Elland Road will remain one of the fiercest fortresses in English football—not just because of history, but because of forward-thinking decisions rooted in the club’s identity.

In a time when football often seems to drift further away from its roots, Leeds United has the chance to lead by example. Strip out the boxes, open the South Stand up, and let the roar of the people echo unbroken once again.