NEWS
Saracens eyes stadium improvements, but CEO concerned by capacity issues
POSTED 07 Nov 2016 . BY Matthew Campelli
Saracens won the Premiership Rugby title last season
Saracens is gearing up to replace a major stand at its Allianz Park home, although chief executive Heath Harvey has expressed reservations about the capacity of the stadium.

The reigning Premiership champions will submit plans to demolish the existing West Stand to be replaced by a modern structure.

While the new stand will not increase the stadium’s maximum permanent capacity of 10,500, it will improve access for disabled fans and create further space for both Middlesex University’s Sport and Exercise Science department and the club’s charitable arm, the Saracens Sports Foundation.

The capacity of the stadium can be temporarily increased to 15,000 for a maximum of one match a year in the event that Saracens qualifies for a home quarter final tie in the European Rugby Champions Cup.

However, Harvey implied that the stadium capacity was limiting the growth of the club, which had experienced significant success on the field over the past few season.

Talking at last week’s Rugby Expo event in Coventry, the former Club Wembley director said: “Stadium capacity was a problem for us three years ago because we couldn’t fill it. It’s going to be a different type of problem in another two years if you look at growth in our season tickets.

“I think with success comes a greater following and the last two seasons have helped put bums on seats.”

Last season, the club won the Premiership title – retaining the honour after winning the league in 2014/15 – and the European Rugby Champions Cup. Saracens also won the LV= Cup in 2015.

Harvey said that he didn’t “have a magic wand or solution right now” to the problem, but hinted that he would be against ticket price increases.

“God forbid we should have to manage demand through the price mechanism,” he added. “We all saw what happened with Liverpool Football Club last year when they started to ask their long-term supporters for more than they were comfortable paying. There does come a point where the fans bite back.”

Saracens moved into Allianz Park in 2012. Interested parties will be able view the proposals during exhibitions to be held on 10-12 November at the stadium.
RELATED STORIES
  Saracens school gets government green light


A plan put forward by Premiership rugby club Saracens to establish a new secondary school in its surrounding neighbourhood has been approved by the Department for Education (DfE).
  Saracens chose Absolute Performance for training


The longstanding partnership between Saracens and Absolute Performance continues with the Saracens’ move to the newly built Allianz Park.
  Saracens secures long-term partnership agreement with Allianz


Saracens rugby union team has agreed a new long-term stadium and sponsorship deal with Allianz, the German financial services company, worth a reported £8m.
  Final approval for Saracens' stadium vision


Saracens rugby union team has secured final approval for the proposed multi-million pound redevelopment of London's Copthall Stadium from communities secretary Eric Pickles.
 


CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
 
Leisure Management - Saracens eyes stadium improvements, but CEO concerned by capacity issues...
08 Jun 2026 Leisure Management: daily news and jobs
 
 
HOME
JOBS
NEWS
FEATURES
PRODUCTS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION
PRINT SUBSCRIPTION
ADVERTISE
CONTACT US
Sign up for FREE ezine
Latest news

07 Nov 2016

Saracens eyes stadium improvements, but CEO concerned by capacity issues
BY Matthew Campelli

Saracens won and retained the Premiership Rugby title last season

Saracens won and retained the Premiership Rugby title last season

Saracens is gearing up to replace a major stand at its Allianz Park home, although chief executive Heath Harvey has expressed reservations about the capacity of the stadium.

The reigning Premiership champions will submit plans to demolish the existing West Stand to be replaced by a modern structure.

While the new stand will not increase the stadium’s maximum permanent capacity of 10,500, it will improve access for disabled fans and create further space for both Middlesex University’s Sport and Exercise Science department and the club’s charitable arm, the Saracens Sports Foundation.

The capacity of the stadium can be temporarily increased to 15,000 for a maximum of one match a year in the event that Saracens qualifies for a home quarter final tie in the European Rugby Champions Cup.

However, Harvey implied that the stadium capacity was limiting the growth of the club, which had experienced significant success on the field over the past few season.

Talking at last week’s Rugby Expo event in Coventry, the former Club Wembley director said: “Stadium capacity was a problem for us three years ago because we couldn’t fill it. It’s going to be a different type of problem in another two years if you look at growth in our season tickets.

“I think with success comes a greater following and the last two seasons have helped put bums on seats.”

Last season, the club won the Premiership title – retaining the honour after winning the league in 2014/15 – and the European Rugby Champions Cup. Saracens also won the LV= Cup in 2015.

Harvey said that he didn’t “have a magic wand or solution right now” to the problem, but hinted that he would be against ticket price increases.

“God forbid we should have to manage demand through the price mechanism,” he added. “We all saw what happened with Liverpool Football Club last year when they started to ask their long-term supporters for more than they were comfortable paying. There does come a point where the fans bite back.”

Saracens moved into Allianz Park in 2012. Interested parties will be able view the proposals during exhibitions to be held on 10-12 November at the stadium.



Connect with
Leisure Management
Magazine:
View issue contents
Sign up:
Instant Alerts/zines

Print edition
 

News headlines
Longevitix launches AI-powered platform to deliver longevity medicine at scale
Longevitix launches AI-powered platform to deliver longevity medicine at scale   08 Jun 2026

Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver .... more>>

Orangetheory set for Italian expansion and Technogym tie-up
Orangetheory set for Italian expansion and Technogym tie-up   08 Jun 2026

Purpose Brands has announced its entry into the Italian market, having sold the franchise rights for four Orangetheory Fitness studios to Icon .... more>>

Atmantan Wellness Centre announces new wellness destination in Hyderabad
Atmantan Wellness Centre announces new wellness destination in Hyderabad   08 Jun 2026

Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in .... more>>

Fitness First adds red light therapy to relaxation classes
Fitness First adds red light therapy to relaxation classes   08 Jun 2026

Fitness First UK is integrating red light therapy into its yoga and Pilates classes through a partnership with Bon Charge.

....
more>>
The Retreat Costa Rica debuts Vida Mía Longevity Centre
The Retreat Costa Rica debuts Vida Mía Longevity Centre   07 Jun 2026

Luxury wellness resort, The Retreat Costa Rica, has introduced its Vida Mía Longevity Centre at the property’s Vida Mía Healing Centre and .... more>>

Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination
Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination   05 Jun 2026

A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care has revealed that almost half of participating .... more>>

Company profile


Perfect Gym Solutions S.A.

Perfect Gym, part of the Sport Alliance group, is a global software provider specialising in fitness and recreation facility management solutions and is trusted by over 1,500+ sites across 55+ countries.

View full profile>>

Catalogue gallery


Featured Supplier

Endospheres' new protocols are designed to meet real client needs

Endospheres' new protocols are designed to meet real client needs

Spa professionals see it every day: clients are arriving with more complex expectations. More>>




in this issue

• Virgin gets right to wipe out rent arrears
• Fitness industry mourns passing of Jan Spaticchia
• STA offers mindfulness resources



Latest jobs

Jobs Search



Membership Advisor
Salary: Competitive salary plus commission & benefits
Location: Market Rasen
Company: Everyone Active
Customer Service Advisor
Salary: Competitive
Location: Market Rasen
Company: Everyone Active
GP Exercise Referral Instructor
Salary: £33,000pa + benefits
Location: Harrow
Company: Everyone Active
Diary dates
Powered by leisurediary.com

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland







Published by Leisure Media Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385 | Contact us | About us | © Cybertrek Ltd