If you weren’t already aware, football is literally coming home to the UK in 2028. No, we’re not guaranteed the trophy, but England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland will be co-hosts of the tournament. The games will take place in stadiums all over the two islands and while most regions are set up with at least one state-of-the-art stadium, there’s some work to be done in Northern Ireland.
RECOMMENDED: In pictures: a night of highs and lows for England fans in London during the Euro 2024 final.
Casement Stadium in Belfast has sat empty and derelict since 2013, but is supposed to be Northern Ireland’s sole venue when Euro 2028 rolls around. There have been plans to build an entirely new stadium on the site since 2011, but due to financial issues, construction is yet to get going and there is doubt over whether it will be finished in time for 2028.
In some progress, though, a redevelopment plan has been officially backed by prime minister Keir Starmer. According to the Times and sources from Uefa, the PM has pledged to see the £300 million development through.
As with any big build, it’s controversial. Some MPs reportedly aren’t happy given the huge cost (which has risen by over £200 million in the last decade), and locals argue that it would block light from their homes and cause severe traffic disruption.
If Casement Park doesn’t get the massive refurb in time, Northern Ireland simply won’t host any Euro 2028 games, as its other stadium Windsor Park, doesn’t have enough capacity.
In a statement, a government spokesperson said: ‘We want the whole of the UK to benefit from hosting EURO 2028, which is why the Government is looking closely at the Casement Park redevelopment and working at pace with all the partners involved to assess the options available.
‘As soon as we are in a position to provide an update regarding the redevelopment of the stadium for EURO 2028, we will.’
Time Out and UK stadiums
The UK boasts an impressive number of spectacular sports stadiums – and some of them are going through some big changes over the next few years. The Etihad Stadium is getting a roof walk and ‘sky bar’, the Emirates in London could get massively expanded and plans have been revealed for a ‘Wembley of the North’. And last year Cardiff’s Principality Stadium got a cool new zip wire.
ICYMI: Six buildings have been nominated for the UK’s most prestigious architecture prize
Plus: What is ‘champing’? The new type of glamping, explained
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.