Football is a sport I haven’t been the most interested in, but now and again, I find something which catches my eye about it.
What sparked an interest for me this week was finding out about the latest developments in Dundee Football Club’s bid to build a new stadium in the grounds surrounding Camperdown Park.
This has been back in the news again as it was reported Dundee’s owners were close to securing Dens Park – and if it happens, the path towards Dundee building their new stadium becomes that bit clearer.
I do hope – and believe – Dundee will get their new stadium.
I liken the new stadium plan to the development of the V&A Dundee – and the early stages of their developments, I believe, are similar in a way.
Many people believed the V&A Dundee was never going to be built, just like there are people now who believe that Dundee FC building a new stadium is not going to happen.
But the V&A Dundee did open.
Dundee getting a new stadium isn’t as far-fetched as some people believe because it looks like club management are really pressing for this to happen.
New Dundee stadium plan is great – and not just for football fans
I believe it poses fantastic long-term benefits for the city.
The new stadium complex would be brilliant for Dundee’s economy.
It would bring much needed investment into the city – there are plans for it to be used as a 25,000-capacity concert venue and an 850+ delegate conference venue, which could attract acts and businesses.
There are also plans to have leisure facilities and a hotel, all of which adds up to something positive for all Dundonians, not just the footie fans.
It would also be a brilliant new place for Dundee’s youngsters.
We have amazing footballers and these new facilities offer so much potential for future football stars living in Dundee.
I was reading Jim Spence’s piece on his reaction to the news and he believes Dundee having a new stadium would shift the balance of power in Dundee’s favour, which I certainly agree with – but I believe this new stadium complex would be beneficial for Dundee United too.
It would be a place for Dundee United fans to explore and come together with Dundee fans to share their love of the sport.
It offers Dundee United a new place to play against Dundee in the derby and it would provide a new atmosphere for both Dundee and Dundee United fans alike.
Next year marks 125 years since Dundee FC moved to Dens Park and I think in that time Dundee’s football culture has grown significantly.
Although I love the iconic position of Dens and Tannadice being yards apart, I think now is the right time for Dundee FC to get that new stadium – and I believe it is a matter of when, not if.
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