Why Manchester United are building “giant cover” on their new stadium – there are three very clever reasons

Why Manchester United have decided to build a giant net over their new stadium after plans were announced to knock down Old Trafford.

Manchester United have announced plans to build an entirely new stadium as co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to rival London’s Wembley Stadium.

It’s expected that the stadium will seat around 100,000 fans every matchday, plus be a space to host a range of concerns and other such events, as well as create an entire metropolis within southern Manchester.

Ratcliffe has been keen to point out that he plans for the new stadium to underpin the wider regeneration project set by the Government to go ahead in southern Manchester, and it is hoped the stadium can generate at least £7 billion a year for the club and surrounding area.

During the new stadium build, it’s thought that United will continue to play at Old Trafford and that the existing stadium will be knocked down once the team move.

Fans split on the stadium’s design

The club released photos of the concept designs of the stadium, and they have split opinions within the fanbase.

While most agree that the inside of the stadium looks fantastic, with the stands close to the pitch and the stands mostly covered by a roof and three big spires launching toward the sky.

It has been said that the three prominent spires represent the devil’s trident on the club’s current crest, with the head architect of the project, Lord Norman Foster, explaining that the stadium plans to become a hub for activity every day rather than just on matchdays, with shops, coffee places, and much more built into the area.

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The whole area surrounding United’s campus is expected to be completely transformed and turned into a hub of social activity, with many hoping it will be the biggest regeneration project in England since the 2012 Olympic Games.

Why is there a giant cover over the stadium?

However, as can be seen from the above images, the most divisive feature of the new stadium design is the giant net that covers the stadium and the surrounding area, with a few select fans comparing it to the circus tent.

However, Foster has taken the time to explain that there are three very clever reasons why this net serves a purpose beyond design that will contribute to the stadium and wider areas.

Firstly, there is an ecological spin. With the world turning toward more sustainable forms of energy amid the growing scarcity of gas and oil, the net is said to have the function of harvesting solar energy, no doubt to power the stadium and surrounding area.

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Secondly, the net will look to also harvest rainwater, with Manchester currently averaging rain around 136 days of the season, which continues the ecological pledge made.

Finally, the net will also provide extra cover. With the amount of rain in Manchester a key staple of the city, the surrounding area of the stadium, including the coffee shops, event spaces, and greenery, will all be under cover and sheltered from harsh rain or wind.

The netting provides not just a unique design to make the new stadium stand out compared to all other stadium across the planet, but also a brilliant triple function that will help the club become more sustainable and future-proof, which is exactly what United need.

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