Plans for Birmingham City’s new stadium caught the eye last year, with the proposed 62,000-capacity venue set to feature 12 chimney-form towers in a nod to the city’s brickworks heritage.
The project is still in its early stages, but it is hoped the stadium will be completed in time for the start of the 2030-31 season. No timeline has been set for when a planning application will be submitted, although fresh images were released earlier this month.
In the meantime, Birmingham, which finished 10th in the Championship in 2025-26, is working on improving the fan experience at its current home, St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.
Ahead of TheStadiumBusiness Summit 2026, we caught up with Rich Carpenter, director of operations at Birmingham, to discuss the current areas of focus for the club.
Carpenter joined the club last August, having previously worked at Ipswich Town, Liverpool, Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion. He also worked as the venue manager for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
TheStadiumBusiness: What projects are you currently working on at Birmingham City?
Rich Carpenter: “Possible WSL 1 stadium compliance upgrades – subject to promotion being achieved (Birmingham City Women has since secured promotion to the top tier).
“We’re also working on various stadium supporter area upgrades (the specifics are confidential at this stage), improvements to our stadium operation such as access control management, visitor and contractor management and storage solutions.
“Pitch infrastructure upgrades are also in the works, along with local authority match day planning processes. In terms of fan reaction to the new stadium, this has been received very positively following the release of the design.”
TSB: What’s the next challenge for you and your team?
RC: “The close season! With an extended close season this year due to the World Cup, our club will be working tirelessly on various projects throughout the summer in readiness for players returning for pre-season training and our first home fixture of the new season.”
TSB: What is the most exciting development for you in the industry right now?
RC: “Fan experience initiatives across various clubs including fan parks and warehouses, stadium bowl experience solutions such as tech integration and supporter journey initiatives, and stadium redevelopment or new-build projects.”
TSB: What are you looking forward to most about the Summit?
RC: “Collaborating with existing partners and contacts and benchmarking with other venues and stadiums.”
Meet Rich and network with >500 venue industry execs – only at #SBS26 in Manchester.
#SBS26 – Operations. Technology. Sustainability.
2–4 June 2026 | Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
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