Fulham Opens £100M Riverside Stand with Luxury Hospitality Thamesside

Fulham Football Club has officially opened its new Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage, an ambitious and luxurious development costing significantly more than its initial £100 million budget. Designed by Populous, the stand features nine levels of high-end hospitality including Michelin-starred restaurants, a rooftop swimming pool, and exclusive membership packages ranging from £3,000 to £20,000 per season plus VAT, catering to affluent patrons rather than traditional working-class supporters. While the club aims to generate essential revenue through these elite facilities and year-round operations, many fans criticize the stand for pricing out regular supporters and eroding the club's historic atmosphere. The design deliberately prioritizes river views over the pitch, reflecting an American sport-inspired hospitality experience akin to a five-star hotel or cruise ship, and emphasizing luxury over the football match itself. Fulham’s CEO Alistair Mackintosh and owner Shad Khan promote the project as a transformative asset for the club and the local area, though it has sparked debate about the commercialization and social divide within Premier League football. The contrast between the new Riverside Stand and the historic Johnny Haynes Stand highlights the tension between modern opulence and football tradition at Craven Cottage.