Arthur's Area is Main priority for some TLC

THE Main Stand has become the focus for Blues’ head of infrastructure Nick Smith during the summer months to bring it in line with the rest of St Andrew's.

- By ALEX DICKEN

The stadium underwent a costly makeover last summer, despite owners Knighthead planning to move the club to the Sports Quarter in five years’ time, but the Main Stand was left behind.

There is a reluctance to make wholesale changes to the stand due to its structure but Smith wants to subtly improve the fan experience in Arthur's Area.

"We didn’t get a chance to get onto Arthur’s Area last year and I think it’s definitely an area that has to be given more love than what it’s been given over the last few years," he said.

"We will be redecorating, rebranding, redoing the floor, new lighting, new wall art and looking at the toilets and providing some family change areas. We will be modernising it and bringing it in line with the other changes we've made."

Smith has been busy during the close season and recently gave the Birmingham Mail a tour of the sweeping changes at Wast Hills, now known as the Knighthead Performance Centre. There have also been improvements made at the Elite Performance and Innovation Centre (EPIC) where Blues’ first team train.