Jim Spence expresses his worry that Dundee FC's new stadium at Camperdown might become a white elephant if the team is relegated to the Championship. He highlights that lower-league football would likely lead to significantly reduced attendance, impacting the stadium's financial viability.
The article emphasizes that the primary goal of building a new stadium is to regenerate the club and increase support. However, relegation could severely hinder this aim, as smaller crowds in the Championship compared to the Premiership would negatively affect revenue generation.
Staying in the Premiership is crucial for the stadium's success. A modern stadium promises improved comfort and amenities for fans. While the stadium can generate income from other events, its primary purpose is hosting football games, and relegation would diminish the attractiveness of these events.
The club projects a 10% increase in long-term attendance with the move. But this projection hinges on remaining in the Premiership. Relegation would likely jeopardize this optimistic outlook.
In essence, the success of Dundee FC's new stadium is heavily contingent on the team's ability to maintain its Premiership status. Relegation presents a significant risk to the stadium's financial health and long-term viability.