Per SkySports, Chelsea FC have inquired with the English Rugby Football Union about the possibility of using England’s home ground of Twickenham for their home matches during proposed renovations to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have had early talks with England's rugby chiefs about possibly moving to Twickenham for a season. http://t.co/vruod04OLW #CFC
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 28, 2014
Chelsea FC have long been rumored to be pursuing a new ground in London in order to expand their home capacity to compete with the other big clubs in England on matchday revenue. Stamford Bridge currently holds 41,798 spectators for Chelsea matches and is routinely sold out.
Yet Chelsea sits behind many other clubs in England as far as total capacity, even Newcastle United and Sunderland boast larger capacities at 52,000 and 49,000 respectively. Twickenham, home of the England national Rugby Team, currently holds 82,000 fans and is second only to Wembeley Stadium in capacity in England.
According to reports, Chelsea’s board of governors has reached out to the English RFU, but no serious talks have been had, only initial contact has been made.
The current theory is that Chelsea would play at Twickenham and Stamford Bridge would be renovated and expanded to a capacity of 60,000, putting Chelsea in a more competitive slot for match day revenue.
Other sources have been reporting this as well.
Chelsea consider moving to Twickenham so Stamford Bridge can increase to 60,000 [Sunday Times] http://t.co/YsMcbrHhxZ pic.twitter.com/sABMM9lXq8
— 102 Great Goals (@102greatgoals) September 28, 2014
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