Chelsea Football Club Plans to Move to Old Power Station

Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. stadium (n.) – a large, open structure for sports events

Example: They are planning to build the largest stadium in the world to be used for Olympic events.

2. accommodate (v.) – to give room or place for someone

Example: The car can accommodate up to five persons.

3. backdrop (n.) – something seen in the background

Example: One can clearly see the beautiful mountain backdrop in our photos.

4. vicinity (n.) – a nearby surrounding

Example: There are some souvenir stores within the vicinity of the temple.

5. freehold (n.) – (in law) ownership of property

Example: They were not able to get the freehold of the house.

Article
Read the text below.

The Chelsea Football Club has offered to buy the Battersea Power Station in London and to redevelop it into a stadium that can accommodate 60,000 people. Instead of expanding Stamford Bridge, their current home stadium, the team decided to get a new stadium to equal the stadiums of rival teams Arsenal and Manchester United. Stamford Bridge can accommodate only 42,000 fans. In comparison, Arsenal's Emirates Stadium can hold 60,000 fans, while Manchester United's Old Trafford can hold 72,000 fans. Part of Chelsea’s plan is to keep some old designs of the building, such as its four chimneys, to serve as a unique backdrop to the stadium. As for earning extra income, Chelsea is also planning to add shops, housing and offices within the vicinity. However, there is still no assurance that the club will move to the new location. The club is not the only one interested in buying the old power station. In addition, the Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO) has not allowed the club to change its location.  The CPO currently owns the rights to the Chelsea Football Club name and the freehold of Stamford Bridge. Without agreement from majority of the CPO, the club cannot move to another stadium and keep the Chelsea name. Tim Rolls, a member of the CPO says most fans would also like Chelsea to stay in Stamford Bridge. The plan to buy Battersea would cost Chelsea more than £600m if it goes through, but this will still produce more income later on than just expanding their current home.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

• Do you think it is important for sports teams to have their own stadiums? Why or why not?
• Can you think of any disadvantage of sports teams having their own stadiums?

Discussion B

• How do you think a business is affected by a change in location?
• If you were to open a business somewhere, where would it be? Why choose that place?

この記事が気に入りましたか？