New floodlights installed at Elland Road as Leeds United continue Premier League upgrades

Leeds United have installed new floodlights at Elland Road as part of the ongoing upgrades required following promotion to the Premier League.

The Whites are playing their first campaign of top flight football in 16 years this term after claiming the Championship title by a 10-point margin in July.

After Marcelo Bielsa's outfit ended their Football League nightmare in the summer, United were hit with a long list of obligations needed to get the club's home ground up to scratch.

Due to the elongated season, Leeds were afforded just seven and a half weeks between the two campaigns and have been working closely with the Premier League to deliver the upgrades required.

The majority of changes revolve around television broadcasters, and the installation of the new floodlights behind the John Charles West Stand are no different.

The new lights have had to be installed so that the images picked up by visiting television cameras and video technology are of the highest quality and high definition.

Planning permission was granted for changes to Elland Road over 18 months ago after plans were drawn up should Leeds win promotion to the top flight.

Hardwiring has been put in place for television cameras already, while press facilities have had to be upgraded along with improvements to the gantry and commentary positions.

United revealed earlier in the year that future expansion at Elland Road was a real possibility, with chief executive Angus Kinnear eyeing a complete rebuild of the West Stand to bring the stadium up to a 50,000 capacity to meet demand.

“That’s what I think is a very achievable level for Leeds United to ensure you’re always sold out. That’s the key. You want to make sure, even for smaller games, you’re sold out," Kinnear said in August.

"The changing rooms on that side (west stand) haven’t changed, the referee’s facilities, the media facilities, they are all outdated.

“We’ve got seats in the upper tier of the West Stand which have restricted views because there’s pillars in the way.

“The press areas aren’t big enough for the Premier League, the floodlights aren’t bright enough for the Premier League.

“So, not only will we be able to get 15,000 more supporters in the stadium, but we’ll also be able to make it more professional and get that functional environment for the first team on a matchday as well.”