QPR plan new 45,000-seat stadium where pitch can RAISE to become roof

QUEENS PARK RANGERS are hoping to move into a new 45,000-seat stadium - where the pitch can be raised to become the roof.

The Championship side are planning a £425 million redevelopment of the Linford Christie athletics stadium because they have outgrown Loftus Road.

According to a report seen by Sportsmail, QPR have four different options to chose from following ongoing talks with the local council.

The most expensive option would be to build a 45,000-seat stadium with a number of stand-out features.

It would be the first ground to have a pitch that can be lifted up and used as the roof to stop it being damaged from other events.

And it would have an athletics track, an area for hockey, a skate park and other sports facilities.

QPR could use their new home to host concerts, trade shows, conferences and exhibitions in order to generate as much revenue as possible.

The report suggests that this is the most likely option because it is expected to make £41m for the council in ten years.

A second option for the club would be to create a 42,000-seat ground, which would cost £350m.

While the third option is for a 35,000 capacity stadium, which would set them back around £316m.

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Or the Championship can take the fourth option and spend just £70m on a ground that would hold up to 35,000 fans.

The council are expected to hold a 12-week consultation in March to showcase the designs and the club's CEO has urged everyone to have their say.

Lee Hoos said: "The Council is shortly to launch a public consultation on the future of the Linford Christie site, which we will encourage our fanbase, local residents and stakeholders to take part in."

QPR's four redevelopment options

1. 45,000 capacity stadium costing £425m

2. 42,000 capacity stadium costing £350m

3. 35,000 capacity stadium costing £316m

4. Up to 35,000 capacity stadium costing £70m

Hoos recently confirmed that Loftus Road is no longer a suitable ground for the Queens Park Rangers.

He said: "We love our home at Loftus Road, but it is unsustainable for a professional football club in the long term due to its size, age and lack of non-match day use.

"It's very obvious to thousands of fans who pile into Loftus Road every fortnight, and it has been made clear to the current Council leadership since they took office in 2014."

Loftus Road is the third smallest stadium in the Sky Bet Championship this season with a capacity of 18,439.

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