Interview with Tom Wagner, Chairman of the Board, and Garry Cook, Chief Executive Officer.
Tom Wagner, Chairman of the Board, and Garry Cook, CEO, have committed to prioritize fan experience following the Club’s acquisition of the former Wheels site in Bordesley Park, East Birmingham.
Knighthead and Birmingham City announced plans for a vibrant Sports Quarter on the 48-acre site early Tuesday morning, intending to build a new multi-use stadium, high-performance training facilities, and other mixed-use real estate development, including a variety of entertainment options.
The Sports Quarter aims to become a worldwide recognised sporting and entertainment destination for stakeholders to enjoy, creating over 3,000 full-time jobs and considerably contributing to Birmingham’s GDP.
Speaking to BluesTV at St. Andrew’s at Knighthead Park, Wagner expressed delight at any criticism that may arise as a result of the Club’s ambition and was unequivocal in his confidence that supporters will be well rewarded by the development.
“What supporters need to understand is that many people will throw stones at us.” That is a comfortable place for us as Blues fans; we are okay with people doubting us and pulling against us because it is us vs. everyone else.
“I know how it will turn out. Those who are willing to join us on this adventure will be greatly rewarded.
In the same interview, Cook described the level of thought that has gone into regulating the flow of supporters, both on the new site and in B9, to improve their matchday experience.
“You must rely on local agencies to understand traffic flow and network, both now and in five years. It is not the simplest, but I believe most metropolitan football pitches face this difficulty.
“Our ambition is to improve the experience for fans, ingress and egress, whether by local transport, public transport, vehicle, whatever that is we have to make a difference there.”
