The MKM Stadium will provide a central role in the regeneration of the West Park area of Hull, according to the city council, as the iconic arena celebrates its 20th anniversary.
City's home has seen some incredible highs during the two decades since it opened, with promotions to the Premier League, FA Cup runs and some belting games under the lights.
It's hoped progress will continue to be made around the site, with the club hoping to agree a long-term lease with the council in order to develop the area, and planned regeneration will heavily involve the arena, says Hull City Council leader Mike Ross, who reiterated his desire to see it remain in public ownership.
"The stadium was designed to be a catalyst for change in that part of Hull and it has in part helped transform the fortunes of the football club. It has given a home to both Hull City and Hull FC," Ross told City's program. "The fact that so many people have been through it and it's clearly an iconic landmark, means it does stand-out and make a real statement.
"I know the community in Hull see it as their stadium. I think that's really important. I think they enjoy that sense of identity and ownership that the public hold. We saw that years ago when there was talk of change of that relationship. The public see it very much as a landmark for the city.
"I think there's a desire from many to see progress in the area and to see that revitalisation in that part of the city and the role the stadium plays in that will be central.
"Whatever happens will very much involve the council, football club and rugby club coming together to really help bring important change that is needed."
City's home has seen some incredible highs during the two decades since it opened, with promotions to the Premier League, FA Cup runs and some belting games under the lights.
It's hoped progress will continue to be made around the site, with the club hoping to agree a long-term lease with the council in order to develop the area, and planned regeneration will heavily involve the arena, says Hull City Council leader Mike Ross, who reiterated his desire to see it remain in public ownership.
"The stadium was designed to be a catalyst for change in that part of Hull and it has in part helped transform the fortunes of the football club. It has given a home to both Hull City and Hull FC," Ross told City's program. "The fact that so many people have been through it and it's clearly an iconic landmark, means it does stand-out and make a real statement.
"I know the community in Hull see it as their stadium. I think that's really important. I think they enjoy that sense of identity and ownership that the public hold. We saw that years ago when there was talk of change of that relationship. The public see it very much as a landmark for the city.
"I think there's a desire from many to see progress in the area and to see that revitalisation in that part of the city and the role the stadium plays in that will be central.
"Whatever happens will very much involve the council, football club and rugby club coming together to really help bring important change that is needed."
