Ipswich forced to make a host of stadium changes for Premier League return, including referee massage room and VIP boxes

Ipswich forced to make a host of stadium changes for Premier League return, including referee massage room and VIP boxes

IPSWICH's return to the Premier League has led to a major refurbishment at Portman Road.

Kieran McKenna has led The Tractor Boys to the highest class after a 22-year absence following successive promotions.

Portman Road is undergoing major works in preparation for their return to the Premier League

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Portman Road is undergoing major works in preparation for their return to the Premier LeagueSource: YouTube / Ipswich Town FC
This is the new Players Lounge for families and friends of the team

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This is the new Players Lounge for families and friends of the teamSource: YouTube / Ipswich Town FC
The final touches are being put to the area

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The final touches are being put to the areaSource: YouTube / Ipswich Town FC
A safe standing area has been created

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A safe standing area has been createdSource: YouTube / Ipswich Town FC
Glass panels have also been installed in front of the fans

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Glass panels have also been installed in front of the fansSource: YouTube / Ipswich Town FC
New fan bars are being developed on the concourse

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New fan bars are being developed on the concourseSource: YouTube / Ipswich Town FC
The main reception has been modernised

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The main reception has been modernisedSource: YouTube / Ipswich Town FC

Last summer they signed six new players to bolster their squad and give themselves the best chance of avoiding relegation at the first attempt.

They are Omari Hutchinson, Jacob Greaves, Liam Delap, Arijanet Muric, Conor Townsend and Ben Johnson.

But while work is being done in the boardroom, the focus is mainly on getting the stadium ready to meet expectations. Eredivisie rules ahead of their opening match against Liverpool on saturday.

During a tour with general manager Mark Ashton, a number of important transformations were discussed, such as the renovation of the referees' changing rooms.

Separate areas will be built for male and female officials, with space for massage facilities.

A new lounge is also being built where players' loved ones can relax before and after matches.

This is because the existing hall is being converted into an international media room with 75 seats.

Other upgrades include the Ipswich The crest will be removed from outside the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand and replaced with a new one that lights up so fans can see it as they approach the pitch.

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Match officials have the changing rooms renovated

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Match officials have the changing rooms renovated
Referees get more space and room for masseur facilities

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Referees get more space and room for masseur facilities
The Ipswich crest has been removed and will be replaced with a luminous one

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The Ipswich crest has been removed and will be replaced with a luminous oneSource: YouTube / Ipswich Town FC
A new TV studio is being built above the new tunnel

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A new TV studio is being built above the new tunnelSource: YouTube / Ipswich Town FC
The press room has been improved and prepared to receive leading managers

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The press room has been improved and prepared to receive leading managersSource: YouTube / Ipswich Town FC

A TV studio is currently being built above a new tunnel and will be operational after the Premier League season opener against Liverpool.

This will house Sky Sport and TNT Sports analysts when Ipswich matches are televised at Portman Road.

Watch Ed Sheeran drink pints with Ipswich fans and FaceTimes players as he celebrates promotion to the Premier League

Five new media rooms will be built for the broadcasters, the home team changing room will be improved and the facilities for the away fans will also be refurbished.

A complete WAS program is being installed, while broadcasts are being expanded from a “five- or six-camera feed” to a “46- or 47-camera feed”.

The stadium steps have been painted white, the entrances black and the floodlights will be modernised between now and September.

The seats have been rearranged, a safe standing area has been created and glass protection has been installed in the front row.

Advertising boards at both ends of the stadium are being digitised and work is underway to develop a new fan zone and bar.

From now on, draft beer is also available at the Cobbold Stand.

The main reception and press room have also been thoroughly renovated and the Directors Box is also currently being improved.

The steps on the grandstand are painted white

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The steps on the grandstand are painted whiteSource: YouTube / Ipswich Town FC
Walls at the entrances to the site are painted black

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Walls at the entrances to the site are painted blackSource: YouTube / Ipswich Town FC
Huge construction work is taking place days into the season

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Huge construction work is taking place days into the seasonSource: YouTube / Ipswich Town FC
General Manager Mark Ashton gave Ipswich fans a glimpse into the improvements

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General Manager Mark Ashton gave Ipswich fans a glimpse into the improvementsSource: YouTube / Ipswich Town FC
The spotlights are also being upgraded

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The spotlights are also being upgradedSource: YouTube / Ipswich Town FC