Manchester United has found a unique way to make use of Old Trafford's pitch renovation. After replacing the stadium's playing surface during the summer, the club decided to sell pieces of the old grass as collectible items for its members.
Manchester United Sells Pieces of Old Trafford Pitch
Manchester United has turned Old Trafford's former pitch into collectible pieces that fans can purchase for £125.
Each piece will cost £125, approximately €145, giving supporters the opportunity to own a small part of one of the most iconic stadiums in English soccer.
The initiative also represents another source of revenue for Manchester United, which continues to explore different commercial opportunities connected to its history and relationship with supporters.
A Piece of Old Trafford as a Collectible
The pieces of the old pitch will not simply be handed over as patches of grass. Each one will be embedded in transparent glass and presented in a box alongside a photograph of Old Trafford.
Manchester United itself presented the product as an option specifically aimed at supporters and collectors.
"It is a perfect gift for United fans and can be displayed in a cabinet alongside other Manchester United collectibles," the club explained on its website.
This is not the first time the club has sold pieces of its playing surface. The last time members had the opportunity to purchase grass from the stadium was during the 2012-13 season.
The Sale Comes at an Interesting Financial Moment
The initiative comes at the same time that Manchester United announced record revenue. The club increased that figure to £677 million, approximately €787 million.
However, the club's financial situation also has another important component. Despite the increase in revenue, the organization still carries accumulated debt of more than £1 billion, approximately €1.16 billion.
Selling pieces of the pitch therefore represents another commercial initiative for a club looking to maximize the financial opportunities associated with Old Trafford and its enormous global fan base.
For some supporters, beyond its value as a collectible, the item represents an opportunity to physically own a piece of the pitch where some of the most important moments in Manchester United's history have taken place.
Key Takeaways
- Manchester United is selling pieces of Old Trafford's former pitch for £125.
- The pieces are embedded in transparent glass and come with a photograph of the stadium.
- The club had not offered Old Trafford grass to its members since the 2012-13 season.
- Manchester United reported record revenue of £677 million.
- The club still carries accumulated debt of more than £1 billion.
