Chelsea Women consider new Stadium as Attendances Grow

Chelsea Women may soon take a step toward a new long-term stadium solution as the club continues to outgrow its current home at Kingsmeadow.

Head coach Sonia Bompastor said the club is “probably close” to announcing an alternative option, with discussions ongoing behind the scenes. Kingsmeadow, based in Kingston, has a capacity of just 4,850, and matches there are regularly sold out.

Chelsea Women occasionally play at Stamford Bridge, but most home games remain at Kingsmeadow. Despite Chelsea’s sustained success on the pitch in recent seasons, average attendances remain significantly lower than those of rival like Arsenal Women.

Arsenal now play all their home matches at the Emirates Stadium, which holds more than 60,000 fans. They are averaging over 36,000 supporters per game this season and drew nearly 57,000 for a recent north London derby. By comparison, Chelsea’s average attendance stands at 6,397.

Asked how Chelsea can begin to close that gap ahead of their Women’s Super League meeting with Arsenal, Bompastor pointed to the need for long-term planning.

“Congratulations to Arsenal because they are doing an amazing job with their fanbase,” she said. “That’s probably where every club wants to be.”

She confirmed that talks are ongoing between herself, club ownership and chief executive Aki Mandhar.

“A lot of conversations are happening in the background,” Bompastor said. “We want to move in that direction. We expect 30,000 tomorrow and are excited to play in that atmosphere.”

Bompastor said having alternative options is increasingly important, particularly with scheduling pressures.

“When you have men’s and women’s teams playing many games, plus Champions League matches, clashes can happen,” she said. “It’s important for clubs like Chelsea to have a back-up plan.”

For now, Kingsmeadow remains Chelsea Women’s primary home, but the club’s growing crowds and ambitions suggest change may be coming soon.