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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Marc Mayo

Luton postpone first home game of Premier League season due to ongoing stadium works

Luton’s opening Premier League home game of the new season has been postponed.

Burnley were due to visit Kenilworth Road on August 19 but the Clarets and Premier League have agreed to Luton’s request to delay the fixture, amid the renovations taking place around their stadium.

The executive boxes that run down one side of the pitch are being replaced to adhere to league regulations with a new stand being built over the summer, along with a series of other changes both mandatory and non-mandatory to spruce up the 10,300-seater venue.

Luton maintain the works are ahead of schedule but asked for the postponement to protect supporters from unforeseen circumstances as construction continues.

West Ham’s visit on Friday, September 1 in front of the Sky Sports cameras will now be the Hatters’ first home game in the top flight for 31 years, with a potential home draw in the second round of the Carabao Cup to come beforehand.

Luton chief executive Gary Sweet said: “The joint decision to delay this fixture is regrettable, especially given the amazing progress that continues to be made on our construction works; our current programme is indeed on time.

“But there is no additional contingency and therefore can’t give a cast-iron guarantee at this stage that a problem outside of our control, however minor, wouldn’t force a postponement further down the line and inconveniencing supporters of both clubs.

“Although this news will be a disappointment, this will make the matchday experience even greater for fans when they do get to come back.

“We would like to thank the Premier League and Burnley for their help in arriving at this practical decision.”

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