All stadia are given a rating between category one and category four by Uefa, with four being the highest.<\/p>\n
From the play-off qualifying round onwards of the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League, venues must have category four status.<\/p>\n
Requirements for a category four stadium range from facilities for referees and media companies to the size of the stadium. All category four grounds must have a spectator capacity of at least 8,000, which the Vitality Stadium does meet.<\/p>\n
Norwegian side Bodo\/Glimt, who reached the quarter-finals of this season’s Champions League, have category four stadium status despite a capacity only fractionally over Uefa’s 8,000 minimum requirement.<\/p>\n
The list of requirements to pass category four status is extensive, but include all of the following stipulations:<\/p>\n
A pitch of dimensions of 105mx68m that includes automated under-soil pitch irrigation system and pitch heating and\/or pitch cover<\/p>\n
Benches for both teams that consist of 20 seats and are at least 4m from the touchline and with an unobstructed view of the entire field of play<\/p>\n
Minimum of 8,000 seats for spectators, with at least 5% being made available to away fans<\/p>\n
Stadia must be able to provide for 80% of spectators being male and have one seated toilet and sink per 250 male spectators and one unrinal per 125 male spectators<\/p>\n
Stadia must be able to provide for 25% of spectators being female and have one seated toilet and sink per 120 female spectators in the home sector, as well as one seated toilet and sink per 80 female spectators in the visiting sector<\/p>\n
All public entrances must be equipped with turnstiles and an electronic ticket system designed to prevent counterfeit tickets with one turnstile for every 660 spectators<\/p>\n
At least 100 VIP seats<\/p>\n
At least 150 parking spaces for VIPs, other guests and staff<\/p>\n
At least 60 seats for working media inside the stadium<\/p>\n
At least two broadcast studio rooms<\/p>\n
It is not unusual for clubs to have to make adaptations before a season in which they require upgraded stadium facilities when qualifying for a new competition.<\/p>\n
Before their first Premier League season, Luton Town were forced to spend around \u00a310m<\/a> to get their Kenilworth Road stadium in line with Premier League regulations.<\/p>\n