7 changes Ipswich Town fans can spot at Portman Road

Sir Alf Ramsey Stand changes

New signage at the back of the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand (Image: Mark Gipson)

The back of the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand was something that chief executive Mark Ashton wanted updating, with it being the first thing home and away fans see when they exit the railway station.

The signage at the top of the stand did not light up at night and the signage had not been updated for a number of years.

That has been replaced with two logos at either end of the stand and 'Ipswich Town Football Club' in big letters in the centre. This will also be illuminated at night so that it can be seen from the station.

The University of Suffolk is also advertised on the back of the stand, with pictures of the university's Waterfront building and logo advertised.

Changes at Portman Road have been done over the summer (Image: Mark Gipson)

Memorable moments from last season displayed

Town fans who visit Portman Road will be able to see the updated pictures and words that don the wall at the back of the training pitch, pointing out onto Constantine Road.

The Women's game at Portman Road is displayed on the wall at the back of the training pitch (Image: Tom Cann)

These are memorable moments from last season's Championship campaign, including Jeremy Sarmiento's last-minute winner against Southampton, Conor Chaplin's goal against Sunderland and the Women's team's historic game at Portman Road.

These moments are also along the back of the Sir Bobby Robson Stand, replacing previous artwork, and on lampposts in Ipswich on the walk from the station to the stadium.

The bus parade is also displayed (Image: Tom Cann)

Ed Sheeran pictures

The Suffolk superstar, who is about to enter his fourth season sponsoring team's kits, features more prominently around the outside of Portman Road.

Ed Sheeran features on the wall (Image: Tom Cann)

The singer from Framlingham, who recently became a minority owner in the club after purchasing a 1.4% stake in the club, also features on the wall at the back of the training pitch, sporting the new home kit while performing.

The 33-year-old has helped design the club's new Suffolk pink third kit, which will also be visible in and around the ground on matchdays.

Ed Sheeran features on the wall (Image: Tom Cann)

Safe standing

This only concerns a few in this section, but safe standing has been installed at Portman Road.

The safe standing has been placed in Block A of the Cobbold Stand, where Blue Action are placed, and in the newly expanded away section for away supporters.

Fans have wanted safe standing installed at Portman Road for a number of years, with Ashton saying he wants to bring the club into the "modern era".

Digital hoardings

Speaking of bringing Portman Road into the modern era, new digital hoardings have also been installed at Portman Road, placed at the front of the upper tiers of the Sir Bobby Robson and the Sir Alf Ramsey stands.

The club introduced electronic advertisement hoardings around the pitch at ground level a couple of seasons ago to make the stadium look more modern.

New media and press box

To accommodate the vast number of media outlets that will flock to Portman Road this season, nationally and internationally, the press box has had a revamp and has been moved to the front of the West Stand upper.

Fans will be able to see this change, with more seats removed to make way for the enlarged press box, and the front of the area overhanging the directors box.

A new TV studio is being installed also, above the tunnel in the corner of the ground, but this will not be in place for the Liverpool game.

Draught beer

For the first time, the club have installed draught beer pumps at the stadium, with alcohol being on offer by draught for people.

Ashton said it was done because the club want "to improve and enhance the fan experience."