[LU] from YEP

[John Boocock]

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/leedsunited/United-to-make-stand-move.3991568.jp

United to make stand move

Leeds United will open the upper tier of Elland Road's East Stand for a 
league fixture for the first time in almost two years when Gillingham 
travel to Yorkshire on May 3.
United have confirmed that the entire stadium will be used for their 
final home game of the season after a flood of interest saw 4,000 
tickets bought by home supporters in the space of less than 12 hours.

Tickets for the fixture were put on general sale yesterday morning and 
the speed of business prompted United to open the upper section of the 
East Stand for a match which could still have a crucial bearing on 
United's league position.

The top tier of the stand has not been used for a football match since 
May 5, 2006, when a crowd of 35,239 watched Leeds draw 1-1 with Preston 
North End in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final.

United chairman Ken Bates revealed earlier in the season that the 
closure was saving the club £90,000 in annual business rates, but the 
upper tier was opened for rugby lea
gue's World Club Challenge match between Leeds Rhinos and Melbourne 
Storm at the end of February.

It is understood that United are now required to pay business rates 
regardless of whether the upper tier is used or not as a result of a 
change in tax relief rules.

Leeds are anticipating their biggest crowd of the season on May 3, 
surpassing the attendance of 32,501 recorded during their 4-0 victory 
over Huddersfield Town on December 8 – the highest attendance seen at 
League One level since 1979.

Tickets for the Gillingham game are priced at £20 for adults, with 
tickets costing £13 for concessions and £10 for juniors.

A statement from Leeds said: "The decision has been taken following an 
overwhelming demand for tickets for our final home game of the season.
"Tickets for the game went on general sale on Wednesday morning and 
almost 4,000 were snapped up in less than 12 hours."