What AI thinks West Brom's stadium The Hawthorns will look like in the year 2050 | OneFootball

AI looks at what the Hawthorns may look like in 2050.

West Bromwich Albion have called The Hawthorns home since 1900, when they relocated from their former ground, Stoney Lane.

Named after the hawthorn bushes that were cleared to make way for its construction, The Hawthorns has played host to many memorable Baggies sides over the years. Among them, the English champions of 1919–20, the FA Cup winners and First Division runners-up of 1953–54, and, for the younger fans, the promotion-chasing teams of the 2000s and 2010s in the Championship.

Since its emergence, it has undergone three major renovations. First, between 1979 and 1982, the West Stand was constructed to provide seating and, since then, we have the production of the Birmingham Road End, the Smethwick End (1994) and the East Stand (2001) as a result of the Taylor Report.

It now holds 26,688 - a far cry from the ground’s record attendance of 64,815, set during an FA Cup sixth-round tie in 1937.

Nevertheless, it remains a historic ground - but how might it evolve in the years to come? Here at FLW, we’ve turned to AI to predict what The Hawthorns could look like in the year 2050.

AI predicts the new-look Hawthorns in 2050

Asking ChatGPT to reimagine what The Hawthorns might look like in 2050, one of the first predictions was a boost in capacity - with expectations that the ground could accommodate 30,000 supporters within the next 25 years.

To achieve this, AI suggested a complete redevelopment of the East and West Stands, incorporating more spacious seating and the increasingly popular concept of safe standing.

When it comes to additional features, sustainability takes centre stage. Their vision places West Brom at the forefront of environmental responsibility, with the ground becoming carbon-neutral, powered by solar energy, rainwater recycling, and zero-waste systems.

AI also predicts the introduction of smart ticketing systems, potentially supported by facial recognition for entry. Supporters could also benefit from augmented reality (AR) overlays providing live stats, player insights, and real-time tactical analysis.

Naturally, the fan zones would remain a core part of the experience - but reimagined for the digital age. Expect VR simulators, gaming zones, and interactive history walls, offering a youthful pre-match build-up.

Finally, looking at food, AI-driven food services would allow fans to receive personalised meal suggestions and even have their orders delivered directly to their seat.

AI's West Brom vision seems far from reality

While the digital age is undoubtedly tightening its grip on the world, it seems unlikely that many of AI's suggestions would ever truly take hold.

Relying on computers for every aspect of the matchday experience wouldn’t just put jobs at risk - it would also be a costly venture for a club like Albion to take on.

What’s more, the introduction of augmented reality could end up detracting from the game itself, making it harder for fans to stay focused on the action on the pitch.

Naturally, the idea of a more modern and updated stadium is an appealing one, but flooding it with high-tech features could end up spoiling the overall experience.

For many, football is a form of escapism. And while aspects like ticketing, catering, and facilities may have evolved, the essence remains unchanged - you’re still coming to do what supporters did on the opening day back in 1900 at the Hawthorns: watch 90 minutes of football.