Luton Town will have to wait to make their much-anticipated home debut in the Premier League at Kenilworth Road after this weekend’s scheduled match with Burnley was postponed.
The Hatters began life in the top division with a 4-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion while last weekend, while fellow newly-promoted side Burnley were also looking to bounce back from their own opening weekend defeat to defending champions Manchester City.
But the match-up will have to wait after the club confirmed last month the game would be pushed back due to ‘extensive ground improvements’ not being ready in time.
Kenilworth Road isn't up to standard yet – so Luton Town vs Burnley has been postponed
Kenilworth Road was deemed sufficient for Premier League standards, but work is undergoing on a new stand to meet the broadcast and media requirements that comes with the extra interest of top-flight football in England.
A new date for the fixture has yet to be confirmed, meaning Rob Edwards’ side are currently set to welcome Premier League football to Luton when West Ham United visit under the lights on Friday 1st September.
Speaking at the time, Luton Town 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.'"
Luton’s, who earned promotion in a tense penalty shootout against Coventry City, will return to action with a trip to Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea next Friday night, while Burnley will host Aston Villa at Turf Moor on the following Sunday.
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