Scotland’s two professional footballing bodies have both thrown their weight behind the stadium plans.
The chief executives of both the Scottish Football Association (SFA) and Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) have announced they are backing the proposals.
Stewart Regan, of the SFA, has warned that the Dons’ growth as a club could soon stagnate without new facilities.
He said: “With the introduction of the UEFA Nations League replacing international friendlies, last year’s match against Holland could be the last time Pittodrie, and therefore Aberdeen, will host a competitive Scotland international, due to its well-documented constraints.
“We are keen to see clubs across the country invest and develop their own facilities and, in Aberdeen’s case, the new stadium will ensure that they can continue to be able to host top European fixtures locally in front of their own fans.”
The SPFL’s Neil Doncaster added: “It’s difficult to overstate the positive impact this development will have on the region’s sporting performance.
“The proposed development would really complement the existing sporting facilities in Aberdeen and further strengthen the city’s position as a Scottish sporting powerhouse.”
The No Kingsford Stadium protest group last night insisted that the club’s application remained vulnerable to legal challenge.
The group said: “The legal matters relating to this application are complex, and we have been advised that elements of it are susceptible to challenge should the council approve it.”