Manchester City To Install Safe Standing?
By David Crook
Manchester City fans have long called for the introduction of safe standing areas at the Etihad Stadium and in recent days that development has moved several steps nearer.
Fans were formally consulted regarding the introduction of safe standing during an online survey by Manchester City back in November 2018, when it was believed the majority expressed positive views. Yet since then progress has been limited due to the complex legal and administrative guidance which prevails since a series of disasters struck British football in the 1980’s.
Safe standing is a system of rail seating where built in seats can be folded down. The system is designed so as supporters can stand and spectate using the rail as a barrier to prevent congestion. These rail seating systems allow more supporters to be squeezed into areas, increasing supporter capacity whilst maintaining safety.
Football fans have long viewed existing seating styles as inconvenient and dangerous. Inconvenient because many fans prefer to stand and watch football believing it promotes better atmosphere and therefore enjoyment. Dangerous because the rigid seats currently allow little standing room and because they are low, it is relatively easy for any standing supporters to fall over the seats.
More from Man City Square
- Rodri believes City can have even more success this season
- Grealish, Stones, and Kovacic will NOT play tomorrow
- My Manchester City UCL Group Stage predictions
- After Injury Guardiola is back in Etihad
- Phil Foden Scores Opener for England Against Scotland
Safe standing was introduced in July 2016 in Scottish football and is prevalent across Europe -particularly in large “kop” style stands such as at Borussia Dortmund. Indeed, when the new Tottenham Hotspur ground was built, rail seating was incorporated into the design, but is not currently in use.
So whilst fans have long called for the introduction of safe standing the legislation to allow the operation in England has proven problematic.
However last Friday the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) published an interim report and study into the safety of standing at football stadia after it was commissioned to undertake research by the Sports Minister.
The SGSA Report has stated safe standing has “a positive effect on spectator safety” and dismisses the majority of the concerns which had been raised. The SGSA are due to publish the full report at the end of the season but the Government have accepted the initial findings and are asking all parties to work together towards the next steps.
Manchester City have plans to develop the North Stand but changes to safe standing criteria could see some lower cost redevelopment of the Etihad Stadium first. The installation of safe standing into the Lower Tier of the South Stand could increase capacity by 2000 to 3000 pretty quickly, taking the overall capacity of the Etihad up to 60000.
Today Manchester United responded to the SGSA Report by making application to their local council for permission to install safe standing and there is a strong likelihood that Manchester City will also make application to the council to make changes.
That would mean City could have the infrastructure in place to operate safe standing by next season, although decisions would need to be made by season ticket renewal date in May 2020 for new rail seating to be sold to spectators for 2020/21 season.
dark. Next. City Chase New Centre Backs
It will be worth watching the developments over the next few weeks as the prospect of officially standing to watch the football at Manchester City moves a step closer. Of course, the next battle will be about ticket prices but that may have to wait. Right now, fans should start thinking the potential changes and how this may change the viewing experience of match day fans.