Sports Minister, Nigel Huddleston, has today announced that a total of five clubs from the top two tiers of football in England and Wales will take part in the trial which begins on 1st January 2022 and concludes at the end of the current football season.
The introduction of licensed standing areas follows research conducted during the 2019/20 season, prior to the onset of the pandemic, which found that seats with barriers or independent barriers helped to reduce the safety risks related to standing in seated areas.
Throughout the trial period, Manchester City fans who hold Season Tickets in the Club’s rail seating installation in the South Stand of the Etihad Stadium will have the opportunity to stand for the duration of the match, should they wish to do so.
As part of the trial, research will be carried out at the Etihad Stadium and the grounds of the other early adopter clubs, to evaluate the implementation of licensed standing. This research will then be provided to the Government to inform its decisions about the potential wider roll-out of licensed standing from the start of next season.
Commenting on the approval of Manchester City’s application, Danny Wilson, Managing Director – Manchester City Operations, said:
“We are delighted that Manchester City’s application to become an early adopter of licensed standing has been approved. Our fans have consistently voiced their support for the introduction of safe standing, and we are pleased that we will be able to fully utilise our rail seating installation from January through to the end of the season. As always, safety is our main priority, and we look forward to working closely with the Sports Grounds Safety Authority over the course of the trial to demonstrate the long-term viability of safe standing at the Etihad Stadium.”
Martyn Henderson, Chief Executive of the Sports Grounds Safety Authority, said:
“The introduction of licensed standing areas in all-seater grounds is an historic change. I am pleased that Manchester City FC will be one of the pioneers of this. Today’s announcement will enable us to properly test and evaluate licensed standing areas and advise the Government in its next steps.”
Sports Minister, Nigel Huddleston, said:
“I’m pleased to approve these five clubs as early adopters of licensed safe standing areas for the second half of the season. The time is now right to properly trial safe standing in the Premier League and EFL Championship ahead of a decision on a widespread roll-out. Safety is absolutely paramount and the SGSA is working hand-in-glove with the clubs on this. Fans deserve different options on how they can enjoy a live match and I will be watching the progress of these trials with interest.”
