Leeds United installs safe standing areas at Elland Road stadium
Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 22:51 · Archive
Leeds United is installing safe standing rail seating in the South Stand at Elland Road ahead of their next home matches.
Leeds United has begun installing safe standing rail seating in all sections of the South Stand at Elland Road. The upper tier areas are set to be completed in time for the home fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on 7 November. However, not all lower tier sections will be ready by that date. Sections FA1 and FA6 in the lower tier will be finished for Tottenham's visit, with remaining lower tier seats installed ahead of the next home game against Coventry City on 28 November.
The club has clarified the purpose and safety of the new facilities. A Leeds United spokesperson said: 'Supporters are assured that rails will not impact line of vision, nor will it in any way restrict access to seats.' The club emphasised that the option of standing is intended for 'key moments', such as goals, with supporters expected to remain seated as the default.
Safe standing areas use rail seating, which assigns each spectator a designated seat while allowing them to stand. This differs from traditional standing terraces, which were banned in England's top two tiers in 1994 following the Taylor Report's recommendations after the 1989 Hillsborough disaster. Elland Road already has rail seating areas in the upper tier of the North Stand, and some sections of the away stand also feature safe standing.
The installation follows a successful trial of safe standing by five clubs—Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Manchester City and Cardiff City—during the second half of the 2021/22 season. Following positive feedback from the trial, rail standing became available to clubs in the top two divisions again through application. The work at Elland Road is separate from ongoing expansion of the stadium to a capacity of 53,000.
How it is being reported
- Leeds United confirm more rail seating work at Elland RoadLEEDS United have confirmed that work has started on the installation of rail seating in the South Stand at Elland Road.Yorkshire Post · 28 Oct, 18:21
- New safe standing area under construction at Elland Road as Leeds United issue statementThe new rail standing areas will be housed in all sections of the South Stand from next monthLeedsLive · 28 Oct, 16:00
- Leeds United statement as major Elland Road development work underway with Tottenham Hotspur deadlineLeeds United have confirmed work inside Elland Road will take place in the build-up to their next two Premier League home matches.Yorkshire Evening Post · 28 Oct, 15:59
In this story: Leeds United · Elland Road · Tottenham Hotspur · Coventry City
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