EPL Arsenal fans at the Emirates GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images. Safe standing is finally coming to the Emirates Stadium! After years of passionate campaigning by supporters’ groups and thorough consultation with the club, licensed standing areas will be introduced at Arsenal’s iconic home ground starting next season.
“Arsenal fans have long desired this, making it fantastic news that safe standing is set to be implemented at the Emirates Stadium,” stated a representative from the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust. “We’ve campaigned for over a decade to achieve this outcome and believe it will significantly enhance the matchday experience, the electrifying atmosphere, and ultimately, the unwavering support for the team.”
Understanding the Implementation of Safe Standing
The Athletic delves into the key questions surrounding how and when Arsenal will implement safe standing, as well as the potential impact on the overall matchday experience at the Emirates Stadium.
The push for ‘safe standing’ stems from the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989. Lord Justice Taylor’s inquiry report recommended that all grounds in the top two tiers of English football (now the Premier League and EFL Championship) transition to all-seater stadiums by August 1994. This effectively ended the tradition of fans standing on terraces – at least at the highest level of the English game.
In July 2022, Premier League and Championship teams received permission to install licensed standing areas from the following season. Strict criteria apply, ensuring fan safety and maintaining viewing standards. These include the ability for fans to both sit and stand, preventing seats from being locked in position, maintaining one seat/space per person, and ensuring no obstruction of views for other fans, including those with disabilities.
Phased Rollout at the Emirates
Initially, Arsenal will introduce 6,850 standing berths in the lower tier of the Clock End. The club is strategically starting in the south end of the stadium because offering standing to home fans necessitates offering it to away supporters as well. Tickets for these areas will be clearly designated as standing areas.
The following season will see safe standing implemented in the North Bank, a section already known for its passionate, often standing, season ticket holders. Arsenal anticipates a smooth transition and will offer season ticket holders the option to relocate if they prefer seated accommodations.
By the 2027-28 season, approximately 13,500 supporters (including away fans) will have access to licensed standing areas.
Capacity and Future Expansion
Importantly, the implementation of safe standing will not increase the Emirates Stadium’s current capacity of 60,704. This is a positive outcome for the club, as initial concerns suggested a potential capacity reduction. Early explorations revealed potential issues with segregating standing and seated areas, which could have led to fewer berths.
The club continues to explore potential expansion options, but there are no immediate developments planned.
Joining the Trend: Arsenal Lags No More
Arsenal is the last of the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ clubs to embrace safe standing. Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur already have designated standing areas – Spurs accommodate 7,000 home fans and 3,000 travelling supporters. Other clubs with safe standing provisions include Aston Villa, Brentford, Bournemouth, Burnley, Everton, Leeds, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Sunderland, and Wolves. Fulham, Crystal Palace, Brighton, and West Ham remain the only Premier League clubs yet to implement licensed standing.
A Boost for the Atmosphere
Mikel Arteta has consistently emphasized the importance of a vibrant atmosphere at the Emirates. The introduction of safe standing is expected to further energize the North Bank and Clock End, areas already known for their passionate support, particularly the Ashburton Army. The club’s increased use of pre-match light shows, tifos (often developed in collaboration with supporters), and encouragement for early arrival demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the matchday experience.
While many fans already stand in the lower tiers, officially designating these areas as “safe standing” provides a dedicated space for those seeking a more traditional terrace feel. This should lead to a more concentrated and vociferous atmosphere.
A Return to Tradition
For fans who grew up on terraces, this is a long-awaited victory. The early 1990s saw a radical shift in fan culture with the introduction of all-seater stadiums following the Hillsborough disaster. This coincided with a broader trend towards gentrification in football, prioritizing comfort, safety, and revenue generation. The rise of bowl-shaped stadiums further diluted the traditional character of grounds, losing the unique identity of specific ends.
Safe standing areas, as defined spaces within the bowl, offer a modern take on the lively atmospheres of old, harking back to the traditional concept of ends and providing a focal point for passionate support.
