Newcastle United Announce Safe-Standing Plans
Newcastle United are set to install rail seating provision in the visitors’ section of St. James’ Park this summer following guidance from the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA).
In addition, and outlining its long-term commitment to safe standing and to avoid major disruption to the club’s season ticket holders, they will look to introduce a similar provision in a home area of St. James’ Park as early as 2023, subject to a consultation process.
The plan follows the announcement that Premier League and Championship clubs wishing to introduce licensed ‘safe standing’ areas at football stadiums will be allowed to do so from the start of the forthcoming 2022/23 season.
While supporters will not be permitted to stand at St. James’ Park yet, the SGSA has advised that the front section of the away end at St. James’ Park – located in the upper section of the Leazes End – would benefit from having the added infrastructure in place as a priority.
Dave Gregory, head of safety and security at Newcastle United, said: “I’d like to emphasise that supporters will still not be permitted to stand at this time, but the addition of rail seating will add an enhanced safety provision in an elevated part of the stadium.
“We are committed to making St. James’ Park as safe as possible for everyone, and we look forward to working with our supporters to identify an area for fans who may wish to stand in future.”
Once licensed standing is given the green light at St. James’ Park, fans would be allowed to stand for matches in allocated spaces behind a barrier or a rail in areas of persistent standing. Each supporter would have to occupy the same area they would take if they were sitting, with a traceable, numbered ticket.
Seats would not be locked in the up or down position, so fans could sit if they wished to, and the standing areas should not affect the views of other fans. Other parts of the grounds would remain all- seated and fans would be expected to sit in these areas.
The necessary legislative amendments to the Football Spectators Act were formally tabled in Parliament on 4th July 2022.
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