Licensed standing case studies

Chelsea FC

To get internal approval for the installation of barriers, Chelsea FC’s Match Day Safety Department went through the process of engaging with the club’s Operations Team, Finance Team, and the Board.

The main challenges the ground had to face during the planning stage were encountered when dealing with the Architects, Local Authority and during the SGSA consultation period. In addition, the cost of installing the barriers was another hurdle to overcome in the process.

Chelsea FC opted to remove all the seats from the area they were installing barriers. However, this led to some issues during the installation process. The ground was running behind schedule due to the appointed installers not delivering to the agreed time frame. Due to this issue, Chelsea FC played two fixtures with reduced capacity in one of the stands affected by the delay in the delivery and installation of barriers.

On reflection, if the ground were to go through the process again, they would have planned not to remove all the seats in one go, in order to not be so reliant on the installers to deliver the barriers in the agreed time frame. Chelsea FC would advise other grounds to remove the seats and install in blocks.

Wolverhampton Wanderers FC

To get internal approval for the installation of barriers, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC produced a report which was presented to leadership outlining the management challenges of persistent standing, the options available to mitigate the risks, the potential exposure to enforcement action, along with possible consequences such as reduced capacity.

During the approval stage, various barrier options were installed in an unused section of the stadium, including 12 seats incorporating barriers of differing designs, and 8 with independent barriers. Representatives of supporter groups and the local authority visited the stadium to test the options and feedback on the most appropriate version for larger installation.

The planning stage saw the Safety Team appoint Architects to lead on the initial feasibility study. The team found this study useful as it led to identifying that one additional seat per row could be added to one area of the ground. To ensure an increased capacity could be accommodated, the Architect assessed the sightlines, entry/exit capacities, exit network and facilities.

During the installation process the ground encountered issues with the time frame for completion, initially indicated for the start of 2019/20 season. Due to barriers being a new concept and product, the team took the potential risks and delays in manufacturing into account by choosing to remove one block of seats at a time upon confirmation that all materials were available. As such, the project came to completion in September 2019.

When planning for the installation of barriers, Wolverhampton Wanderers advise other grounds to consult supporters on the type of seat/barrier, to appoint an experienced Architect to analyse the area intended for installation, and to work with a competent contractor to create a realistic programme that factors in potential delays due to the provision of material and labour.

Queens Park Rangers FC

Queens Park Rangers FC has supported the introduction of safe standing for several years and started discussions around installation a decade ago.

To achieve internal approval the club owners were involved in various discussions with supporter groups about the installation of barriers. This became a formal process in 2020, when Queens Park Rangers FC launched their first supporter consultation about the introduction of safe standing. In October 2021 the ground had over 3000 respondents with over 88% agreeing that rail seating was preferred, and 74% of fans voted for one particular area of the stadium to receive rail seating.

The supporter consultations carried out by the club, led to a smooth planning process, particularly the decision to plan where the barriers would be installed. However, to ensure that all supporters in those areas were happy with the plans, the club invited season ticket holders in the affected area to join a Zoom call with the CEO/Head of Operations.

The main challenge was experienced during the planning stage for the physical installation of the barriers. This was due to new seats incorporating barriers being installed, rather than using the existing seats and installing independent barriers.

Despite undertaking pull out testing and load testing, the logistics and delivery of the seats incorporating barriers was the biggest challenge during the installation process. This was due to the seats being manufactured in Turkey and having several delays. Although the club had initial concerns, the seats were installed with no issues.

For other grounds planning to source seats incorporating barriers/ independent barriers from outside of the UK, Queens Park Rangers FC recommend ensuring there is plenty of time left between original delivery date and the installation of barriers. In addition, consultation with supporter groups is key. Queens Park Rangers FC experienced an overwhelming positive response to the installation of barriers due to their efforts in consulting with supporters.