The Emirates Stadium will soon feature safe standing areas.
Following years of advocacy from fan organizations and thorough discussions with the club, authorized standing zones are set to be implemented at Arsenal’s home venue starting next season.
“This has been a long-held desire for Arsenal fans, making the news of safe standing’s introduction at the Emirates Stadium truly excellent,” a statement from the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust declared. “We have championed this cause for over a decade and anticipate it will significantly improve supporters’ match day enjoyment, bolster the stadium atmosphere, and ultimately strengthen backing for the squad.”
Here, The Athletic explores crucial inquiries regarding Arsenal’s plans for safe standing, including its implementation timeline and potential effects on the matchday ambiance at the Emirates Stadium.
Understanding Safe Standing
Following the Hillsborough tragedy in 1989, Lord Justice Taylor’s investigation advised that by August 1994, all venues within the former First and Second Divisions of the Football League (presently the Premier League and EFL Championship) ought to become all-seater stadiums. This ruling effectively ceased standing on terraces for supporters, at least within England’s top-tier football.
Since then, various fan organizations have advocated for the implementation of ‘safe standing’. In July 2022, clubs in the Premier League and Championship received authorization to set up licensed standing sections commencing the subsequent season.
Rigorous conditions govern safe standing zones, including the requirement that attendees can either sit or stand within these designated areas; seats cannot be fixed in an upright or folded position. Each individual must have a dedicated seat or space, and these licensed standing sections are not permitted to compromise the visibility or experience of other spectators, notably those with disabilities.
James McNicholas
Arsenal’s Proposed Safe Standing Implementation: Details and Locations
Initially, Arsenal plans to establish 6,850 standing positions within the lower section of the Clock End.
Arsenal’s decision to commence at the stadium’s southern end stems from the obligation to provide standing facilities to visiting fans if they are made available to home supporters.
Most tickets for the Clock End are distributed per match, and purchasers will be informed that their ticket is for a designated standing zone.
The Clock End at the Emirates (Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
During the subsequent season, Arsenal plans to introduce safe standing in the North Bank section, a common location for many season-ticket holders.
Given that numerous fans in these areas already stand informally, Arsenal anticipates minimal complications during implementation. However, the club intends to provide season ticket holders the option to relocate from the standing section if preferred.
Approximately 13,500 fans, including visiting supporters, are projected to occupy licensed standing zones by the 2027-28 season.
James McNicholas
Implications for Future Emirates Stadium Expansion
Introducing safe standing will not lead to an increase in the Emirates Stadium’s existing capacity of 60,704.
Arsenal views this as a favorable result; previously, there were concerns that safe standing implementation could potentially diminish the stadium’s capacity.
During Arsenal’s initial examination of the concept, worries arose that separating standing and seating sections could necessitate removing seats, thus decreasing standing positions. This is now no longer a concern.
As for possible expansion, the club is still evaluating its alternatives, though no immediate progress is anticipated.
James McNicholas
Premier League Clubs with Safe Standing Areas
Arsenal stands as the final club among the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ to adopt safe standing. Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and local rivals Tottenham have already installed these zones; for instance, Spurs can accommodate 7,000 home supporters standing, in addition to 3,000 visiting fans.
Furthermore, Aston Villa, Brentford, Bournemouth, Burnley, Everton, Leeds, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Sunderland, and Wolves also offer safe standing provisions.
Consequently, Fulham, Crystal Palace, Brighton, and West Ham are the sole clubs yet to introduce licensed standing facilities.
James McNicholas
Potential Impact on Stadium Atmosphere
Since his return as manager, Mikel Arteta has consistently emphasized the importance of a vibrant atmosphere. He will likely welcome the opportunity to further invigorate the areas behind both goals, particularly the North Bank and, initially, the Clock End, where the Ashburton Army has recently established itself to generate noise. The club’s recent efforts, such as more pre-match light shows, tifos (which the club finds most effective when developed with fan input), and urging early arrival and participation, indicate this objective has been a long-standing priority.
While many fans in the lower sections behind the goals already stand habitually, making it difficult to precisely forecast the immediate impact, the official designation and re-branding as “safe standing” offers an avenue for those desiring a traditional terrace atmosphere to opt for these sections. Should a greater number of similarly inclined supporters converge in these zones, a louder and more passionate environment is anticipated.
Amy Lawrence
Clubs’ Aspirations for Safe Standing
Supporters who experienced football from standing terraces have advocated for this for an extended period. The most profound shift in fan culture occurred in the early 1990s, following the Hillsborough disaster, which mandated the conversion of standing terraces into all-seater stadiums. Concurrently, football consciously pursued a more refined image after grappling with hooliganism, and new revenue streams fostered an environment where comfort, security, visitor appeal, and commercial profitability gained precedence.
Subsequently, modern stadiums emerged, often featuring a bowl-shaped design. Historically, venues were rectangular, mirroring the pitch, with the goal ends being distinct, tribal zones. This explains why many ends possessed unique names, character, and identity. The concept of supporters vociferously urging the ball into a particular goal was deeply ingrained. However, these distinctive ends were absorbed into uniform bowls, diminishing their individual spirit.
Since safe standing will create a distinct zone within the stadium bowl, visually and functionally differentiated from the side sections, it revives the classic idea of dedicated ends. Clubs likely believe this offers a chance to recreate the vibrant, traditional goal-end atmospheres of the past in a contemporary setting.