This weekend I will be traveling to London to see a soccer match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. Unlike stadiums in the rest of the world, standing terraces are prohibited in the upper divisions of England. The prohibition of standing terraces came about because of the violent hooliganism of the 80s and the Hillsborough Disaster of 1989 where 96 Liverpool supporters died when the fans were directed into an overcrowded section of the stand, and the safety fencing prevented them from escaping the crush.
The aftermath of the Hillsborough Disaster
These all-seater stadiums have had a major affect on the atmosphere of the games. Compared to other leagues around the world, the games in English stadiums are quieter and less vibrant. This has an impact on fan culture as well. When Borussia Dortmund, of the German League, visited Manchester City in 2012, the loudest section of the stadium was the traveling supporters section (See video below).
Borussia Dortmund’s Westfallenstadion is famous for its’ intimidating atmosphere, generated by the largest standing only terrace in Europe. 25,000 fans fit into this terrace known as the “Yellow Wall”. This terrace has created a large, dedicated group of supporters, and their passion can be felt on the field by the players and by viewers on TV.
Recently, fans in England have begun to demand a change to the law prohibiting standing areas, and some clubs are joining the campaign. Safe standing zones are being proposed, where a new seating design known as rail seats, will allow an increased capacity of standing spectators in designated areas of the stadiums. The rail seats are a combination of a sturdy waist high metal railing, and a collapsible seat that can be locked in a vertical position to create a safe standing zone. When one row of seats is locked into a vertical position, the area for two rows of standing spectators is created.
“Rail Seats” in Hannover
The Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal play their home games, is famous for its’ lack of atmosphere. The stadium was designed as an all-seater, with the terraces divided into multiple levels. Although the stadium is always full of fans, it is too divided to create a vibrant atmosphere. New stadium proposals in England are trying to achieve the atmosphere of Borussia Dortmund’s Westfallenstadion. Chelsea has revealed plans to redevelop the Battersea Power Station into their new stadium. One feature is a standing only terrace similar to the “Yellow Wall” of Dortmund. Hopefully with safe standing areas, and the reduction of hooliganism, standing terraces will come back to English soccer and the atmosphere will return.
Chelsea’s proposed stadium with new “standing terrace”
Arsenal’s divided terraces
