Fans’ groups have applauded Everton’s continuing decision to factor in proposals for contingency plans that will entertain the idea of ‘safe standing’ areas at our new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium.
The club will be submitting proposals later in the year for our new ground and although it’s expected that it will initially be a 52,000 seater, there is talk that we will factor in the potential for ‘safe standing’ areas that will boost the overall capacity.
With the Government yet to make any real decision on a return to standing given the emotive nature of the subject, the rail-seating designs already in use at Celtic, Shrewsbury Town and in Germany’s Bundesliga in particular, have a great record and remains the option for many proponents in this debate.
The BBC quote John Blain (Chairman of the Everton FC Supporters Association – EFCSA) as saying.
“We can’t financially compete without a larger capacity. There are others who are not convinced we could consistently fill a 60,000-capacity stadium to justify the extra £70m or so in construction costs and wonder about the negative impact if seats are empty. So I believe the board is being smart by still considering the base-capacity while exploring a more flexible solution for a standing section that could, subject to legislative changes, provide an absolute maximum capacity of 62,000.”
With the ever increasing cost of the game in this country and plenty of fans feeling that they are ripped off when supporting their sides, especially in light of the inconvenience that now comes from the broadcasters, there are also cost implications that favour standing areas.