Safe standing, premium seating and more at Elland Road
The stadium
Constructed in 1897, Elland Road is the home of Leeds United FC who compete in the top tiers of English football. The ground comprises of four main stands, with a combined a capacity of 37,890. As a result of its age, the club acknowledges that there is an on-going requirement for stadium maintenance and improvement.
Background
Since the infamous Hillsborough disaster, standing in the top two English football divisions has been prohibited. Consequently, as a result of the Football Spectators Act 1989, following recommendations made in the Taylor Report. However, despite these laws, the Sports Grounds Safety Authority identified that many clubs had problems with persistent standing throughout matches.
Changing attitudes
In a recent general election manifesto, the government promised to work to develop plans to lift the ban and introduce safe standing areas.
As a result, the Premier League wrote to the clubs asking if they would be interested in participating in a safe-standing trial. If clubs were interested, they had to meet certain criteria before their applications for safe standing areas were approved.
Successful applicants would be granted updated licences that would only allow standing in specially designated areas. Thus, major legislative amendments would not be required.
Leeds United’s application was approved to be part of the safe-standing trial. Consequently, in anticipation for legislative change, The Whites approached Stadia by GL events to install 200 GL-R rail seats in a safe-standing area.
Mitigating risk
In this project, Stadia by GL events strategically met the requirements of the club. Thus, ensuring that the installation had a positive impact on fan experience. However, it was also imperative that strict safety standards and criteria were adhered to, so as to exceed tests by all authorities responsible for stadium safety.
As a result, the 200 GL-R rail seats were installed in the designated standing area of the stadium, sited at the back of the Don Revie Stand. These seats were installed in such a way that means that fans who prefer to stand occupy the same space as those who prefer to sit. Thus, the risk of overcrowding is mitigated. The GL-R is also in compliance with Green Guide specifications.
Further improvements
Furthermore, in the John Charles Stand, Leeds United FC requested Stadia by GL events to install 48 premium GL-CLUB seats in the VIP area. The padded and counterbalanced seats we installed offer a high level of comfort and durability. In addition, GL-H coloured plastics were also supplied in blue, white, and black. Furthermore, our talented team were able to reproduce the club’s kit manufacturer’s logo, Adidas, within the stand.
Time to upgrade?
We can assist with your stadium construction and spectator seating requirements
”The introduction of safe standing will have a positive impact on the safety of supporters. We look forward to working with Stadia by GL events again in the future, as we continue to make further ground improvements.
Mark BroadleyHead of IT & Facilities - Leeds United FC