Safe standing installation
The stadium
Home to The Premier League’s Newcastle United, St. James’ Park has a capacity of over 52,000 and is comprised of the Leazes Stand; the Milburn Stand; the Gallowgate End; and the East Stand.
Background
Safe standing is a design measure at stadia to ensure spectators can stand safely during matches. After the Hillsborough disaster, laws were created that required major clubs to develop all-seater stadiums and standing was outlawed.
However, more recently, there have been plans to reintroduce standing in football stadia, using new regulations on the safety of sports grounds in the UK, known as the Green Guide.
Overview
Newcastle United appointed Stadia by GL events with a requirement to supply and install rail seats in a safe-standing area as part of the club’s long-term commitment to delivering safe standing areas. At the club’s request, the seats had to be manufactured and installed ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Site challenges
Throughout installation, the site presented several difficulties, which was primarily due to being high up within the visiting fan section. In addition, multiple fixation methods were required to link both the standard and rail seats together. Furthermore, when the Stadia by GL events team began installing the seats, it was during a heat wave, where searing record temperatures exceeded 40°C.
Timely installation
Completed in just six days, Stadia by GL events supplied 600 GL-R safe standing seats. This seat model provides a strong integrated guardrail to minimise risk of crowd surges, ensuring the safety of spectators who prefer to stand.
The solution features a galvanised steel finish and seats that coordinate with existing club colours. With both long and short railings meeting the specifications of the Green Guide, this innovative solution requires less steel, resulting in a cost-effective installation whilst still adhering to safety specifications.
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”Newcastle United is committed to making St. James' Park as safe as possible for all spectators and we are delighted to have rail seating installed ahead of the upcoming season.
Eddie RutherfordHead of Venue Operations - Newcastle United FC