Man United Given Permission To Install Barrier Seating At Old Trafford
Manchester United have been given permission by Trafford Council to trial barrier seating at Old Trafford.
The club says that, earlier in the year, it submitted a proposal to the local authority following changes to the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (Green Guide).
United then carried out a feasibility study and confirmed the results of that to representatives at the club’s Fans’ Forum, and have now gained approval from the council to install around 1,500 barrier seats in the North East Quadrant of the ground.
“It should be stated up front that our overwhelming priority is to keep our people safe from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Richard Arnold, Group Managing Director, Manchester United. “It may seem strange to talk about stadium plans at this time, but football and our fans will return when it is safe, and our preparations for that must continue in the background.”
“Our belief is that the introduction of barrier seats will enhance spectator safety in areas of the stadium where – as with other clubs – we have seen examples of persistent standing. It also allows us to future-proof the stadium in the event of any changes to the current all-seater stadium policy. If the trial is successful, we may consider further implementation of barrier seating in other parts of the stadium.
“We will now move on to develop the installation, compliance and licensing plan for the trial with a view to having the new seats installed for when we can welcome our supporters back to Old Trafford.”
United say they will now discuss installation options with potential suppliers, but have also said they will work within current UK Government recommendations relating to construction site operating procedures and social distancing.
The club also recently announced the extension of the ground’s ‘atmosphere section’ in the Stretford End as part of the season ticket launch for 2020/21.
