Areas of Tottenham’s new stadium have been designed to allow safe standing in case the law changes in the future.
MPs are set to debate whether football fans should be allowed to stand while watching their team play if they wish to do so.
And Spurs have ensured their new 62,000-capacity stadium will give supporters the option to stand should MPs decide to change the current law.
The club will install seats that can be stowed to allow more room for standing.
Donna-Maria Cullen, Tottenham’s Executive Director, told the club’s official website: “As a Club, we did not engage on this until the Hillsborough Inquiry was concluded, which showed that the tragedy in April 1989 had not been caused by standing.
“We then conducted research with our fan base which showed overwhelming support for safe standing. The main reasons given were choice and atmosphere – fans cannot sing sitting down.
“So, at our new stadium, we have designed a section within the home area and within the away section that has an integrated safety bar with the normal seating. Fans have bought season tickets for the home area in the knowledge that, should the law change, this would be our standing area – it was one of the first areas to sell out.
“Importantly, it is a new design which incorporates the same appearance and comfort as all other seats within the stadium.
“In the meantime, without any change in the law, our design delivers a safer environment should there be persistent standing.”
Stadium Director Jon Babbs added: “Our design ensures that, regardless of the law changing, only one fan per seat will be permitted within the future-proofed areas.
“This, along with the enhanced clearways and integrated bar, provides improved safety should fans stand during games.”
The Supporter’s Trust has praised the decision, with Co-Chair Martin Cloake saying: “We’re proud the Club is leading the way by proposing an innovative design concept that takes into account what fans have been asking for. Our latest survey is showing support at 88% in favour of safe standing.”
Spurs will play their first match at the new stadium in the Premier League against Liverpool on September 15th.
The arena won’t be ready in time for Tottenham’s first “home” game against Fulham, which will take place at Wembley on August 18th.
The team will play its first three away matches of the 2018/19 campaign against Newcastle United, Manchester United and Watford.
