Rail Seat Installation At Old Trafford Underway
Work has begun at Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground to install 1,500 rail/barrier seats as part of a trial for the 2021/22 season.
Approval to install the seats was given by Trafford Council prior to last season but the work was put on hold due to the circumstances of the pandemic.
Installation is now underway with the rail/barrier seats being located in the old J Stand section of Old Trafford, situated in the lower north-east section of the stadium.
During a fans' forum meeting on April 16th, United confirmed they would have the rail/barrier seats installed this summer.
Collette Roche, United's chief operating officer, said: "We remain committed to installing barrier seating in the north-east quadrant and, while work has been on hold due to the pandemic, we plan to commence installation in the summer.
"We will be working with Trafford Council to discuss and finalise the specific conditions and hope to have the barrier seating section operational once we are back to full capacity."
The section will include seats but they will have a safety rail behind them and are designed to allow for standing during goal celebrations and at key moments. All-seater stadiums remain compulsory in the Premier League and have been since 1994/95 following guidance from the Taylor Report into the Hillsborough disaster.
When United announced the plans to introduce the trial they stressed the rail/barrier seats would improve safety.
Managing director Richard Arnold said: “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.”
