Southampton FC To Upgrade Matchdays At St Mary's With The Installation Of Safe Standing
The planned changes are the result of fan feedback and the Club have been working with acoustics experts to find the best possible route forward. This will include moving the away fans to another area of the stadium, while securing an ideal space for the Family Stand.
Safe standing will be implemented in the top half of the entire Northam Stand, following successful introductions in other stadiums in the UK and abroad.
The final plans are still being worked on, but it's likely the Northam Stand will be a combination of seating and safe standing. Southampton have said more details on this will follow soon.
A section of away fans will have standing access, aligning with requirements from the Safety Advisory Group. This allows the Club to progress with safe standing for Saints fans too.
Phil Parsons, CEO of Saints said: “Our fans are the heart of the club and we want to create the best possible atmosphere for years to come, so we’re excited to be making these important upgrades to St Mary’s.
“We’ve been listening to fan feedback and we know moving the away end, to create a full home end in the Northam, is something a lot of our fans have been wanting for a long time.
“Russell and the team support the changes and are looking forward to playing in front of a full home Northam end.
“We're a club trying to make things happen on and off the pitch and challenge the status quo.”
Mike Sadler, Fan Advisory Board Co‑Chair said: “For many years, Saints fans have said that having the Northam end split between home and away fans has reduced the atmosphere and helped away teams. The Fan Advisory Board represents fans and support the club in their decision to create a full Northam end.
“We think this will greatly improve the atmosphere, and really help the team. We're delighted this is now going to happen and we look forward to helping the club progress this exciting project together with our fanbase.”
