Safe standing is a stadium design that allows spectators to watch sports while standing up safely; it uses special rail seats or independent barriers at each row which stop people from falling or swaying forward
Leyton Orient temporarily removed the newly installed safe standing section at the BetWright Stadium in August after further safety checks were deemed necessary ahead of the new season.
Safe standing is a stadium design that allows spectators to watch sports while standing up safely. It uses special rail seats or independent barriers at each row which stop people from falling or swaying forward.
The rail seating was fitted in the E10 stand during the close season as part of the club’s ongoing efforts to modernise the ground and improve the matchday experience.
It has already undergone two examinations since installation, but specialists have advised that additional assessments are required before supporters can use the area.
As a result, the structure has been taken out to ensure the “highest safety standards are met for the opening fixtures”, a press release issued by the club stated.
Orient chief executive Mark Devlin said the decision, though “frustrating”, was “unavoidable”.
He said: “We’re disappointed that our Safe Standing won’t be in place for the beginning of the season but the safety of every supporter that enters our stadium is of paramount importance,” he said.
Devlin added: “We are working with leaders on Safe Standing and completely trust their judgement around the safety of our installation. It has been removed for now, which will ensure fan safety, and will allow us to assess how we approach Safe Standing moving forwards.”
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