by Diamond »
16 Mar 2007 18:32
i dont wanna p**s on anyone's chips here, but terracing for standing is very shallow, whereas terracing that you bolt seats onto is a lot steeper. You simply cannot convert existing seating areas into terracing. If you look at the steps leading upto the seats, there are two steps for every row of seats to make the climb easier. Take away the seat infront of you (that prevents you from topling over) and you have an incredibly steep slope that is just too dangerous.
So, new stadia (such as the mad stad) cannot comply with terracing, unless they either:
a) specifically design a new area for standing. RFC wont do this. Their planning application is for a specific number of SEATS, and with this (hopefully) set to be approved anytime now they wont alter this
b) rip out existing structure and replace. Cant see this due to the cost involved. A whole new generation of supporters (families etc) now come to football because its safer, and seating helps this safety feel. The Club(s) could well be at risk of losing this vital funding supply - and they just wont do it
Its a nice idea, i used to love standing on the southbank - but seats are here to stay I'm afraid, and IF there is standing it would be at a huge cost for those with new stadia - and it's us (the fans) who will pay.
Sorry for war and peace here