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Bristol City FC have become the first UK football club to install a ‘safe standing’ area in their stadium, more than 20 years after the Hillsborough disaster inquiry forced most grounds to become all-seater.
A demonstration area at Ashton Gate with ‘rail seats’ that can be locked upright to allow spectators to stand will be unveiled to senior figures from the Football Association and Football League later today.
The Robins have installed the block, pictured, to show the benefits of such areas in a bid to give other clubs and the football authorities an idea of what could be expected if legislation was changed. 
The club announced last month that they will redevelop Ashton Gate with work starting this summer. The redevelopment will include rail seating – providing the legal hurdles can be overcome.
Initially the standing areas would only be used during Bristol Rugby matches as current rules prohibit their use for football matches.
But following consultation with its clubs, the Football League has agreed to lobby the Government for a change in the rules to permit safe standing areas for football matches.
Football League chief executive Shaun Harvey said: “Consultation has given us a better understanding of the wide range of views held by clubs on this issue and we will take our cue from the prevailing opinion.”
Campaigners, led by the Football Supporters’ Federation, hope this is another major step in the direction of the introduction of safe standing areas in England, which have been pioneered in German football.
Rail seating system is used at some of Germany’s biggest grounds, including at Borussia Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion, which has a capacity of more than 80,000.
Bristol City FC chief executive Doug Harman said: “If we are given the relevant permissions, this could be a great opportunity for Bristol City FC to become the first club in the Football League to install rail seating, as well as becoming a showcase for other teams up and down the country.
“At last week’s Football League meeting there was clear strong support from clubs for the League to approach the authorities for a relaxation and change in the regulations.
“We have received feedback from our supporters who are keen for the option of safe standing and with the proposed redevelopment of Ashton Gate and Bristol Rugby’s move to the stadium this summer, this seems to be the right time to explore this further.”
The Wedlock Stand at one end of the ground will be replaced with a new stand which could contain 2,202 rail seats to the rear if rules allow. A redeveloped Dolman Stand, to the side of the pitch, could include a further 1,568 rail seats.
