Reading to introduce safe standing for next season

3 hours ago

Nathan BriantSouth of England

News image — The safe standing area is one of a number of renovations at the stadium that will be done over the summer

Getty Images A general internal view of the Select Car Leasing Stadium home of Reading before the Sky Bet League One match between Reading FC and Shrewsbury Town FC at Select Car Leasing Stadium on February 11, 2025 in Reading, England. — The safe standing area is one of a number of renovations at the stadium that will be done over the summer

Reading Football Club plans to introduce safe standing at its SLC Stadium in time for the start of the 2026/27 season as part of major renovations.

Space currently used for about 1,000 seats will be introduced in an area in the stadium's South Stand.

The Royals' co-chief executive Joe Jacobson said the club hopes safe standing will create a better atmosphere in the stadium, while it is looking at other improvements including a new pitch and PA system.

"We've got a whole range of activities and improvements at the stadium in the summer and safe standing is one that fans have asked for. We've listened to them," Jacobson said.

"We want to create a better atmosphere; we want to try to get more fans in the stadium and safe standing will be a big part of that."

The League One club could be playing in the Championship by August, with them sitting just outside the playoffs in eighth place with four games to go.

"We want to make sure that when fans come to the stadium they have to best experience possible," Jacobson added.

As part of safe standing, steel rails form a barrier to the row of seats in front, allowing fans to stand during matches. The system also allows them to sit down if they choose to without affecting their view.

Getty Images Empty safe standing seats before the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge in January 2023. — Safe standing areas have been introduced to some Premier League stadiums, such as Chelsea's Stamford Bridge

The club is seeking to hold other events at the stadium but details are still being finalised.

"I know the club has had Elton John [at the stadium in 2005] and other big acts and we want to go back to that," Jacobson said.

"We want it to be the hub of Reading, where fans of the football club feel proud to go there and use it for other activities. We have some amazing events spaces and we want the fans and the local community to use those on a daily and weekly basis."