Brentford FC has confirmed plans to install barrier seating at Brentford Community Stadium for the start of next season with a view to converting the entire West Stand and a section in the away end to licensed safe standing areas.  

  

Barriers will be installed across the West Stand and Block S100 in the South Stand. Block S100 has been included to avoid those seated in this area having their sightlines impacted by those in the West Stand. A section of around 1,700 barrier seats will also be created in the away end to satisfy the expected licensing criteria. 

  

The decision to proceed follows the most recent fan survey which was conducted in December last year. 89 per cent of fans who responded indicated their support for the installation of safe standing in the West Stand. Taking this on board, the project was given the green light to proceed.  

  

Last year, the Government announced that they are taking the first steps to create safe standing areas at Premier League and Championship clubs, with a number of trials of barrier seating taking place from January 2022. Brentford will now liaise with the local authorities and Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) to submit an application to secure a safe standing licence for the 2022/23 season, subject to the outcome of those national trials.  

  

Alan Walsh, Brentford FC’s Operations Director, said, “It has always been our preferred option, since the move to the new stadium, to convert the West Stand to safe standing if the legislation changed. The feedback we received from our fans in our recent survey endorsed that position so we are pleased to confirm that we have made the decision to proceed. We thank everyone who contributed to that consultation process.  

  

“We are already preparing for the barrier installation programme which will take place in the summer and our safe standing licence application will be submitted following discussions with the local authorities. That application will be subject to the ongoing national trials being successful. But in any case, the barriers will enhance spectator safety in the West Stand given the persistent standing in that part of the ground.” 

  

This news has been confirmed ahead of Season Tickets for 2022/23 going on sale later this week. Any Season Ticket Holders currently situated in the West Stand or in Block S100 in the South Stand who do not want to stand will be given the opportunity to relocate to another part of the stadium over the coming weeks.  We will endeavour to move fans in the groups that they are currently sitting although we can't guarantee that very large groups will be able to sit together.  

  

Any fans who want to stand but are currently located elsewhere are strongly encouraged to move to the West Stand, subject to availability, as standing in any other part of the stadium will be strictly prohibited in line with our safety certificate. 

  

It is important to reiterate that the stadium remains all-seater until the Club secures a revised licence for safe standing. Fans are also required to remain in their allocated Season Ticket location and stairways and exits must be kept clear at all times to ensure that all areas remain safe. 

  

Walsh concluded by stressing his ambition to make the atmosphere at Brentford Community Stadium even better. “Like everything we do at the stadium, the key to this being a success will be the co-operation between the fans, the authorities and the safety team here at Brentford. The migration options during the Season Ticket renewal process will help to ensure that fans find the best spot available depending on their preferences and that we can continue to create an atmosphere to be proud of.”