Last summer, Amber Nectar and the rest of the online Tiger Nation had news of the Football Supporters’ Federation’s petition to reintroduce safe standing to English football. There’ve been some developments, which we’re pleased to report upon:

In conjunction with the Hull City Official Supporters Club, who have adopted safe standing as a policy, we are pleased to announce that City will be hosting the Football Supporters’ Federation’s safe standing road show at the KC stadium on Saturday 11th February with the full support of the club.

Taking place from 12pm to 2.45pm on the day, the invite includes all Hull City Directors and Officials, Council representatives, Police, Hull FC, Hull KR, all local media and football clubs from around the region. Fans are encouraged to arrive early and test the rail seat technology for themselves outside the sports bar.

Although legislation does not currently allow for standing at Premier League and Championship games, it is allowed for Rugby League and there is a growing feeling amongst many clubs and fans that people want change – especially now as it can be achieved without compromises in safety.

Since the petition launched last summer, an unofficial, informal but professional evaluation of the KC Stadium design has indicated that it would be entirely possible to create opt-in singing sections fitted with safe standing rail seat technology for both home and away fans in parts of the East and North Stands.

Council stadium safety representatives have since conducted an informal study of their own and concluded that although only a minor increase in capacity (circa 260) would be achievable, due to concourse rather than main bowl capacity.

Other benefits such as the elimination of “unsafe” standing i.e. (standing in-front of regular seats without fall protection) and avoiding “anti-social” standing (in front of those who wish to sit), are worth considering.

When implemented in conjunction with an opt-in ticketing policy this could improve the matchday experience by allowing more passionate fans the chance to congregate together and generate proper atmospheres. This is now a safety and matchday experience driven campaign and all City fans are encouraged to support it.

The economic case for the KC is now harder than we first thought due to the limited increase in capacity available but will still work on a longer term due to the much longer life span of the rail-seats over plastic seats.

The Football Supporters’ Federation road show has the following aims:-

- To bring fans, club officials, council, police and media together to sample the rail-seat technology for themselves and destroy some myths and enhance understanding for all
- Promote constructive dialogue about Safer Standing at Hull City AFC/Hull FC and the SMC
- To conduct a survey to determine the real demand for such a choice at the KC
- To allow people who prefer to sit see how rail-seats can benefit their enjoyment of the game
- To allow people who stand for most of the game to see how it will enhance their safety and enjoyment of the game
- To help the club make a positive statement in support of the wider FSF campaign (subject to legislative and policy changes)

The best possible outcome would be a broad agreement from all parties that a section of the KC Stadium – both home and away – could be converted to rail seat technology and that it would be a good thing for Hull City AFC and its supporters, Hull FC, the KC stadium and the city of Hull.

In addition, a statistically significant sample of supporters being polled would allow us to know the true demand for such a choice being made available in the future. Thanks in advance for your support.