Stoke City announce major plans to introduce bet365 Stadium standing section and move away end
The away end at the bet365 Stadium is to be moved for the first time since the ground opened in 1997 and Stoke City supporters will be behind both goals for the first time
Stoke City have revealed a plan to introduce safe standing at the bet365 Stadium from next season – as home supporters take over the majority of the south stand for the first time.
Away supporters have always been based next to the tunnel and behind the goal since the stadium was opened in 1997 but the primary allocation will be moved to the south east corner of the ground for the 2024/25 campaign.
The club says providing licensed standing for away supporters is “necessary on safety grounds” but will introduce it across the whole of the upper section of the south stand and south east corner, subject to the green light from the Safety Advisory Group, in response to feedback from Stoke fans in initial consultation.
Chief operating officer Simon King said: “Claiming the prime location of the south stand from away fans, and having home supporters on both sides of the tunnel, has been craved by our supporters for a number of years. It’s exciting that we have now found a way to make it happen.
“We want to help fans create the maximum noise possible and feel that having Stoke supporters on their feet behind that goal can be a driver for that. The ultimate vision is a full house of Potters roaring on Stoke City and creating a cauldron of atmosphere in which the team can thrive.
“We are of course aware that some Stoke City supporters would be inconvenienced by the changes and would ultimately need to relocate within the stadium. That is something for which we would be sincerely apologetic, however, we do hope everybody can buy into the bigger picture and see the benefits a better atmosphere will bring.”
