Bournemouth to introduce safe standing areas
It follows a pilot scheme
Bournemouth have announced safe standing areas will be introduced at the Vitality Stadium, starting from the Premier League game against Manchester City on February 24.
Following a pilot scheme, the Government confirmed all clubs in the top two tiers of English football could apply to operate licensed safe standing sections from the start of the current campaign.
After a consultation with the Sports Ground Safety Authority, Bournemouth said a licence had now been granted for locations in all north stand blocks (10-15) across rows J to R as well as in the away end.
"The club has been in dialogue with the SGSA to introduce safe standing in order to maintain the full seating capacity at Vitality Stadium, while adhering to all safety rules," a statement from Bournemouth read.
"Bournemouth are working closely with the SGSA and wider Safety Advisory Group (SAG) stakeholders to ensure a safe and successful launch in February.
"Safe standing areas permit supporters to stand for the duration of a match. Standing is not required in these areas, however, supporters risk restricted pitch views if they are sat when surrounded by standing supporters. These areas are introduced to help keep supporters safe while standing."
Bournemouth added that any season ticket holders who currently hold seats in the allocated safe standing areas and wished to relocate to a different part of the north or south stands would be able to do so.