Hibs fans have overwhelmingly backed plans to introduce a safe-standing section at Easter Road, following a lengthy and rigorous consultation process between club and supporters
Rail seating will be introduced to the lower tier of the Famous Five stand, with work starting this summer and due for completion by the start of the 2024/25 campaign as club chiefs continue their efforts to improve the matchday experience and the atmosphere on game days.
READ MORE - Could Hibs have a safe standing section by next summer?
Since the start of the current season, Hibs have carried out several exercises to gauge support for safe-standing, with online and in-person discussions taking place. Fans were given the opportunity to voice their opinion on how the Easter Road atmosphere could be improved, and the introduction of a standing section at the ground. Trials were held during the UEFA Youth League matches last season with the club's singing section moved to the Famous Five Lower.
Club chiefs also canvassed season-ticket holders in the Famous Five stand who would likely be affected by the implementation of a safe-standing section to gather their thoughts and opinions.
Headline figures
Following the process, it was determined that 83% of supporters backed the introduction of safe-standing in the Famous Five Lower, with 82% of fans believing that such a move would improve the atmosphere at Easter Road.
If safe-standing was introduced to that part of the stadium, 51% of existing season-ticket holders in the Famous Five Lower would want to remain in that section or expressed an interest in further information.
Hibs are aware that the Famous Five Lower's designation as the stadium's family section could pose problems and in a bid to address potential concerns, included related questions as part of their fact-finding mission. These revealed that 65% of current season-ticket holders in the Famous Five Lower felt that family section pricing was 'extremely important' to them, with 70% of Famous Five Lower season-ticket holders stating that sitting within a designation family section was either extremely important or important, to them.
What are the next steps?
With a decision taken to implement a safe-standing section at Easter Road, the club will now work on how the section will look, its likely capacity, and how it will be introduced. A new family section will be introduced at the stadium, with pricing matching that of the 2023/24 Famous Five Lower family section.
Hibs will now make contact with all season-ticket holders affected by the introduction of the safe-standing section in the Famous Five Lower and, once full details have been finalised, will ask interested supporters to register their interest in moving to the section.
Kensell: A big step for Hibs
Chief executive Ben Kensell thanked the fans who had engaged with the club throughout the consultation process as he welcomed the significant news.
He said: "Firstly we would like to thank all the supporters who have engaged with us throughout this consultation process. The information, opinions, and data that we've gained have been incredibly insightful and helped us come to this decision.
"The introduction of safe standing in the summer will be a big step for Hibs in terms of improving the matchday experience at Easter Road; something about which we as a club, and board of directors, are very passionate. The consultation process also highlighted how important this is to supporters, and how beneficial they believe safe standing will be. It ultimately showed us that the fans want it to be implemented.
"We fully understand that the topic of change can be difficult, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that any transitions are carried out as smoothly, as positively, and as fairly, for all.
"This summer will be another busy one for the club as we introduce a safe-standing section in the Famous Five Lower, create a new family section, and continue to improve our facilities for disabled supporters. Through the backing of the Gordon family, we are dedicated to improving and growing the club on and off the pitch, and the developments over the last two-and-a-half years have been clear for all to see.”
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