x

Town Begin Safe Standing Discussions - Ipswich Town News

Town have revealed they are in the early stages of looking at bringing safe standing to Portman Road.

In the brochure sent out to current and recent former season ticket holders at the end of last week, the Blues say it’s something they’re in the early stages of assessing.

"Discussions have just begun at the club about introducing a rail seating area at Portman Road, possibly in time for the new season,” the brochure reads.

""It’s likely this will be trialed as a small area first, with the latest in rail seating technology installed to meet all safety requirements.
"
"Areas in the corner of the Sir Bobby Robson Stand and in the vacant area between the corner of Sir Bobby’s and the Cobbold Stand are being looked at as possible sites.

"Town will speak to supporter groups to get feedback if the project is deemed viable for 2021/22.”

While this season is a possibility, we understand it’s a long-term aim which is more likely to come to fruition in future campaigns.

Bristol City, incoming new Blues CEO Mark Ashton’s current club, announced in February 2020 their intention to introduce rail seating in areas of their South Stand at Ashton Gate from the start of the 2020/21 season, although ultimately the campaign was played without fans present.

Town's fellow League One side Shrewsbury installed rail seating at Montgomery Waters Meadow in 2018 with the initiative having been hailed as a success.

In last summer’s TWTD Questionnaire, 78.2 per cent of respondents said they were in favour of safe standing being introduced at Town, which was very much in line with results in previous years.

The Blues’ new owners have said they will be aiming to tidy up Portman Road in the short term with any more significant work likely to take place over a longer period as the club progresses.

Town are also in the process of looking at the possibility of installing giant screens in the stadium and also the FanZone, and enhancing the PA system.

The club are also aiming to revive plans to decorate the glass at the back of the Cobbold Stand with a mural paying tribute to the club’s history which were postponed due to the start of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the annual renovation of the pitch at Portman Road is under way.

Elsewhere, former Blues forward Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, 30, will join Scottish Premiership Aberdeen on a two-year deal in June when his contract with his current side Livingston expires.

What to read next:

Luongo Completes Millwall Move
Millwall have confirmed the signing of former Blues midfielder Massimo Luongo on a one-year deal.
Stanislas Appointed First-Team Coach as Town Add Set-Piece Analyst
The Blues have appointed former AFC Bournemouth, Burnley and West Ham winger Junior Stanislas as a first-team coach.
U19s Beaten in Second Game at Czech Tournament
Town’s U19s were beaten 3-2 by Slovan Bratislava in their second and final group game at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia yesterday.
Town Continue Pre-Season at Aberdeen
Town face Scottish Premiership Aberdeen at Pittodrie in their second public friendly of the summer this evening (KO 7.30pm).
Town Women to Start WSL2 Season at Southampton
Ipswich Town Women will open their first ever second-tier season with a WSL2 away game at Southampton on Saturday 6th September (KO 2pm) with Nottingham Forest the first visitors to the JobServe Community Stadium, the Blues’ new home, the following weekend.
Morsy: The Best Spell of My Career and Life
Departing Town captain Sam Morsy has issued a message to fans, teammates, manager Kieran McKenna and his staff following confirmation of his move to Kuwait SC, while the squad and ex-players have paid their own tributes to the Egyptian international.
Town Confirm Morsy Exit For Kuwait SC
Town skipper Sam Morsy’s move to Kuwait SC has been confirmed.
Town Announce Matchday Ticket Prices
Town have confirmed their matchday ticket prices for the Championship season ahead.
Luongo Close to Joining Millwall
Former Blues midfielder Massimo Luongo is closing in on joining Millwall following his trial with the Lions.
Eze Nets Twice as U19s Draw Opener at Czech Tournament
Striker Nelson Eze scored twice as an U19 Town side drew 2-2 with hosts Banik Ostrava in their opening match at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia yesterday.