Cherries Trust Support Introduction of Safe Standing
AFC Bournemouth have announced that they will be introducing Safe Standing at Vitality Stadium (Dean Court) starting with league fixture against Manchester City on 24th February. The Cherries Trust support this initiative and believe it will be widely welcomed by our members, many of whom have been wanting this for a number of years. We also appreciate that there will be a number of supporters who will be concerned by this news, particularly those who have Season Tickets within the designated safe standing area, who are unable or do not want to stand during matches.
This decision to introduce safe standing has come about following consultation between the club and the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA). The consultation with the SGSA included being able to maintain the full seating capacity whilst also adhering to all safety rules. Safe Standing locations will be found in away end seating and in all north stand blocks (10-15) in Rows J – R.
Safe Standing areas permit supporters to stand for the duration of a match with measures introduced to help keep supporters safe while standing and watching matches in these areas.
The club has consulted the Cherries Trust and the DSA and discussions have taken place regarding those who may be negatively impacted by this and the measures to be put in place by the club to address those negatively affected.
Season Ticket Holders with seating located in Safe Standing areas that would like the opportunity to relocate out of this area can do so by completing the form linked HERE . Forms must be received by 12pm Wednesday 10th January. Supporters completing the form will be contacted with a relocation opportunity to seating in the north or south stands only. Relocations must be confirmed by end of day Friday 12th January. The club have assured us that sufficient relocation places are available, even if every single ticket holder in that area wished to move out of it.
In addition to this being publicised on social media and via email to all supporters, the club realises that not everyone is active on social media and have committed to phoning anyone identified as belonging to a vulnerable group who they are unable to contact via email.
Those with questions about their season ticket seat location can contact the ticket office on 01202 726300 or by email at tickets@afcb.co.uk.
Disabled supporters with individual seating requirements should contact disability@afcb.co.uk with any questions regarding their seat location or relocation opportunity.
At this stage there is no option to request a move into the area for those who hold season tickets in a different area. This option will however become available at the end of the season during the season ticket renewal time period.
The Cherries Trust and the DSA will be in continual dialogue with the club in relation to this over the next couple of months. Should any supporters have concerns or comments they would like us to raise with the club on their behalf, the Cherries Trust can be contacted via email at enquiries@cherriestrust.co.uk and the DSA can be contacted via email at afcbdsa@hotmail.com.
The Cherries Trust Board
Cherries Trust are a voluntary, independent, not-for-profit organisation, relying solely on membership fees and donations to cover running costs. We are the only independent Supporters Trust for AFC Bournemouth.
