Arsenal approve safe standing at Emirates Stadium for 2026–27

Arsenal have been granted approval to introduce licensed safe standing at Emirates Stadium from the start of the 2026–27 season, with the club set to install rail seating in the Clock End lower tier as the first phase of the rollout.The club’s plan is to create a dedicated standing section using modern rail seating, a model that has been introduced across a growing number of Premier League and EFL grounds under the government’s licensed trial scheme. The areas are designed to allow supporters to stand in their own allocated space while being supported by a seat and a safety rail.Arsenal said the first phase will be in the Clock End lower, with a second phase planned for the North Bank lower tier in 2027–28. Once both phases are complete, the standing areas would cover around 13,500 supporters across the two ends.Arsenal said: "Following extensive consultation and engagement with our supporters over many years, we are pleased to confirm the installation of new safe standing infrastructure. "Working with the SGSA (Sports Grounds Safety Authority) these works will permit us to operate licensed standing in designated areas of the stadium. We’re excited that this installation in the Clock End and North Bank lower will drive an even better atmosphere at Emirates Stadium.  "From next season, supporters in the Clock End lower tier will benefit from the additional safety and comfort of standing rails in areas where we know our supporters stand to push the team on. Following this, from the start of the 2027/28 season, our supporters in the North Bank lower tier will also benefit from standing rails to enhance stadium atmosphere.  "In total there will be around 13,500 supporters (including away supporters) in licensed standing areas by the 2027/28 season. We’re excited to deliver on our supporters’ much-anticipated enhancement to their matchday experience"The club’s 2022 survey of 16,000 supporters showed that safe standing remained popular, with 70% in favour, although only 40% said they would want to be in such an area.The approval allows Arsenal to proceed with installation and operational planning ahead of the new season, including stewarding protocols and entry and exit management.Arsenal have positioned safe standing as part of a wider effort to improve matchday atmosphere and give supporters more choice in how they watch games, particularly in the loudest home ends. The club has referenced the experience of other grounds where rail seating has been introduced, with early feedback in England suggesting it can improve comfort, sightlines and crowd management for fans who prefer to stand throughout matches.The move is the first time Emirates Stadium will have designated standing areas since it opened in 2006, and it follows wider changes in English football after top-flight standing was banned in the wake of the Taylor Report.Arsenal are expected to confirm further operational details closer to the start of the season, including how existing season ticket holders in affected areas will be managed and what options will be available for those who prefer seated viewing.