Tottenham Hotspur FC To Apply For Licensed Standing Area

The Spurs logo on the outside of their stadium Following the recent authorisation of safe standing trials, Tottenham Hotspur will be applying to the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) for a licenced standing area at their stadium as part of the ‘early adopter’ programme.

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium opened with areas future-proofed for safe standing in its South Stand and Away supporter section.

Chairman, Daniel Levy, said: “The Club has led on lobbying the Government for safe standing at stadia and is delighted that this will now be possible. It delivers choice for fans attending the game – whether home or away supporters – and the vast majority of our fans are in favour of this scheme. We are extremely proud of our ‘safe seating’ design, which ensures both comfort and safety, whether standing or seated, while maintaining the same aesthetics as in all other areas of the stadium.”

The ‘safe seating’ design at Spurs provides the same comfort and leg room as in all other areas of the stadium, with an ergonomically profiled bar set at 900mm for clear sightlines. The seat in its folded position is slim, allowing the stepping clearway to be maximised, with a purpose-designed lock to ensure the seat can be stowed when required.



Clubs have until 6th October to submit an application to the SGSA to become an early adopter. If approved, they will be able to offer licensed standing areas from 1st January, 2022.

Clubs will have to meet a number of criteria in order to receive Government and SGSA approval to have licensed standing areas, including:

  • The necessary infrastructure being in place – such as seats with barriers/independent barriers – which must be in both home and away sections.
  • Fans must be able to sit or stand in the licensed area – the seats cannot be locked in the ‘up’ or ‘down’ position. There must also be one seat/space per person.
  • The licensed standing areas must not impact the viewing standards or other fans, including disabled fans.
  • There must be a Code of Conduct in place for fans in the licensed standing area.
  • The ground must consult with its Safety Advisory Group about plans for the licensed standing areas.

The licensed standing areas will be independently evaluated from their introduction in January for the remainder of the 2021/22 season. Other parts of the ground will remain all-seated and fans will be expected to sit in these areas.

Inside Tottenham Hotspur's stadium