A number of supporters are absolutely not happy about it, but it will happen anyway. Immediately after the current football season, the proverbial knife goes into the North Stand of Euroborg.
The upper and lower ring of the domain of FC Groningen’s hard core will be separated from each other starting next season. Both stands will each have their own entrance. Many supporters like to stand together in the lower section, but walking from top to bottom or vice versa, which is still frequently done, will soon no longer be possible in the Tonny van Leeuwen stand due to the sector separation.
The lower part of the North Stand will only have standing places safe standing . Contrary to what is currently the case, they will have been placed. It is an iron construction that protects against falling down. It also includes folding chairs, which are only used during international competitions. That is a requirement of UEFA.
Capacity increases slightly
The top ring will continue to consist of chairs, just like now. The top floor currently has no facilities, but in the new situation it will be provided with good catering points and toilets. These will also be installed on that stand next summer.
The intention is for the construction work to be completed before the start of the new football season. An advantage for the North Stand visitors is that the capacity of their domain is slightly increased due to the intervention. Due to the sector separation, half of corner section H will soon belong to the Tonny van Leeuwen stand. This will provide two hundred extra places in North.
After the current season, FC Groningen will start season ticket sales. Season ticket holders who want to get another place, after renewing their card, have the opportunity to choose another, available place on special exchange days while supplies last. They will receive a personal message from the club about this.
Safety measure
The sector separation in the North Stand is primarily a safety measure. Because a large number of supporters in the upper sections watch the match on the lower ring, there are often too many people downstairs. This entails safety risks.
The intervention is a licensing requirement of the KNVB. The association now obliges clubs to separate standing and seated supporters. There are several clubs that will therefore have to implement such measures next summer. At least, if they want to continue to offer some of the supporters the opportunity to remain standing during matches.
The sector separation is also part of the action plan drawn up by the club and the municipality of Groningen to improve safety in the stadium. This plan was launched following the disturbances of last season, when FC Groningen was relegated to the first division.
Who will be responsible for which costs of the renovation of Euroborg is still a subject of discussion between the municipality and the club. It is also related to whether or not FC Groningen is promoted. The situation remains unchanged in the other stands in Euroborg.
Tags: knife finally Tonny van Leeuwen stand Groningen small windfall supporters North
