Hibernian to introduce safe standing section at Easter Road from 2024/25 season

Hibernian have announced that a safe standing section will be created at Easter Road for next season.

The club will start work this summer to install a rail seating section in the lower tier of the Famous Five stand, where supporters will be able to stand during games.

The decision was reached after what the club described as a “rigorous” consultation process, aimed at improving the atmosphere within Easter Road while also taking into account the wishes of fans who currently have season tickets in the stand.

They found that 83% of supporters were in favour of a safe standing section, though only 51% of the fans currently in that section would wish to remain there when the changes are made.

Hibernian FC can confirm that a safe standing section will be introduced at Easter Road for the 2024/25 season.
— Hibernian Football Club (@HibernianFC) January 26, 2024

The lower section of the Famous Five stand is currently the family section and season ticket holders stressed in the survey that family section pricing was important, with 70% saying that it was important to them to sit in a designated family section. A new area for families is to be designated within the stadium as part of the new plans.

Hibs chief executive Ben Kensell commented: “Firstly we would like to thank all the supporters that have engaged with us through this consultation process. The information, opinions, and data that we’ve gained has been incredibly insightful and helped us come to this decision.

“The introduction of safe standing in the summer will be a big step for Hibernian FC in terms of improving the matchday experience at Easter Road, something that we as a club, and board of directors, are very passionate about. The consultation process also highlighted how important this is to supporters, how beneficial they believe safe standing will be, and ultimately showed us that the fans want it to be implemented.

“We fully understand that the topic of change can be difficult, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that any transitions are carried out as smoothly, as positively, and as fairly, for all.

“This summer will be another busy one for the club as we introduce safe standing in the Famous Five Lower, create a new family section, and continue to improve our facilities for disabled supporters. Through the backing of the Gordon Family, we are dedicated in improving and growing the club on and off the pitch, and the developments over the last two and a half years have been clear for all to see.”