‘Empty’ end of the West Stand

Regardless of division this season, I can’t see us committing to a new stand yet, so I’d really like to see us re-open the other half of the west. Install porta-potties if you have to, but let’s get fans in that area of the pitch.

I feel our attendances are going to be up anyway, so it won’t be a razor thin smattering.

 

When was the last time it was open?

 

It’s been years now. Last time I remember our fans being allowed in was Chelsea in 2008. I think Weds and Newcastle fans have had it since then

 

I reckon that if we go up it will surely be demolished and rebuilt. May not happen instantly though as I'm assuming that any planning permission that may have been granted will have expired. But in any case if we're in a position where demand for tickets is above 18,000 on a regular basis, it would surely make sense to build a new and more sustainable structure there, even if it only holds around the same number of spectators. If I remember correctly, its proximity to the road is a problem as it leaves us with very little space to build back, and limitations on building up due to the new stand's potential to block people's light.

 

I think with the season pass prices, not being able to go for 17 months to a league game and the way we've played this season they are going to have to get that side functioning, no excuses.

 

I think you are all forgetting the club owners don’t own the ground. There’s a small matter of getting someone to pay for any improvements.

 

If we went up they'd surely have it open. I think they usually say that the policing costs of having it open make it not worth it. As well as the poor condition of it, I'm sure.

 

Yes, very important point.

 

Anyone know how long it would take to raise the roof on the North stand to make it two tier?

 

I think it's the Ponty End that was designed to add the second tier.

 

I don't get the obsession with the ground, we're not turning paying fans away due to lack of capacity.

 

Quickest alteration could be. Demolishing the wooden box second tier of the West Stand and building a single tier structure the full length of the pitch. That way you wouldn't have to demolish the existing lower tier. With the club being stuck for room on Grove Street incorporate the turnstiles into the back of the stand for a larger single tiered structure. The stand would actually still be two tiers in effect but the structure would be one tier. Edit (Extend the roof to cover the lower tier.)

 

Yes it was. Doubt we'll ever do it though

 

I'm glad they decided to build the North Stand rather than extend the Ponty as I think the ground would have looked lopsided. With the rickety West Stand, Spion Kop and two modern two tier structures.

 

Before the West Stand iis/was demolished, the club would have carry out completion work in the East Stand. This involves putting in the new floor level to accommodate new offices, board room,media facilities,. Also glaze the open areas at the back, new commentary and camera posts, related wiring and cabling,extra lighting to replace the loss of floodlights. As, has been mentioned elsewhere,the club do not own the ground,previous stadium owners have had opportunity over the last 20 years to carry out the improvements to the East Stand and safety/environmental improvements to the West Stand.

 

I'll get my tin hat out but I'm in favour of a move to a more modern stadium that can be purpose built with option to extend capacity if need be.

 

Could be very soon though Remember our Premier League season was completely sold out with season ticket holders very quickly after the previous season ended. Everyone who wanted a season ticket couldn't get one and no game had matchday tickets available. It's a big if but IF we get promoted there will be nothing left to purchase by the end of May at the latest.

 

Yes, i agree. I remember being at Ewood a couple of seasons back for the cup game and I thought we could do similar. In the image below, its very similar to the view from the Oakwell away end. Showcase stand to the left of pic, modern home end opposite end, then they have a functional stand to the right of the pic that is all that Oakwell needs should the fateful day come when we demolish the old lady.

 

Capacity will be more this time round though?