‘The Tykes’ home stand closure for repair

Article posted by Coliseum, October 14^th, 2021

Image: Barnsley FC

Following extensive structural inspections of the Oakwell Stadium – residence of the Barnsley Football Club (UK) – it has been identified that various remedial works are required to the (DX) West Stand and, to therefore ensure the protection of all spectators, the club have taken the necessary decision to close the stand until further notice.

The ‘Barnsley FC’ stated that in addition to structural challenges, safety concerns and crowd management issues were also raised and cited as rationale to close the 130-year-old stand.

The Barnsley Football Club is a professional association football club in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England (UK), which plays in the Championship, the second tier of English football. Nicknamed ’the Tykes’, they were founded in 1887 by Reverend Tiverton Preedy.

The 23,287-capacity Oakwell Stadium is a multipurpose venue in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England, used primarily by the Barnsley Football Club for playing their home fixtures, and those of their reserves.

The ‘Barnsley FC’ further stated that the closure will be immediate, meaning that neither fans nor Directors will be permitted access to their seat for the next home fixture. The stand will, however, remain operational on matchdays for visiting journalists and media.

With close to 1,000 seasonal members reserving seats in the West Stand for the 2021-2022 campaign, a relocation process (for those wishing to move) will now take place. Impacted supporters have been individually contacted.

The head honcho of Barnsley F.C., Khaled El-Ahmad, asserted, “The safety and security of supporters and staff is of utmost importance. I made a promise internally to both staff and fans alike to be transparent regardless of how difficult the news is to share. The decision is purely based on a structural report and a number of West Stand-specific crowd management challenges.”

Added El-Ahmad, “With the history associated to this stand, in addition to the knowledge that a number of supporters have sat here for consecutive seasons, the club appreciates both the emotional and practical problems this decision brings. Please know that we have members of staff working tirelessly to implement solutions in time for our next home game.”

With safety being of paramount importance to the club, this position will remain under review with updates provided accordingly.

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