Spanish Stadium Adds ‘Safe Standing’ Rail System

BILBAO, Spain (CelebrityAccess) The famed San Mamés stadium in Bilbao, Spain, which has received several accolades over the years for its stadium design, has added a pioneering “Rail Seat” system.

The “Rail Seat” mechanism allows soccer fans to stand with more space and without blocking the view of those behind them. The system has made standing safe at football matches in recent years, according to Pan Stadia. It consists of a line of metallic seats that can be pushed back to form a standing rail and allow for an obstacle-free lane.

It also resolves the issue of making stadiums all-seated affairs.

“This development will allow our liveliest supporters to remain standing, singing and jumping throughout the game, without risking their safety or that of those around them,” said Borja Gonzalez Bilbao, the director of stadium operations for the football team Athletic Club. “San Mamés is a stadium with impressive qualities in terms of safety and accessibility and, in cases where the fans remain standing, it allows us to avoid surges when, for example, celebrating a goal.”

The stadium has been given “elite status” by FIFA and is a Euro 2020 host.