Albion fans could stand to watch their team at the Amex – if enough of them want it.
The Seagulls are weighing up a move to safe standing in an area of their home stadium, should the government opt to relax restrictions on all-seater stadia.
They would be prepared to take out some of their expensively-installed padded seats if there was sufficient demand and the finances added up – and lead English clubs into the safe standing era.
But they have warned the introduction of a standing area would not increase capacity or lead to reduced ticket prices. There would also be a bill to pay to change from seating to standing.
Albion have visited Borussia Dortmund and Celtic, both of which have standing sections, on fact-finding trips.
The club are aware some of their fans prefer to stand to watch their football – and already bend the rules to do so in some areas.
They believe a safe standing section could go down well with supporters and would improve the atmosphere at the Amex.
But they have warned a new standing area would be a lot different to old-fashioned terracing.
This is the first time Albion have offered any indication that a safe standing area at the Amex – completed little more than five years ago to a top-of-the-range all-seater specification – is up for discussion.
Chief executive Paul Barber*believes a change in all-seater legislation may be on the way and Albion could be first to take advantage.
He said: “The consultation is about making sure everyone knows what we are talking about.
“One thing the club has been brilliant at since Tony (Bloom) became chairman is he has always tried to lead, always tried to be on the front foot.
“We were first to have padded seats, first to have wi-fi, first to allow corporate members to pay monthly, first to have interest free direct debit payment for season tickets.
“This is another opportunity to be one of the first, if not the first, to do this if legislation allows.”
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