Wembley Stadium connected by EE has installed 10,000 additional licensed standing seats for football fans ahead of the upcoming 2026 season.
The rail seats are located on Level 5 in the east and west sections of the stadium following a successful trial which saw licensed standing areas previously established on Level 1.
Arsenal and Manchester City supporters attending the 2026 Carabao Cup Final on Sunday 22 March will be the first fans to try out the new seats, which were installed over the winter during a programme of major works at the venue.
Seats equipped with rails have become a preferred option among football fans who choose to stand during matches. Each seat has an independent waist-high rail, providing support and safety for those wishing to stand in the licenced area.
Mark Lynch, Stadium Director, said: “The additional rail seating follows a successful trial we started in 2023 after the Government’s revision of the all-seater policy, which permitted us to offer football fans the opportunity to stand safely in designated areas within the stadium.
“Since then, we have seen first-hand the benefits this has brought to fixtures at Wembley Stadium. We have listened to supporters calls for more options about how they choose to watch a football match, and we are delighted to bring licenced standing areas into a secure environment that places supporter safety at its heart.”
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) has welcomed the decision. Thomas Concannon, Fans’ Embassy Lead at the FSA, stated: “We have consistently supported legalised standing at football, and it is encouraging to see Wembley, our national stadium, expanding rail seating into Level 5. This initiative will benefit clubs across the football pyramid and the national side by enhancing matchday atmosphere and increasing options for supporters.”
In 2022, the Government enabled the creation of licensed standing areas in stadiums meeting specific criteria. Since then, numerous professional clubs have secured SGSA (Sports Grounds Safety Authority) licences to install rail seats in their venues.
The SGSA approved Wembley Stadium’s application to expand its standing areas in March 2025.
An SGSA spokesperson commented: “We are committed to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all spectators at sports grounds. Research demonstrates that fans experience improved safety and enjoyment when given the choice to sit or stand safely. The expansion of licensed standing areas at Wembley Stadium is a positive step to address persistent standing in seated areas.”