Phuzzy wrote:
I keep hearing that it "adds to the atmosphere". Does it? People getting annoyed because they can't see because someone bigger has decided to stand in front of them? The best atmospheres by far this season were Catalans away and Hull KR at home. Neither game had standing.
Just my opinion but I don't see the attraction of standing. I hate away grounds like Saints where you're pretty much forced to stand whether you want to or not if you want to be with your own supporters. Yes, I know there are other options but with so much standing room only, it makes it much more difficult. You also generally get the 'part timers' who are only there on a mickey up making a nuisance of themselves too. I'd much prefer Saints was all seating like an actual 21st century stadium than packing people like cattle into standing pens, having people spilling over onto the stairs and walkways and generally being a throwback to the dark ages.
Each to their own though I suppose.
You do make a good point and I have to say that now as a Dad, I prefer seating for the home games but I do like standing away from home as it tends to be the more vocal fans away from home, so all standing together creates a good atmosphere. My eldest lad has just turned 14 so is big enough now not to have his view restricted whilst standing- my youngest lad who is 11 has no interest in going to games.
I think you are never going to please everyone, be it an all-seater, predominantly standing or a mixture of both.