Terrace

A terrace is an area in a stadium that is used for standing. It comes with a series of steps made out of concrete, which is used for spectators to stand, and safety barriers. This area was usually filled with ultras or football fans that were famous for their elaborate displays and fanatical support.

In many countries, terraces have been phased out due to safety standards. This was mainly because of the Hillsborough disaster that caused hundreds of injuries and deaths.

There are several interesting and important facts about terraces. Aside from its basic use and why it has been phased out, there are still a good number of facts that every football enthusiast should know.

One of these facts includes the importance of terraces in stadiums. It is very important because it is a cheaper alternative to seats that are located on the sides of the field. Not only is it a cheaper alternative, but it also provided fans a greater degree of freedom to congregate and move. In fact, during the 20th century, it had been one of the most popular areas in the stadium where teenage boys and young working-class men and women watch games.

Another fact about terraces is that it was banned and phased out right after the Taylor Report was published that named the causes of the Hillsborough disaster. This report declared that standing areas were unsafe and were one of the major causes why the disaster happened. The said report also mentioned recommendations, one of which was to make all-seater stadiums. Due to this recommendation, the UEFA banned standing areas that eventually remove terraces from stadiums.

Though terraces were banned, there is a growing demand for its reintroduction in the present times. This would involve a hybrid model that is based on stadium designs from Germany. These designs are safe, follow the proper safety protocols, and have been used in modern stadiums in Ireland. Examples of these kinds of stadiums with terraces include the redeveloped Pairc Ui Chaomih, Thomond Park, and Croke Park as well as Hill 16.

In the United States, there are also stadiums with terraces that come with safe standing sections. These kinds of stadiums are also present in the United Kingdom.