The Rise of Safe Standing in American Soccer

The global stereotype of American soccer is that it lacks passionate fans. Supporters of MLS teams are mocked around the globe simply for supporting their local club. However, we know better. Concrete evidence of the true supporters culture that is emerging in the states can be found in the supporter sections of new soccer specific stadiums (SSS) springing up across the nation. Almost all new SSSs come complete with safe-standing for the supporters.

For those unfamiliar (though i'm sure you all are by now) safe-standing is a design in stadiums that allow fans to safely stand the entire game (as supporters do). The concept is widely used in Europe and South America although fear of this idea spread after the Hillsborough disaster in which 96 Liverpool fans were killed after being crammed into a no-seat section in 1989 (safe-standing is not to blame for the incident, but the design was still banned in the UK and in UEFA competitions).

The fear-mongering of English officials have not scared off American supporters, clubs, or stadium designers from incorporating this concept. The first to finally pull the trigger was Orlando City SC when Orlando City Stadium opened in 2017. Holding 3,811 supporters, Orlando City Stadium is the first American SSS to feature an entire safe-standing supporters section. When the club was putting together the design for Orlando City Stadium, they asked supporters what they wanted to see at the new ground and an overwhelming amount said "safe-standing", which led to the ultimate construction of The Wall.

Following soon after, both LAFC and Minnesota United announced their plans to incorporate safe standing into their stadiums. LAFC's stand holds 3,252 supporters (which became the name for their supporter union). The section is the steepest in MLS at 34 degrees (1 degree steeper than Orlando City's). LAFC also features rail seating,  (seats that can be unlocked and fold down if necessary, for events such as international games or concerts) as is common in most safe standing sections in Europe (European competitions require all-seater stadiums). 

Another safe-standing section is also being built in the yet-to-be-completed Allianz Field in Minnesota. The section will hold 2,900 loons supporters. 

Construction progress on the supporter's section

Safe-standing is no longer unique to MLS. It is expanding to the second and third divisions of American soccer, most notably to Louisville City FC. The defending USL champions recently broke ground on an 11,000 seat SSS that is set to include a safe-standing section capable of holding up to 3,000 supporters. 

Lastly, and most recent, the new USLD3 club in Madison, Wisconsin has announced its stadium will include a 1,000 capacity safe-standing supporters section. 

In addition to these concrete examples, there are rumors of clubs such as Toronto FC, DC United, and Portland Timbers turning their supporters sections into safe-standing, but those are just rumors for now.