Sit down, shut up

[The Oldman]

I think there 2 different things being debated here. The first is standing whilst the second is no atmosphere if you have to sit down. If standing came back it would be controlled to ensure that another Hillsborough did not happen. The capacity would be enforced with seperation to prevent the surges will all used to see in the old North Stand. So,the Stewards could be even more in your face. Having said that I would like standing to come back.

Now the atmosphere bit puzzles me. I have been at many all seater events where the atmosphere has been electric. The County Ground for one at evening matches. Wimbledon for another (last year's Murray match in the evening). The atmosphere is created when team or player and supporters become united to achieve a result. Something sparks that off. The importance of the event , David v Goliath situation, Referee's bad decision etc. So although many say you cannot create the buzz unless you are standing I am not sure that is really true. If as I suspect we end up with an all seater at Falmer surely there will be an atmosphere for some games.

 

[Ninja Elephant]

Would you agree it's more of an experience standing up? I recently saw Keane live at the Brighton centre, I was standing for this gig. When I had previously seen Kelly Clarkson ( ) there, I was seated. I felt much more involved in the performance as a standee, and I think that applies to football, it feels more of an experience to stand up against the majority of fans supporting the home side. I don't think I would like to stand up for home games though, I do prefer to be seated for them. I have spent the odd game in Block H standing up and signing my heart out, but in general, I prefer to save the standing up for away games.

It's not impossible to create atmosphere when seated, we managed it against Man City when everyone was up for it, same with the Chesterfield game in 2001, and of course the Swindon play off game.

 

[The Oldman]

Would you agree it's more of an experience standing up? QUOTE]

Although as I get older I find standing up for 90 minutes plus a bit of a strain I have enjoyed the experience many time. But as I said earler sitting down can still make for a fantastic atmosphere. Agree about the Man City game. Sitting down did not rob me of the excitement of the occassion. I just think too many blame sitting down for the lack of atmosphere at Withdean. It's the fans and players who create it.

 

[Ninja Elephant]

I am 21 but I struggle to stand for a whole game, dodgy knees my burden in life!
I read that part in your original post actually, you made a good point about the Murray match at Wimbledon with Gasquet, that was as good of an atmosphere I've ever known at Wimbledon, even for Henman's semi with Ivanisevic. Amazing. I think people use the Withdean as an excuse not to bother supporting the team now, which is sad, but understandable.