ground capacity.

[Hempstead Gaz]

When the Northfleet terrace has been refurbished, and (presumably) has crush barriers in place, will this have an effect on our present 4098 capacity?

Second question, maybe Dave H knows, but how are capacities of terraced grounds calculated?

I have always assumed it is based on 1 person taking up 1 metre/yard of space x length of terrace x number of rows of terrace.

If that was an approximately true calculation , I would guess it would take our ground safely up to around 5,500.

1200 at Swanscombe End, 1500 Northfleet end, 1800 Main Road terrace, 600 seated + 400 standing on river side.

We all remember the Canvey game, gate was listed as 4098 (but does ANYONE really believe the turnstile men were in constant communication and closed the gates exactly on the limit?). I still think there was over 6000 with room to spare.

An increased capacity would benefit us should we have a good cup run in the next year or 2 (look at Exeter)

[David Holden]

Quote:

Chatham Gary said:
When the Northfleet terrace has been refurbished, and (presumably) has crush barriers in place, will this have an effect on our present 4098 capacity?

No, see previous postings.

Quote:

Second question, maybe Dave H knows, but how are capacities of terraced grounds calculated?
I have always assumed it is based on 1 person taking up 1 metre/yard of space x length of terrace x number of rows of terrace.
If that was an approximately true calculation , I would guess it would take our ground safely up to around 5,500.
1200 at Swanscombe End, 1500 Northfleet end, 1800 Main Road terrace, 600 seated + 400 standing on river side.

Haven't the slightest idea, but in any event see above.

[Guest]

The basic methodology for assessing the capacity of football grounds in set out in the HMSO publication 'Guide to Safety in Sports Grounds' (1997)- also known as the 'Green Guide'.

 

This sets maximum carrying capacity according to design criteria which is then reduced according to the standard of maintenance and safety practices of the organisation.

 

Effectively, you take the theoretical maximum number and apply a risk analysis based on the physical condition of the ground and the ability of the club to care for the safety of their customers.

 

The absolute maximum number of supporters that can be physically accomodated is based on the lowest of three figures. The first is the number of people who can enter the ground through the turnstiles in a one hour period before the kick off; the second is the maximum number of people who can leave the ground in an emergency within 8 minutes (the wooden stand would have to be cleared in less than this); and the third is the maximum number of people who can sit and stand safely in the ground at any one time based on the the design of terracing/standard of safety barriers and the design of the seated areas.

 

It's actually more simple to work out than it seems but much depends on the assessment of ground condition and the safety arrangements in place. Obviously, if an area of terracing deteriorates too much, the Fire Officer will require that it is closed altogether.

 

Mind you, if you actually read through the 'Green Guide' you will wonder how some grounds have the capacity that they do!