Arsenal have a limit on the capacity as directed by Islington council, so we couldn't increase the capacity. (Arsenal could introduce standing and keep the same capacity, there is a system where each seat is attached to a rail and it flips up so you can either sit or stand) Where it would be useful is for teams who are looking to new builds, they could instead redevelop existing grounds to include safe standing and increase capacity. It would need the clubs onside in terms of ticketing to offer a cheaper alternative, so the usual supply and demand equation would have to be modified to allow for that. If clubs really care about their fans, then it's something I think they should consider. Arsenal would lose some match day revenue if they introduced it and kept the same capacity, but for other clubs it could be an attractive option to increase capacity whilst saving millions on new builds and giving fans a choice. For these clubs any loss of match day revenue for seat tickets could be offset with increased capacity with standing tickets.
Would it make it more attractive for Arsenal to further invest in the local transport links if they could dramatically increase the stadium capacity with safe seating? I can't remember seeing how much the council wanted Arsenal to pay for the tube station to be increased but it clearly wasn't realistic for us to increase to say 70-75k from 60k, but with safe standing, if we could increase to that much or 80k with little spent on the stadium (I'm making an assumption based on the nature of modern stadiums in regards to adding extra tiers, and the fact that you can fit more people standing than seating.)
The word hooligan is in inverted comma's for a reason. I am not advocating the return of hooligans. The sterotype from the 70's and 80's was that all young male football fans were hooligans which is simply not true. The hike in ticket prices (along with other measures) has virtually wiped out hooliganism in British football grounds, but has also virtually wiped out the presence of young working class males at matches, which relates directly to the OP. I don't think football has lost it's popularity amongst young people - unfortunately most are reduced to watching it on the TV
I'm pretty sure that Islington Council have set the capacity at 60k regardless of transport infrastructure. But theoretically if Arsenal could increase their capacity then safe standing would be an economical and welcome option. There around around 50k on the season ticket waiting list at Arsenal, so supply and demand dictates that ticket prices will always be high (even though Arsenal do offer cheap seats for some games) but if we could offer another 10k-15k of safe standing tickets, then the waiting list would reduce and the club could offer these tickets at a reduced price and still get more revenue from match days.
For me, it's about offering fans choice and value for money. Some people don't want to stand and find the idea abhorrent, they want a comfy seat and are prepared to pay for it. But the problem with modern ticketing allocation is that you don't get a choice of who you sit with. So if you (like me) want to jump up and down, shout and swear and sing your heart out, then you're not always in the same part of the ground as like minded fans and are just as likely to be sitting next to a couple of Japanese tourists or a couple with young children. By introducing a standing area it would offer fans who want that more visceral experience a chance to stand together and I'm convinced that the atmosphere in Premier league grounds would be electric as a result.
would probably get a ticket next to you knowing my luck............. ps only kidding. they should sell the tickets in sections like family section, standing section, singing section, swearing section, so that you can choose.
