Sheffield United atmosphere movement gathers momentum as Blades fans buy into Bramall Lane initiative
Sheffield United supporters can still move into Bramall Lane’s new dedicated singing section despite the official seat exchange window closing earlier this week - with the number of fans already having done so in the three figures.
Sheffield United supporters who wish to move their season ticket to Bramall Lane’s dedicated singing area, which has been created ahead of next season, can still do so despite the official window for seat exchanges expiring. The Blades confirmed the idea back in March.
The announcement sparked some debate online, with the Blades dedicating a section of the back of the Kop ”to bring together supporters who wish to contribute to the atmosphere at Bramall Lane by singing and supporting the team throughout the match.”
Similar schemes have been introduced at other Championship clubs, with the aim of helping improve the atmosphere at Bramall Lane. The area will be located in the Kop, positioned between gangways A and B.
A short window recently opened for season-ticket holders to switch their seats, officially closing on Monday. But The Star understands that supporters who wish to seal their place in the singing section will still be able to do so for the forseeable future.
Around 100 fans have already switched, we understand, with approximately 250 spaces still remaining ahead of the new campaign. The section was introduced after discussions between United and their Fan Advisory Board.
And a FAB spokesperson said: “The Fan Advisory Board is working closely with both the club and supporter groups to make overall fan experience in and around Bramall Lane the very best it can be.
“From the introduction of safe standing last season to creating a designated singing section - which have been really successful at other clubs - there are some great initiatives underway to make sure matchday at Bramall Lane remains an amazing experience for fans.”
The aim of the movement is to replicate the sort of atmosphere generated in the away end on the final day of the Championship season, a 2-1 win at Derby County, at Bramall Lane. A fundraiser organised by Lee Eccles, the founder of the Shoreham 89 movement, has raised thousands of pounds.
A number of flags have been purchased with the donations, and more are in the pipeline ahead of the new season. But some have also been stolen by supporters, with one later being discovered abandoned in a park.
A Shoreham Boys 89 statement on their Facebook page recently read: “We all want Bramall Lane to be back at its hostile best; the intimidating, loud atmosphere that has an impact on the pitch.
“The atmosphere can be good in spells and in the big games, but let’s make it every game. We all complain about how flat our atmosphere is and change has to start somewhere.
“It needs a kick up the a***, so come be the boot. People are starting to move to our section, but we need more. We need your vocal support to encourage the rest of the ground to join in.”