Significant investment has been ploughed into improving Hillsborough stadium and training ground

Improving the atmosphere on matchdays at Hillsborough is one of a number of topics discussed at a recent fans’ meeting.

The inaugural meeting of Sheffield Wednesday’s newly-formed Fan Advisory Board (FAB) was held at the start of this month. The discussion allowed senior club representatives and six recognised supporter groups to air their views on a range of subjects. Progress under Arise, ticketing issues, matchday experience, atmosphere, retail, the women’s team, community engagement and safe standing were among the topics on the agenda.

Owls chief executive, David Bruce, explained that £11.5m had been invested in fixing longstanding infrastructure problems at Hillsborough, including £2m for essential works on the North Stand, as well as improving the training ground, since the takeover by Arise. Bruce also said further investment was required for both, including stadium concourse facilities, stadium technology, accessibility and supporter amenities.

The published notes from meeting report that it was confirmed that there are ‘no current plans to seek additional investors, while acknowledging that major future infrastructure projects would require careful consideration of funding and investment priorities.’

Meanwhile, ways in which a better atmosphere at home games could be created and to make Hillsborough a ‘fortress’ and ‘intimidating’ was also discussed, including the Kop band, supporter-led singing, flags, banners, pre-match music and the relationship between different areas of the stadium.

“There was a shared ambition to make Hillsborough a fortress, with the club and FAB acknowledging the collective role supporters play in creating a positive and intimidating home atmosphere,” the notes say.

Regarding season tickets, the club outlined its preference for rewarding existing season ticket holders through a loyalty-based pricing structure rather than traditional early-bird sales windows. The price of attending matches compared to other clubs was also debated, and ‘acknowledged’ by the club, committing to share its approach to pricing with the ticketing working group.