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Bolton Wanderers are set to introduce safe standing at the Toughsheet Community Stadium for the first time, with two small sections of rail seating due to be installed by the end of October.
The change is designed to address persistent standing concerns while helping the club recover some of the capacity currently lost in affected areas.
Bolton announce major stadium change with safe standing update
Parts of the South and East Upper stands were sectioned off this season following recommendations from safety groups, with persistent standing identified as a major issue during Bradford City's visit last November.
The club has now prioritised two small areas for rail seating, which will allow tickets to be sold in sections that have previously been affected by the restrictions.
Chief executive David Ray explained that Bolton had been identified as one of the highest-risk clubs for persistent standing, with the steep rake of the East and South Upper stands contributing to the issue.
The initial work is expected to be completed in time for Middlesbrough's visit on Friday 23rd October, with the club viewing the project as the first phase of a wider safe standing plan.
Bolton would like to introduce larger safe standing sections in the future, including in the lower tiers, although there is currently no timeframe for that work.
The club is also planning to move away supporters into the upper tier of the South Stand. That could allow Bolton to use more of the lower section for home supporters when demand allows.
The changes could help the club move closer to its official capacity of 28,723, particularly following the removal of safety netting and installation of rail seating.
Bolton have also confirmed that their floodlights have been upgraded to meet Championship regulations, with the new LED bulbs costing less than 10 per cent of the previous system.
FGG says: A move that could unlock more of the Toughsheet Stadium capacity
The introduction of rail seating addresses a long-standing issue while giving Bolton greater flexibility over how sections of the stadium are used.
The potential to restore some of the lost capacity is another benefit, particularly if more supporters can eventually be accommodated in the lower South Stand.
The first phase could therefore pave the way for further safe standing improvements at the Toughsheet Stadium.