Fratton Park Capacity Temporarily Reduced

31 July 2013, 12:04 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Fratton Park's had it's capacity reduced by around 2,500 for Portsmouth's first game of the new season on Saturday.

A council inspection's found concerns about uneven terrace step heights in emergency evacuation areas.

Pompey says following discussions with the council, that have taken place over the last few months and are still ongoing, the ground's capacity has been temporarily set at 18,200 for their opening game in League Two against Oxford United.
 
The club says the 'temporary capacity reduction is a legacy of the past lack of maintenance and investment in infrastructure at Fratton Park'.

Chief executive Mark Catlin said:

“Although this is naturally disappointing news, it's important that supporters are aware we have worked tirelessly behind the scenes with Portsmouth City Council for the last three months to actually get the capacity to the figure that has been set for the Oxford fixture.

“I must stress that this is a temporary reduction and that we are already in the process of preparing a robust schedule of works to enable us to once again increase our capacity up to previous levels.

“The safety and security of supporters at Fratton Park has, and always will be, our primary concern.”

The club also says 'it's working around the clock to make more seats available.'