In the European football stadiums hard work has been done in the last couple of years on what perhaps is going to be the most profound change of the last decennia, the disappearance of the standing sections in favour of comfortable and often more expensive seats. At Ajax not all fans are happy with this situation, a number of them in section 127 categorically refuse to sit down. In the latest Ajax Magazine Michael van Praag adds his little bit to the matter and even announces lengthy stadium bans. A threatening conflict situation is at hand.
Appearances seem to determine the image of the stadium.
Of less importance is whether of not the stadium breathes some kind of football atmosphere. Multi-functionality decides about the design of a stadium, football is an inferior side issue. The owners, or better the stock holders, these days no longer talk about football stadiums but about football theatres. And indeed, in a theatre you are supposed to sit down. On top of that it is safer, easier to control and more quiet in the sitting sections.