North Stand at Hillsborough Closed Over Safety Concerns Ahead of New Season

Sheffield Wednesday’s North Stand has been closed by Sheffield City Council due to concerns about its structural integrity, casting uncertainty over the club’s preparations for the new Championship season.

The decision comes after “extensive corrosion” was reportedly found in the roof of the stand, with the council confirming that the club failed to provide sufficient assurances that repair work had been completed. As a result, a prohibition notice has been issued, meaning the stand cannot be used by spectators.

The closure impacts Wednesday's first home game of the season against Stoke City on Saturday 16 August.

Councillor Joe Otten, chair of the council’s environmental services and regulation policy committee, said:

“We are regrettably in a position where we must issue a notice prohibiting spectators in the North Stand until we can be absolutely assured that the required work has been undertaken to the satisfaction of the council as certifying authority.”

He added that the decision was taken immediately following an assessment by engineering specialists, who could no longer confirm the stand’s safety.

The council said it will continue working with the club to resolve the issue and hopes to see fans return to Hillsborough as soon as possible.

The closure is the latest development in what has been a difficult summer for the Owls. The club has faced multiple financial issues, including late wage payments in May and June, and is currently under several transfer embargoes. Earlier this week, manager Danny Rohl left the club by mutual consent, adding further instability just weeks before the new campaign kicks off.