Football fans have been contributing to a consultation on their club’s plans for redeveloping part of its stadium.
Swindon Town FC’s proposals would involve moving more than 800 season ticket holders from their usual seats in the Don Rogers Stand at the County Ground.
The plans include a new hospitality suite, a new “iconic” reception area as well as refurbishing existing areas like the toilets.
The club’s chief executive Anthony Hall called the project “exciting” but also “emotive” due to the seat changes.
At one of the consultation events for the changes, Mr Hall explained that after the consultation, the club hopes that the proposals – put together by the architects Anderson and Prescott – can enter the council planning process this summer.
“There’s mixed emotions in the room. I think a lot of it is around losing the seats and where the new offers will be made.
“It is exciting. It’s a good project.”
The plans would improve accessibility for those with disabilities and help bring in more income for the club, something fans at a public consultation event on Tuesday agreed it needed.
Joanne, who has been a season ticket holder for four years but would not be moved, said: “Hospitality is the way forward, not just on match days. We’ve got to attract income and therefore we have to move forward.
“We’re to the side of the hospitality boxes so it’s whether there’s going to be any obstruction,” she added.
John Bevan has been a season ticket holder in his seat since 1994, and said he agreed the stadium needs investment.
“I’m really pleased they’re making effort to upgrade,” he said.
However Mr Bevan will be one of those who faces being moved as part of the changes.
“It’s built up a community [in the stand],” he said. “Personally I’m worried it’s going to affect the atmosphere and community there.
“It’s a shame because I know from experience they’re part of the loyal supporters even when the team is doing very badly.”
Mr Bevan added he wanted to see the redevelopment happen the other end of the ground, which he said is the oldest section. This would take longer to do though, the club has said.
STFC said that it understood the seats are important part of matchday tradition and that it appreciates the patience and support through the transition.
Supporter Richard told the BBC he does not “know what the fuss is about”.
He has been going to the stadium since the 1960s and said: “It’s just gradually deteriorated over that time, no one has ever done anything. We’ve had plans before, but nothing has ever happened.”
The club has the plans up on its website and is holding another in-person event on 23 April, which people will need to book onto in advance if they want to attend.
