Aceface wrote:54,000 in football mode sounds more appropriate than 60,000...
Without a doubt the view would have been totally unacceptable if the seats remained as they were, especially the areas behind the goals. But after reading the KUMB article, (no idea how I missed that UTJ, thanks for the heads up!) I feel much more comfortable with the news that all four stands will be brought together with retractable seating.
I have to say I also felt happier when I heard the figure of 54,000, which just seems more appropriate and as you say, conducive to a good atmosphere. Make no mistake though, the viewing distances are the most crucial issues. A football stadium, especially an English one at that, simply will not work if the fans feel too detached from the match. It would seem promising that the reaction towards the retractable seating is primarily positive. I was watching Roma - Atalanta in the Coppa Italia and it is dreadful to imagine that stadium scenario for us. Thankfully, that looks to have been avoided with the retractable seating.
If the stadium looks anything like the artists impression that was released some time ago, I'd be delighted. Reading about claret and blue panels on Twitter, if true, would suggest that the early impression still has some relevance. Now if only those horrible seats could change colour!
Looking forward to the plans being released in the New Year and can only hope that we do not see delays in that like we have seen with the bidding process.