Avro have installed protective safety padding on the retaining wall beneath the main stand at the Vestacare Stadium, the club confirmed on Monday 9 November.
The project was funded by the Premier League Stadium Fund as part of the Football Association's work on concrete pitch-perimeter barriers across the pyramid. Under the FA's 2026/27 Stadium Accreditation Criteria, solid brick, block and concrete perimeter walls at Steps 1 to 6 must be removed or, where that is not structurally possible, covered with suitable protection.
The club said the one-piece design protects the wall's face, leading edge and top while keeping a uniform appearance around the stadium. According to Avro, the padding has been tested against exposed hard surfaces and showed up to a 97% reduction in peak angular acceleration.
Each pad carries Velcro strips so sponsor banners and advertising can be fixed directly onto it, which the club said turns a compliance requirement into pitchside space it can sell. The club acknowledged the process may have seemed lengthy, saying extensive research went into choosing the right material and mitigating risks.
Avro thanked the Premier League Stadium Fund, the FA, installer and supplier Foams 4 Sports, and health and safety consultants Rhino Safety.