Bochum have banned supporters from jumping up and down in unison in part of the Ruhrstadion, after the tribune movement left some spectators feeling unwell.
The measure applies to the standing area of the East Stand and comes into force on 11 October. The club, who play in the 2. Bundesliga, made the announcement on Wednesday. The Ruhrstadion holds a capacity of about 26,000.
The decision follows an engineering investigation carried out as part of an upgrade plan for the stadium. The engineers cleared the structure’s load-carrying capacity, but their report also highlighted that synchronised jumping during matches produces what they described as a “trampoline effect” in the tribune, which can trigger discomfort among those who are not used to it.
In a statement, the club said it regretted the step while welcoming the fact that the stand can still be filled. “VfL regrets the unavoidable measures but is relieved that the East Stand can be used at full capacity, provided the ban on jumping is observed,” it read.
The club also pointed to the timing of the restriction, noting that renovation of the East Stand already forms part of its modernisation project. That, Bochum said, means a lengthy planning process can be avoided, with the ban on jumping set to be lifted once the scheduled renovation work is completed in 2028.