German second-division club Bochum has introduced a ban on supporters jumping up and down together in a section of their Ruhrstadion home, citing concerns that the resulting movement of the structure was making some fans feel ill.
The measure follows an engineering assessment carried out as part of a broader renovation plan for the stadium. While the inspection confirmed that the stand's load-bearing capacity remains sound and safe, it also identified an issue linked to coordinated jumping by fans during matches.
According to the findings, when supporters jump in unison, the stand produces a bouncing motion similar to that of a trampoline. This effect, the report noted, can cause unease or physical discomfort for spectators who are not accustomed to the sensation, even though there is no danger to the stand's overall structural integrity.
As a result, Bochum announced this week that synchronized jumping will be forbidden in the standing-room section of the East Stand starting October 11. The area is part of a stadium with an overall capacity of around 26,000 spectators, and the standing section is traditionally among the most animated parts of the venue, known for its vocal and physically engaged supporters.
In a statement explaining the decision, the club struck a tone of regret mixed with practicality, acknowledging that the restriction was not something they wanted to impose but was necessary under the circumstances.