We have those very stands at our club field and they are pointing at the spectators. There is however a fence about 20 feet away the keeps the spectators at a safe distance. I assume that the direction serves a couple of purposes. One, there is a bench in front of the bench for setting you flight box with starter, fuel can etc. The other is that the planes are pointing into the prevailing wind so the exhaust is blowing down wind and not into the wind.

Blessings, Terry