Rangers are limited with how they can expand Ibrox for a number of reasons but safe standing is a no-brainer.
It’s a question that has been asked at AGMs for years now with it being a project that has been looked into, shelved and re-visited on numerous occasions.
The biggest stumbling block has always been it’s place on the list of Ibrox priorities but now it would seem that progress is being made.
Speaking to the assembled media, incoming chief executive James Bisgrove revealed that the disabled facilities will see a lift in capacity to 51,500 by the time of completion in 2025.
By this point, the various lounges and New Edmiston House will be compete so that focus can turn fully to the next realistic method to create more seats, a better atmosphere and more money.
What has James Bisgrove said about safe standing for Rangers fans at Ibrox?
In a wide ranging interview, Bisgrove said of the popular initiative:
“Safe standing is one that I personally think would bring a lot of positives in terms of stadium atmosphere.
“I’ve seen at other stadiums across Europe how beneficial that can be for the home fans that really want to get behind the team and they want to enjoy the match experience in that way. It’s key that it’s safe standing.
“That’s where all the tests have been absolutely robust to prove that that’s the case.
“What we will do in the next six months is revisit the feasibility of that from an infrastructure point of view. So working with the stadium architects and in parallel, we will also talk to the supporter groups.”
There are numerous clubs up and down the country that already have this in place with Stadia by GL Events the, seemingly, go to company who claim that rail seating is the easiest method to increase capacity.
The board have been under pressure this season, the fall-out from the Europa League final, an apparent failure to invest post-55 and criticism about communication including not listening to fan concerns.
Bisgrove has set about addressing these points with communication in particular being a key goal over the short and long term.
Safe standing and moving the Union Bears to a central location have been debated, at length, by supporters for a few years now, AGMs being a regular opportunity for them to vent their frustration.
If the new chief executive can make fans happy, improve the Ibrox atmosphere and bring in extra money in one move then it can only be a good thing.
