Plans to expand Ibrox have long been considered pie in the sky stuff but, after years of renovations and improvements, it would appear that Rangers fan group the Union Bears have played a key role in seeing this come to life.
The disabled facilities have been prioritised and cantilever additions to every stand except the main stand will see a solid expansion and a signific improvement for fans who have for too long had to sit at pitch level with poor views.
An official announcement by the club means that the Ibrox atmosphere could be improved for Rangers fans with a move for the Union Bears as well as the capacity getting a lift too, could this mean a return to the previous Old Firm ticketing?
Ibrox set for expansion with Union Bears at the centre for Rangers
A club statement explained what will be happening from the start of the 2024/25 season:
“As has been the club’s long-term ambition, a number of new accessible viewing positions are to be added to the rear of the Copland Front, increasing our overall wheelchair-accessible spaces to 153 – the highest of any stadium in the Scottish Premiership.
“Additionally, following trials earlier in the season and further to supporter and men’s first-team player feedback, the club will introduce an expanded singing section within the Copland Front.
“The Ibrox atmosphere is renowned the world over, and the club are committed to enhancing that even further to ensure our famous home remains one of football’s most iconic venues.
“Allied to these changes, a new cantilever will be constructed at the front of the Copland Rear with almost 1000 new seats, meaning a net-capacity increase of almost 600, with these new seats having some of the best views of the Ibrox pitch.”
What does this mean financially for Rangers?
There is a lot to take in but, in short, the Union Bears will be moving in Ibrox to front and centre of the Copland Road stand.
Those fans who are displaced will be offered the chance to take up new seats in the cantilever section as well as the addition of the much improved disabled fan facility.
Going off of an average season ticket cost with £532 the reported cheapest adult ticket, this could mean an annual boost in the region of £350,000.
Almost covering a player like John Souttar’s wage.
When you take into consideration that this project is going to be replicated in the Sandy Jardine and Broomloan stands, it soon adds up.
The extra income will be welcome, however, having a unified singing section in a central location could make a huge difference in atmosphere, especially if they are able to add to their current numbers.
With the Union Bears moving to the Copland, what this could mean is that the Old Firm ticket farce could be fixed.
There are too many season ticket holders to ever go back to them having the full stand but the European allocation is more doable with the seats that will be freed up in this project.
Yes, a few season ticket holders might have to shift seats in the Broomloan to accommodate Celtic fans but something has to give.
This board appears to be more proactive both on and off the pitch, and this is another step in the right direction.
They get enough stick when things go wrong so it’s only fair that they are applauded when they get something right.
