You’re completely right, Harry. It needs to be done, the question is when and minds need to be focused on the how options you very eloquently lay out. I’m a main stand ST holder and if it took missing a year for the greater good I’d be happy to do it. Our forefathers sacrificed much more to build the ground. If the club make the case I’m sure most main stand ST holders would take the hit. The bulk in the main stand are old farts like MySQL and/or families. I’d like the work sooner so I can appreciate it as much as I can. I’m sure parents want this for the next gen.
As someone who has been in the main stand for 40 seasons now ( Hampden year excluded). You are 100% correct it needs a revamp. A few issues, one you raise ( what do you do with 7500 fans while you build it). Second issue, it will be premium seats with premium prices, what do you do with the people who can’t afford the premium seats and choose to move elsewhere… first world problems I know, but a problem never the less.
Since the new North stand opened and I happily took my seat in the upper section, I’ve had seats to the Lisbon Lion stand and the main stand. I couldn’t agree more that this is the right time, from a position of strength, to address the issues with the main stand in terms of individual seat space, facilities and infrastructure. Even the existing premium seats and lounge facilities are over-stretched and cramped, particularly for big games. It is a complete embarrassment to see that white tent to go up year after year for European football.
I think there is a further option that could be explored and that is stadium naming rights. Appreciate that this wouldn’t cover the full cost but it would help reduce the amounts needed.
Also within your additional income figures, I don’t think you covered European games so again so extra income annually to make the interest payments
Enjoyed these articles Harry and couldn’t agree more (and I’ve been in the main stand for 25+ years). One other thing to take into account is the next generation of Celtic fans…. For any young boy/girl who has the desire to see Celtic regularly, they need to wait a numbers of years on the waiting list and if successful, will unlikely be near any friends or family. A problem I currently have with my daughter who is keen to come with me every week.
I'll be re-engaging with Michael and Chris on this when the window closes.
You’re completely right, Harry. It needs to be done, the question is when and minds need to be focused on the how options you very eloquently lay out. I’m a main stand ST holder and if it took missing a year for the greater good I’d be happy to do it. Our forefathers sacrificed much more to build the ground. If the club make the case I’m sure most main stand ST holders would take the hit. The bulk in the main stand are old farts like MySQL and/or families. I’d like the work sooner so I can appreciate it as much as I can. I’m sure parents want this for the next gen.
As someone who has been in the main stand for 40 seasons now ( Hampden year excluded). You are 100% correct it needs a revamp. A few issues, one you raise ( what do you do with 7500 fans while you build it). Second issue, it will be premium seats with premium prices, what do you do with the people who can’t afford the premium seats and choose to move elsewhere… first world problems I know, but a problem never the less.
Since the new North stand opened and I happily took my seat in the upper section, I’ve had seats to the Lisbon Lion stand and the main stand. I couldn’t agree more that this is the right time, from a position of strength, to address the issues with the main stand in terms of individual seat space, facilities and infrastructure. Even the existing premium seats and lounge facilities are over-stretched and cramped, particularly for big games. It is a complete embarrassment to see that white tent to go up year after year for European football.
I think there is a further option that could be explored and that is stadium naming rights. Appreciate that this wouldn’t cover the full cost but it would help reduce the amounts needed.
Also within your additional income figures, I don’t think you covered European games so again so extra income annually to make the interest payments
Enjoyed these articles Harry and couldn’t agree more (and I’ve been in the main stand for 25+ years). One other thing to take into account is the next generation of Celtic fans…. For any young boy/girl who has the desire to see Celtic regularly, they need to wait a numbers of years on the waiting list and if successful, will unlikely be near any friends or family. A problem I currently have with my daughter who is keen to come with me every week.