Ibrox, the third biggest stadium in Scotland (and 15th largest in the UK), could be about to get even bigger. The Rangers ground has launched a feasibility study, exploring options that could see huge changes to the matchday experience and a notable boost in capacity.
Official capacity at Ibrox currently stands at a not-too-shabby 51,700. One option reportedly being explored by the club could see another 4,000 seats added – which would take the Gers ground past national stadium Hampden Park (51,866) in the Scottish stadium rankings. Four thousand wouldn’t boost Ibrox beyond the capacity of Celtic Park, however, which holds just over 60,000.
But increased capacity isn’t all that could be in store for Ibrox. The feasibility study is also looking into the matchday experience more widely, and could lead to overhauls of the venue’s facilities, bars and social spaces. Specifically, the study will look into how Edmiston House, the G51 space and stadium offices can be better used on matchdays.
The club has assured fans that celebrating the team’s heritage ‘will remain central to the process’, while fans themselves (and fan groups) will be consulted on any changes. That consultation is expected to launch later this year.
Ibrox’s feasibility plan is one of several notable football stadium projects unveiled across Britain in recent months. Oxford United’s new ground received official government approval and Leyton Orient unveiled ambitions for a ‘world class’ stadium, while both Manchester United and Birmingham City have revealed new stadium plans. Arsenal are reportedly exploring how the London team could add 20,000 more seats to the Emirates, too.
About Rangers’ plans for Ibrox, interim chief executive Fraser Thornton said: ‘This is an important project for the club.
‘We want to build for the future in a way that is sustainable and ambitious, while also identifying the steps we can take right now to improve the matchday experience and what we offer our fans.’
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