Safe standing comes to Scottish football. Standing was a part of our game for over a century (and still is in the semi-professional divisions), but the Taylor Report changed the game fundamentally, as grounds were made all-seater in the 1990s. This phenomenon was not restricted to the UK, Uefa (to some extent) enforced the trend on the rest of the Continent.
Then things changed in Germany. New stadiums had railed seating, which allowed spectators to stand during games. This allowed more people to fit into the same space. The grounds still had to be converted to conventional seating for Uefa games, but the phenomenon of safe standing proved, well, safe.
In fact, it is a lot safer than the de facto situation in many UK grounds, where away fans stand in areas which are clearly unsafe for standing crowds.
I understand why Celtic have situated the safe standing area where they have lower-tier corner of North and Lisbon Lions stands, but for me it should be North Stand upper. If you’re going to have a standing section, don’t just site it where one has emerged organically, put it where it best suits the stadium, can have most impact on atmosphere and has room to grow. Make no mistake, demand will outstrip supply for the standing area, and soon enough we’ll be wondering how we grow it.
The stadium can be further-portioned off. At the moment the family area is squashed between the new standing area and away fans – this section also has nowhere to grow. If you want more families, ensure each passing decade the stadium has more targeted family areas.
There should also be greater price differentiation for tickets. The pack-em-in reality of standing areas fits the profile of a cheaper ticket, which fits the reality of the North Stand upper’s isolation from amenities like lounges. Fill the North upper full of cheap, standing tickets, extend facilities like lounges – and charge accordingly, or family facilities, to lower tiers.
You want to stand in a busy area, move about and keep warm – pay less. You want to keep warm in a lounge – pay more. You want to take penalties against Ms Hoopy, go to the family area. Just bring a child, please.
30 years from now, few will want to watch football in a stadium like Celtic Park. This happened to football in the 70s and 80s. It became stuck in the infrastructure of what was then regarded by many as a decrepit bygone era. Many football fans just stopped going. I can see history repeating itself.
Cater for the future or your local shopping mall/multiplex will. In future, everyone will want access to a warm lounge before and after the game, and at halftime. Try planning a leisure activity in northern Europe for the 21st century and come up with any other conclusion.
Ticket machines should be at the perimeter of the stadium footprint. Once inside, you should have fan zones with bars, restaurants, cafes, play areas, shops – mostly undercover. You should never be more than 5 minutes away from being able to spend money. Or spend a penny – with paper towels available all afternoon.
I’m usually in the environs of Celtic Park close to 3 hours on a match day. The opportunities for engagement are enormous, but we’re miles away for thousands of us in the ‘reasonably priced’ seats.
None of this is meant as a criticism. We have a magnificent 20th century stadium, I was one of thousands who paid to build it. All of the above wish-list would cost millions we just don’t have – this is the reality. But we need to have a vision of what our future requirement looks like.
I still miss the old Celtic Park, the new stadium cannot touch if for atmosphere, but what we expect when we go to the football is different now, and will be different again in the future. The first thing I’d do if we broke free of Scottish football is call in the bulldozers and start again.
Season ticket prices remain same as last season, confounding conspiracy theorists four-year fantasy. This caused brief spates of cognitive dissonance before a fresh wave of conspiracies washed the pain away.
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I’ve waited a couple of days to post this.
I’ve been banging on about speed, fitness and hard-work in both the individual and the team sense as the key components for success for years and years on here.
How many times I was lambasted for banging on about how vital to the team Agathe was, and how his unselfish play brought the rest of the team into play often without him gaining any of the credit.
You cannot imagine how delighted I am that Leicester, a side with the fastest two players, and four of the top 6 quickest players in the league are champions.
Their triumph is total vindication of my trumpeting of Agathe and a focus on the team above the individual.
No doubt, there will still be folk on here blabbing about how good Di Canio was even though he didn’t give a toss about the team or the club. Di Canio I don’t think, won the league with any team he ever played a significant role in, and I’m not too surprised at that.
Hopefully Kante doesn’t get caught up in the headlights when PSG or Real Madrid call which I’m sure they will, and Mahrez is likely to go to PSG too. Shame as Ranieri and the coaching staff have managed something a wee bit special down there, if the next Celtic manager and staff can acquire even 30% of what they’ve done, it’ll be an enjoyable few seasons.
Neganon2″
I will ask again. Give me a single good reason why Celtic don’t take res12 to UEFA? Or indeed the sfa?”
No one knowing of a good reason does not mean there is not one.
I can wait.
JJ
Tiny Tim. All is connected, that poor team on the park is a result of the Moneyball strategy and the strategy of perpetual downsizing and lack of ambition. Scottish football is a disaster as its a cesspit of cheating and corruption.
But you still didn’t answer my question. Are you happy with the board?
Give me one good reason why Celtic the club did not ask the SFA for the result of one game against old rangers that had players falsely registered ?
Jungle Jim. If there was a good reason why not tell us?
Naaaaaaaah, no buying all this – jam the morra thingy!
Do all of these modern day George Delaney’s not realize that, the ‘cute’ way to deal with the ….
Res : 12.
LNS.
Tax cases.
Pending appointment of the next puppet-manager.
is….
The modern day, George Delaney’s – Joe O’Rourke, Winning captains and any other leader of supporters who is naive nought to think that, the Celtic PLC board can be, trusted, negotiated, reason with….have ye all forgot how they sold the clubs soul after the ‘shame-game’ thingy????
No, no talking……
Inform the Celtic-PLC-Hierarchy that, the Celtic paying customer base have decided to do ‘exactly’ what the, C-PLC-H are going to do and….wait till all the above boxes have been suitably ticked, from a Celtic paying customer point of view.
Then, there will be no fall-out between the customers and the club.
Surely the Hierarchy will trust that the customer’s will cough up the season book money once they’ve seen it revealed, when the timing is right that, the hierarchy have fought all the way down the road v’s all the, cheating, corruption, deception, soul-selling etc ?
So, it boils down to this….
Celtic PLC will speak out when the timing is right!
Celtic’s customer’s will pay the season book money when the timing is right!
Fair’s…fair…n…awe that, eh ?
See who blinks 1st – CSC.
P.S. I go good news at the hospital today re: my cancer treatments,
They don’t want to see me for another 5 years – that must be a good sign, right ?
Thanks for all yer prayers and best wishes – JOBO BALDIE = LEGEND God Bless you sir.
I was sorry to read about the sad passing of, EMERALDBEE’s young cousin, so, so sad
to read that. Thank heavens that he saw the Celtic become Champions for 5 in a row.
Thoughts & Prayers to all who are Close.
You’ll Never Walk Alone….in the Jungle.
Going to bed to tired now…….zzzzzzzz
Result to be overturned
Saint
“Did I miss anything?”
————————
Just the minor matter of us going along with the fantastical narrative of a 4 year old team being ‘back’ in a league division they have never been as they try to win their 55th title.
Or did your point about the new sponsor cover that?
Neganon2″
I will ask again. Give me a single good reason why Celtic don’t take res12 to UEFA? Or indeed the sfa?”
No one knowing of a good reason does not mean there is not one.
I can wait.
– What JJ said. I’ve summised timing but likewise, happy to trust and wait.
Stivs. . I missed that!
Citeh don’t look like they’ve got it in them.
NEGANON2
I get the bit about trying to dissuade Celtic supporters not to buy season tickets but assuming 10% of the support read CQN what percentage would refuse to renew? Now, others who do not read CQN may, for the reasons which you enunciate cogently, may decide not to uptake. The numbers may be difficult to gauge but unless each advises the CEO of the reason it could be assigned to financial or health reasons, for example.
But even if there is a drop of 10% or 15% what then? If the Board resigns who chooses their successors and it won’t be the Celts in the jungle.
If Dermot decides to sell who will buy his shares. A Lerner type for example. The whole matter needs more than a rush of blood IMHO or expressing anger on a blog. HH
Great news Kev
Neg2 – Not sure what age you are but can you tell me what board you or any other Celtic support were happy with ? If you can answer that, tell me which board you were happy with before that, because I’m in my 50s and couldn’t name you one….
Beat bhoy
The continuation myth is definately a clincher for me. But on this I give them to the 1st match against 2nd rangers.
In all Celtic media and publications there must be an unequivocal narrative ,…..
We welcome the new club to their first visit to Celtic park.
Any other script is old firmist.
I am willing to do the programme notes.
Saint Stivs
Stand by your phone!
Hibs hibbing it?
Evening All — Just in and heading out again.
Tontine Tim — did you know a family from Bellsmyre called Ferns? Just asking.
Re the idea of a “Chelsea Village” like thing around Celtic Park — I have to say if it gets built it will get used.
I have been to the park on many non match days and there are plenty of toursits who go out to see the place however that would be far more if there were facilities around the ground.
Now, these don’t have to be miles of facilities but that area of Glasgow is up and coming and would be enhanced by Celtic really making it a better draw, Many fans spend planty money in the cafe’s, bars and restuarants in and around Duke Street and Alexandria Parade before a home game.
Many more in the city centre.
Football in and around Glasgow already generates millions of pounds in revenue and creates jobs a plenty but it could be more if you create a full time destinational venue as opposed to just a football stadium with a couple of lounges, a few burger bars and a prefab shop.
The Celtic International Football Program run by Willie McNab means that Celtic are linked and pertnered with a huge and evergrowing number of clubs — and these could be used to build on the tourist and footballing links with Celtic.
Look at the list:
North America
FC Florida Celtic: http://www.celticfl.net
San Diego Football Academy: http://www.sdfacademy.com
Tony Glavin Soccer Club (St Louis): http://www.tonyglavin.com
St Edward HS (Cleveland) http://www.sehs.net
Booneville SC (Missouri) http://www.bsaravens.org
SF Glens (San Francisco) http://www.sfglens.com
McLean Soccer (Virginia) http://www.mcleansoccer.org
SABA (New York) http://www.sabaskills.com
Micro Footie FC (Vancouver) http://www.micro-footie.com
YMS (Pennsylvannia) http://www.ymssoccer.net
Delaware Revolution http://www.derevsports.com
Carolina Mountain Soccer Club http://www.cmsoccerclub.org
Mapola FC Academy (Ontario, Canada) https://mapolafc.teamapp.com/
SkoMor Soccer Club http://www.skomorsoccer.org
Capital FC (Washington DC) http://www.capitalfc.org
Lansdowne Bhoys FC (NYC) http://www.lansdownebhoysfc.com
Ireland
Ardcroney (Tipperary): http://www.ardcroneyfc.ie
Arklow United(Arklow): http://www.arklowunited.com
Camlough Rovers (Newry): http://www.facebook.com/camloughrovers.fc
Carrick Rovers (Carrickmacross): http://www.carrickrovers.com
Castleknock Celtic (Dublin): http://www.castleknockceltic.com
Derry & District (Derry): http://www.leaguewebsite.co.uk/derryanddistrictyouthfa
Ferrybank AFC (Waterford): https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ferrybank-AFC-Soccer-Club/281817125810
Glenmuir United (Dundalk): http://www.glenmuirfc.com
St Joseph’s (Dublin): http://www.joeys.ie
Keadue Rovers (Donegal): http://www.facebook.com/KeadueRoversFC
Passage AFC (Cork): http://www.passageafc.ie
Rosario (Belfast): http://www.rosario-fc.com
Strand Celtic (Sligo): http://www.strandceltic.com
Strathroy Harps (Omagh): http://www.facebook.com/pages/Strathroy-harps-fc/140040029368835
Templevilla AFC (Athlone): http://www.facebook.com/templevilla
Tullamore Town (Tullamore): http://www.tullamoretownfc.com
Killoglin (Kerry) http://www.killorglinafc.ie
Pike (Limerick) http://www.pikeroversfc.com
Gorey Rangers (Gorey) http://www.goreyrangers.com
Swords Celtic (Dublin) http://www.swordscelticfc.yourclub.ie
Evergreen (Kilkenny) http://www.evergreenfc.ie
Europe
Empire FC (Italy) http://www.empirefootballclub.it
VV Veenendaal (Holland) http://www.vvveenendaal.nl
Hudiksvalls FF (Sweden) www5.idrottonline.se/HudiksvallsFF-Fotboll/
South Wales Elite Soccer (Wales) http://www.southwaleselitesoccer.co.uk
Thirsk Falcons (England) http://www.thirskfalcons.org.uk
Latin America
Shanntonella FC (Venezuela): http://unetealclub.com/
Costa Del Este (Panama) https://es-la.facebook.com/costadeleste.fc
Australia
Enfield Rovers (Sydney) http://www.enfieldfc.com.au
St Albans Saints – http://stalbanssaints.com/st-albans-saints-vs-melbourne-city/
New Zealand
Papakura City (Auckland) http://www.papakuracityfc.org.nz
Napier Marist (Napier) http://www.sportsground.co.nz/napiermarist
All Stars Football Academy – http://asfootballacademy.wix.com/all-stars#!about/cee5
Quite separately Celtic reach out to non partner clubs around the globe and invite them to come and experience Celtic park by bringing kids over for training sessions.
The point is that all that land sits there doing nothing. Who would have thought that you would ever see a great big place like the Emirates in that destination hosting Davis Cup games, International athletics or world championship swimming at Tollcross.
If you build a big facility there you let Celtic, The Glasgow Tourist office, Scottish Tourist Board and all sorts of others, including the operators promote it.
If you are looking for additional streams of income to combat where Scottish Football falls down financially then we have the land and the business people with acumen and the business track record to make a success of a proper development around the stadium.
Why it has never happened is a mystery to me.
Finally, Thousands of Celtic fans regularly go to Las Vegas.
Is this because:
A) It’s handy
B) Celtic are playing there
C) They don’t like Millport
D) Las Vegas offers them facilities, entertainment, a place to meet and gather and celebrate all things Celtic with entertainment thrown in
Getting to the states is not cheap and happens only every now and then.
Getting to the East end of Glasgow happens regularly and could be a money maker for the club.
Then again, as some have suggested, the club might move sticks and buy a franchise in Boston where they would make loads of money ………. but would they call themselves Glasgow Celtic?
Kev – brilliant news, really chuffed for you.
But basically a 5 year (at least) contract for you to continue on CQN! God help us all! ;-) ;-)
Kev J
Fantastic news
HH
CRC
KeV j.
Murdo was on Clyde Saturday and was a very good listen.
Now you cool your jets a wee bit. Relax.
Your on plan for 10 in a row.
Keep it lit.
CRC
That was a great letter you shared today.
Must have been tough for you.
NEGANON2 on 4TH MAY 2016 9:07 PM
Nat know I have no information on anything Celtic pay for on cqn. I suspect they don’t. But I do know how well connected Paul is with board members and he has become the voice of the Celtic support as far as the msm are concerns. Those two things concern me greatly.
——————————————————————————–
OK. Last week you referred to Celtic as Paul67’s “paymasters”. I took what you said at face value. Thanks for the clarification. Large pinch of salt required then…
Candles lit for emb cuz and Kevin j. .
in St Winins in Kilwinning . Hope all went well for Kev J
..
Well done, Real. Madrid will be an exciting place during that match. HH
Kevj:
Five years, that means you will be around to see ten in a row….:)
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
KEV J.
brilliant news well done .
Stand Up For The Champions.
HH
Just found out the news on EMERALDBEE’s cousin.So,so sad. Very much in our thoughts tonight.
Shockeroonie………….
Kev J
Fantastic. Ah telt ye the big fella was looking out for ye. I did put in a wee word, but must confess it was with the caveat that ye eased up on the Mark McGhee guff:-)
Seriously I’m so pleased for you and yours Kev.
God bless.
Great news kevj…and believe it or not I spoke to a subcontractor in work today, a big Tim that reckons we should go for Mark McGhee, you don’t happen to have family that works for Cromwells the supplier? :))
First things first
Delighted for you Kev J, the power of prayer :-)
Now onto Paul67’s article
Unfortunately there will never be any safe standing on any top tier of Celtic stadium
I believe structurally the stadium not either designed or capable of taking the load ( stress and strains of such a sure Mr P will give us details :-))
Who remembers Fergus selling the stadium upgrade plans as being based on Toronto Blue Jays, with hosting other events, lounges being converted to a hotel set up, etc
Then anyone remember noises about stadium being built on the cheap with high Maintenance costs ?
Johann Murdoch, now your post was a definately a way to make things work and improve revenue
Look at how Murrayfield was set up – external turnstiles, then stalls all around internal perimeter, my goodness I even bumped into ACGR and his Bhoy sitting on the grass enjoying a wee burger :-)
One other thing, I sit in the row directly in front of the old heated ( heating has been removed/disconnected) executive seats in North Stand, when it rains , even I get hit with rain, sad indctment of a modern stadium ?
So much that could be improved upon
Oh one other thing
So my match day game works out at about £28.66 per game, if I renew, big if as I feel the same way as CRC ( who happens to sit 2 rows in front of me), means I am contributing £57.32 free to Celtic, so can I have a 19 game ticket :-))
Hail Hail
Won’t be long til Joe Hart is on with a cliché. Prick.
KevJ
Missed your good news- Fantastic mate!!
City and Real cancelled each other out
Neither teams went for it but Cities defense showed up for a change.
Modern football i suppose but when there’s so many individually skillful players on the field and little evidence in the play it is disappointing .
Technology has led to an overcoached game lacking in entertainment.
Cowiebhoy.
I was going to post the same about upper tier early today.
Structural load support would need reinforced.
It’s not the standing. It’s the lateral movement . no kidding. And the vibrations.
I actually think the upper corners feel it even more.
And.
The rebuilt stadium was not done on the cheap.
It’s a basic structure and doesn’t cost so much.
Ibrox top tier add on cost as much as all out north stand.
I reckon master tactician Pep Warburton would have crafted a win v any of those two tonight.