Rangers Football Club has revealed plans to relocate away fans from the Govan West Corner of Ibrox Stadium to the Club Deck, starting with the upcoming match against Livingston FC on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024.
The move is part of a trial initiated by Rangers to explore ways of maximizing attendance for their matches. The Govan West Corner, traditionally reserved for away supporters, will now be opened up to Rangers fans, increasing the overall number of supporters who can witness the action live.
Rangers, with over 20,000 fans on their season ticket waiting list, are committed to finding innovative solutions to accommodate as many supporters as possible. The trial aims to assess the feasibility of reallocating space within the stadium to cater to the high demand for tickets.
The club has clarified that the trial will specifically target clubs that utilise only a small proportion of the tickets available in the Govan West Corner. If successful, this strategic move could potentially become a regular feature, allowing Rangers to make more tickets available to both home and away supporters.
The evaluation of the trial’s success will take place after the Livingston FC match, and Rangers will communicate their findings with fans and visiting clubs accordingly. The decision is anticipated to have a significant impact on the overall match day experience for supporters.
One notable aspect of the announcement is the consideration given to visiting clubs with varying fan bases. Larger groups will still be accommodated within the Govan East Corner, while clubs traveling with smaller contingents will find a place in the Club Deck.
Notably, Rangers fan group Four Lads Has a Dream has expressed their approval of the move, emphasising the importance of maximising the home team’s supporters in the stadium. Their statement, “Great move and maximising our supporters is a good thing,” reflects the positive reception among Rangers’ loyal fan base.
While the initiative has been largely applauded, some fans have raised concerns about shared facilities and turnstiles for both home and away supporters. However, the Ibrox Insider believes that this move has the potential to enhance the overall atmosphere within the stadium, turning previously underutilized areas into vibrant and buzzing sections filled with passionate fans.
This is not the first time Rangers have experimented with seating arrangements. In some European games, the Club Deck has been used to accommodate visiting fans when clubs bring larger numbers of supporters.
In conclusion, Rangers’ decision to trial relocating away fans to the Club Deck is a bold move aimed at optimising the match day experience for both home and away supporters. As the club continues to explore innovative ways to accommodate their vast fan base, the success of this trial could have far-reaching implications for future stadium arrangements and fan engagement strategies. The Ibrox faithful eagerly awaits the Livingston FC match to witness the impact of this exciting development firsthand.