New fan zone set for Ibrox
RANGERS fans will be able to enjoy refreshments and a legends Q&A as the club sets up a new fan zone.
The event, before and after the St Mirren match on August 11, will see 2000 fans flood into the football centre.
There will be sports activities for kids, inflatables and beat the goalie.
RANGERS are set to host a revamped fan zone experience at the Ibrox Football Centre at the first home game of the season.
Supporters will be able to enjoy drinks, activities and a legends Q&A before and after the St Mirren match on August 11.
The event, which is being seen as a precursor to the club’s long-term matchday experience plan, will see 2000 fans flood into the football centre on Edmiston Drive.
Last season the club held similar fan zones in the Edmiston House car park.
But licensing agent, Stephen McGowan, acting on behalf of the club, said: “Rangers want to create a better matchday experience for the fans. A decision has been taken to proceed with a one-off event.
“There will be food and beverages with a bar and entertainment, including sports activities for kids, inflatables and beat the goalie. There will also be other kiosks relating to Club 1872.
“At 12pm the bar will open and the activities will continue. There will be a legends question and answer session at 2pm.”
The fan zone will close while the match is ongoing, with fans then able to go back into the football centre once the final whistle goes until 6pm.
Mr McGowan added: “The driver here is a wider aspiration from the football club to demonstrate that they can operate a fun facility which is safe and in which families can come and enjoy themselves. The club wants this to be a civilised experience.
“The next steps for us is to look at other similar events we might be able to hold.
“This is dipping out toes in. Thereafter there’s a longterm vision. But that’s some months away at least.”
Rangers were granted the licence to sell alcohol and operate between 12pm and 6pm on August 11.
The club has also lodged an application for a temporary public entertainment licence which is due to be heard before the start of the season.
It’s all in preparation for Steven Gerrard’s first home league game as manager.
A club spokeswoman said: “Rangers are delighted to announce that for the first home game of the coming season a new fan zone will be created at the Ibrox Football Centre, directly opposite the iconic Bill Struth Main Stand entrance.
“This area will be significantly larger than the current test site and will create a new family-friendly environment where supporters can gather before and after the game to participate in a variety of activities, meet ex-Rangers players, listen to live music and enjoy a range of food and drinks, including alcohol, from local suppliers.
“The fan zone will open from 11am and will be free to enter.”