IT HAS TO BE HAMPDEN
AS the SFA gathers to decide the future home of our national game, our message to them is simple – it has to be Hampden.
Scottish football deserves a home of its own – not to be another sport’s tenant – and Glasgow as a city, a venue and a community is the only place for it.
Generations of proud Scottish fans have indelible memories created at the famous stadium, and every year hundreds of thousands more are made.
Our city’s leaders have committed to improving infrastructure, tightening transport links and helping provide the best environment to help Hampden thrive.
In a year where Glasgow has already suffered the tragedy of the School of Art fire, the loss of Scottish football would deal Glasgow another devastating blow.
But more positively, to remain gives our game the best platform to grow.
Hampden is Scottish football’s spiritual home and we must keep it that way.
SFA – you cannot walk away.
GLASGOW’S politicians, business leaders, campaigners and community groups have come out fighting for Hampden Park as the Scottish Football Association gathers to decide whether it will remain the home of the national team.
As reported by the Evening Times, the SFA is weighing up whether to quit the national stadium when its lease expires in 2020 or transfer it elsewhere – possibly to Murrayfield in Edinburgh.
SFA bosses meet today to discuss bids from both Hampden Park and the Scottish Rugby Union to host Scottish international matches along with cup finals and semi-finals.
The final decision is expected to be announced later on this week.
John McHugh, spokesman for campaign group Hampden Roar, said: “After the tragedy of the Art School, Glasgow cannot lose another iconic building.
“We should make Hampden a priority for Scotland to celebrate our culture, history, people and national sport and you will attract investment for improvements to the stadium and infrastructure.
“Instead of walking away from the community who have housed them for a century, we’re asking the SFA to share our vision for Hampden – Scotland’s most significant sporting, cultural and historical asset.”
Glasgow City Council has backed the National Stadium remaining at Hampden, while the Scottish Government has not expressed an official view on whether Glasgow or Edinburgh should host the prestigious and lucrative matches.
Our Save the Hampden Roar campaign has highlighted how losing the stadium would have a huge impact on Glasgow’s economy and its burgeoning role in international sport.
A letter signed by businesses in Mount Florida has underlined the hammer blow that would be dealt to the local economy if the SFA decides to leave Hampden Park for Murrayfield.
The letter, co-ordinated by Mount Florida Community Council (MoFloCoCo), has been signed by 39 businesses, representing the majority of the neighbourhood shopping area.
The letter highlights the community benefits of the local shopping area as well as the economic contribution.
Chris Carus, of MoFloCoCo, said: “All types of business are represented in the signatories including businesses that benefit directly on events days like restaurants, as well as others that benefit from the additional year-round footfall brought by the SFA offices, the sports health centre, corporate events and other stadium visitors.”
A decision by the SFA to leave Hampden would be another shock to the city, coming soon after the tragic fire at Glasgow School of Art which shut down businesses in parts of Sauchiehall Street.
Mr Carus added: “Only four of the businesses we spoke to declined to put their names to the letter. Of those that gave a reason, the main issue is reduced access for deliveries on major match days. That is something we believe can be improved, and we intend to raise it with the city council and Police Scotland.”
Glasgow Chamber of Commerce has also given its backing to the campaign to keep Hampden as the home for Scottish football.
The SFA has a straight choice between Hampden, or a move to Murrayfield in Edinburgh – the home of Scottish rugby
In a letter to the SFA, Stuart Patrick, chief executive of the chamber, said Hampden was “more than a stadium”.
The letter said the economic impact of Hampden was of significant value to the city and to Scotland and was “not only measured by tens of millions of pounds but also by reputation.”
We’re asking the SFA to share our vision for Hampden – Scotland’s most significant sporting, cultural and historical asset