HAMPDEN PACKED
Scotland’s key Euro 2020 qualifier is set to be a sell-out thanks to ticket price U-turn
Scotland’s crucial Euro 2020 qualifier against Israel is well on its way to being a sell-out with more than 30,000 tickets sold in three days.
The Scottish Football Association say briefs for the game in March are still selling fast with Hampden’s entire North Stand sold out.
The sales so far include more than 1300 £5 concessions for fans aged over 65 – introduced following a successful Sunday Mail campaign last year.
There have also been thousands of Scotland memberships sold in the run-up to Christmas.
Scotland qualified for the match on March 26 after beating Israel and Albania in a Nations League minigroup towards the end of 2018.
If they win they would have a one-off game away to either Norway or Serbia to take the Tartan Army to its first major finals in 22 years.
An SFA spokesman said: “The uptake in tickets has been hugely encouraging and shows that the country is fully behind Steve Clarke and the team for what will be a momentous play- off semifinal at Hampden.
“We are well on course for a sellout and the team will be hugely inspired to take us a step closer to UEFA Euro 2020. Let’s do this.”
The Hampden tickets are priced from £5 concessions to £25.
The uptake represents a major turnaround following a series of disappointing crowds at the group qualifiers. Finals games in Euro 2020 will take place in cities across Europe, including Glasgow.
Former Scotland manager Craig Brown, 79, who led the side between 1993 and 20 01, added :“There’ s a justified optimism about the Scotland team just now. The players will get a big lift from the support of these fans – who are now able to afford the ticket price.
“The Sunday Mail is also to be congratulated for its successful campaign to bring about price concessions for older fans.
“There’s also a spin-off in terms of increased programme and food sales which will bring in extra money for the
SF A. It’ s important that big games like the one in March remain affordable to fans of all ages.
“Hopefully, this now means we will have a full house to cheer us on to qualification.” The decision to offer discounts to pensioners has been widely welcomed. Age Scotland’s chief executive Brian Sloan said the move will not only boost attendances but help those on low incomes and tackle loneliness among the elderly. The charity would also like to see younger people using the discount offer to take an older friend or relative to Hampden.
Former First Minister Henry McLeish, 71, who has also backed our campaign, said discounts to the elderly for the Israel match should be extended to future Scotland games.