Clan’s purple army all ready to grow
Crowd capacity to double as new arena plans move forward
BRAEHEAD CLAN chief Gareth Chalmers believes the club can double attendances at their games as they move even closer to a new home.
It emerged last week that plans to build a new 8,000-seat arena had progressed, with it being confirmed yesterday that the proposals had been referred to Scottish Ministers for their input.
A more detailed application is due to be submitted for the multi-purpose arena that will become the new home of the Gardiner Conference champions when construction is completed in 2020 – if the proposals are approved.
SportTimes revealed images on www.eveningtimes.co.uk of what owners Intu predict the new facility will look like on the banks of the Clyde on a site adjacent to where the current 3,500-capacity stadium stands.
Braehead have seen attendances soar in recent years to the stage where they are regularly playing in front of full houses.
That will be the case again this weekend in the play-off quarter-final second leg against Fife Flyers, where there has been monumental demand for tickets from both sets of supporters.
A new arena would allow Clan to continue their progression as the fastest growing sports club in Scotland, and hockey and operations director Gareth Chalmers is excited by the prospect.
“I had read that planning permission had been given for the new arena, with about 8,000 to 8,500 seats which is good,” he said. “It’s still very much happening from what I understand but we know as much as anybody else does right now. It was very positive news to read.
“I think there are still a couple of hurdles to go through, but it’s exciting times ahead. We have a new venue and a bright new future to look forward to.
“That’s the difference between us and Nottingham, Sheffield and Belfast – they have more bums on seats and that’s where the extra revenue is coming from right now.”
PLANS submitted to Renfrewshire Council show an impressive dome structure at the side of a refurbished Braehead shopping centre.
Documents claim the arena will create “an iconic structure on the River Clyde”. It is believed the facility will also house restaurants and will be situated next to a new hotel.
Chalmers also told Clan TV: “It would totally change the dynamic of the club overnight, new buildings always do.
“For us to go from a 3,500-seater arena to whatever it will be is a massive step. It certainly makes my job more difficult to try to get bums on seats but it is something we are very focused on. We are looking forward to the challenge.
“If we can continue that growth there’s no stopping us. I’m not saying we’ll fill the arena but certainly getting more bums on seats, around 6,000 or 7,000 supporters in the building. It’s all very encouraging and positive.”
Meanwhile, it was revealed yesterday that as of next season all overtime matches in the Elite League will switch to a three-on-three format.