Rangers issue August target for fans return
Rangers believe they could be able to welcome spectators back to Ibrox as soon as August, contrary to more pessimistic predictions made by some other clubs.
As they prepare for the 2020-21 campaign, scheduled to begin behind closed doors on 1 August, Rangers announced they have sold more than 32,000 season tickets despite ongoing uncertainty over when fans will be allowed back into grounds.
The Scottish government continues to take a cautious approach to moving out of lockdown amid the coronaviruspandemicwithlastweek’s move to Phase 2 of their “route map” permitting the return of professional sport behind closed doors from today.
Only in Phase 3 will restricted numbers of spectators be permitted to attend sporting fixtures and events, with a return to mass gatherings not being sanctioned until Phase 4.
Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack claimed last week that behind closed doors matches could remain the reality for Scottish football until “at least January”.
But Rangers have made it clear they are determined to host home games in front of a section of their fanbase before the end of August.
“Rest assured, Rangers are working hard to facilitate supporters back into Ibrox, as quickly and safely as possible,” read a Rangers statement.
“The club understands that a gradual increase of supporters within the stadium may begin in late August, subject to the appropriate government guidance.”
Rangers have frozen prices for their season ticket holders with the deadline for renewal extended to 30 June.
In each of the past two seasons, season ticket sales have been in excess of 45,000 and Rangers are understandably gratified by the response so far from fans currently unsure of when they will be allowed to watch Steven Gerrard’s team in person.
“We are delighted to confirm that over 32,000 supporters have renewed their 2020-21 season tickets,” said the club statement.
“This is a phenomenal response from our support whose loyalty continues to surpass their own high standards.”
Rangers say they have established a “virtual solution” for season ticket holders who are unable to attend matches at Ibrox due to the Covid-19 crisis. They will be provided with live streaming coverage of all Premiership fixtures, and free access to Rangers TV’S coverage of pre-season games will be included. Rangers manager Gerrard, inset, who welcomed his players back to pre-season training last week, has already outlined his intention to get them back into action as soon as possible ahead of both the Premiership kick-off and the second leg of their delayed
Europa League last-16 tie against Bayer Leverkusen which will take place in Germany on 5 or 6 August.
“We want to give fans some news in terms of friendlies on the horizon,” said Gerrard. “We know they want to watch the team, they’ve missed it like we have ourselves. Hopefully in the coming days and weeks we’ll announce some friendly matches.”
Rangers have also revealed their new Mygers benefit scheme, launched last month with an annual fee of £50 for adults, has already achieved more than 16,000 members.
“We are proud that this is now the largest club football membership in Scotland with members dotted around the globe,” they said.