10 Aug 2026 12:54:10
Paraage Marathe mentioned today at the shareholders meeting what I had posted on here a few months ago. The option that they are looking at to increase the capacity is lowering the pitch by 3 metres. It increases the capacity by 5,000 and would be done in close season to avoid disruptions. 👌🏻
10 Aug 2026 13:32:00
It would take longer than the summer.
But contingency plans are in place.
There are 3 options. One would add a 5-figure increase to capacity.
10 Aug 2026 13:19:11
That's interesting, as it's always been the main thing said for increasing capacity, but loads of people have said for years this can't be done due to clay under the pitch, and also it would put the pitch below the water table of the Clyde.
10 Aug 2026 13:35:14
Think they aught to concentrate on sorting the mess in the pitch before they worry about lowering it.
10 Aug 2026 13:36:31
Different engineering techniques now though, it's just whether the costs justify the outlay.
10 Aug 2026 13:38:35
Lowering the pitch and then building seating the front of all 4 stands will take more than a summer. I'd expect a year away from Ibrox if that's the option they pick.
10 Aug 2026 13:54:33
Depending who they get in to do it and if it's just steel and precast shouldn't take overly long if all plans are already in place.
10 Aug 2026 13:56:02
This is one of the plans I was aware of, but my information professionally would take 6 to 9 months.
10 Aug 2026 13:59:56
Man City lowered the pitch to increase capacity at the Emptihad.
10 Aug 2026 14:09:10
Wullie and WATP, my information is that this is the one the Americans wish to proceed with. Would be done in close season over a 2 year period. Minimum disruption to the club is the priority.
10 Aug 2026 14:15:35
Yeah, just to say I'm not meaning to be dismissive of the poster. I'm not doing that, Fourlads.
But to dig down 3 metres and add 6,000 seats would take longer than the off season. Just the pitch itself, digging to level, drainage, heating removal, then all the new infrastructure and the pitch itself would take time. That's before you get onto existing footings and foundations.
10 Aug 2026 14:21:56
Yes, although it's feasible, it's by no means quick or easy, so there would be undoubted disruption. This could obviously be mitigated by forward planning; that's the bit we missed on the last fiasco.
10 Aug 2026 14:34:19
The pitch is too small as it is. Not a good idea at all.
10 Aug 2026 14:36:42
I know you ain't Willie, mate. I am just sharing with you the information I have been given. 👍🏻
10 Aug 2026 15:08:07
The pitch would not be decreased in size!
10 Aug 2026 15:36:05
Having rarely sat in the club deck, would lowering the pitch by 3m affect the back row of the club deck from viewing the nearside touchline? Thus, not seeing the full pitch.
10 Aug 2026 15:45:38
I wish they'd get rid of the horrible screens that sit in the corners opposite the main stand. 🤢
10 Aug 2026 16:46:02
Lovenkramds, that could be a good place for more seats or even boxes.
10 Aug 2026 17:04:38
I know the corners of the main stand are significant with the Gate etc, but I'd be filling them in too. Easier said than done though, I know that!
10 Aug 2026 17:52:41
Four lads lowering the pitch has been discussed for over 20 years.
10 Aug 2026 18:52:21
It's been discussed, John, as have many other options, but none have ever been done. As I have said numerous times now, and as I stated back in June, lowering the pitch by 3 metres is the Americans' preferred option that they want to move forward with.
10 Aug 2026 19:22:26
Why do we need to increase the capacity when the team usually has created lots of empty seats by October, on course to do the same this season. We need to get the football side right first.
10 Aug 2026 20:05:38
ST waiting list and extra revenue WSL. 👍🏻