CELTIC have returned to their earlier shelved plans to build a fan zone outside Celtic Park at Janefield Street.
A few years ago the club looked at building a fans zone in the area now used as the bus park behind the Jock Stein stand but were frustrated by the council’s reluctance to agree to an alcohol licence. The Affiliation buses used to have access to the Kerrydale Suite prior to kick-off but this was later opened up to all match day ticket holders, obviously including those with season tickets.
However as anyone arriving within a couple of hours before kick-off will tell you, it is practically impossible to get into the Kerrydale and there is always a queue outside waiting on a one out, one in situation.
The club have already announced a major development plan for the area at the ticket office and superstore with a hotel and museum being added to an enhanced shopping experience. But even with this there is a distinct lack of facilities outside of Celtic Park on match day, including, notably the complete lack of any toilet facilities.
Now the club have revisited they fan zone proposals by launching a bid to buy the piece of land on Janefield Street which is owned by the council to deliver the match day facility for the support.
Celtic, in a report to the council state that the creation of a fans zone will “enhance the overall match day experience.”
There are also plans to use some of the land as parking for disabled supporters, although there the club needs to explain where the buses will be parking and also explain to season ticket holders what the plans are for parking in and around Celtic park given the council’s stated policy of introducing a no parking zone in the area surrounding the stadium – without proposing to add any additional public transport options for supporters.
The council will now look carefully at the new proposal – which Celtic will want to have a licence to sell alcohol included – before making a decision. There will of course be intense scrutiny from the obsessed across the city, including that state aid nutter who springs into action any time Celtic announce any such initiative.
Fan zones ore popular in English and European clubs stadiums. Earlier in the week the English Government rejected a safer standing proposal put forward by West Brom, maybe they should pop up to Celtic Park to see how it can be achieved.