Matt Corr on the Main Stand Façade at Celtic Park and more exclusive photographs of the redevelopment during the centenary season…
For many first-time visitors to Celtic Park, their first view of the stadium will be as they head up The Celtic Way from London Road. The footprint of the stadium itself has undergone a massive transformation in recent years, not least in the creation of The Celtic Way itself, the scene of so many supporter celebrations in recent years as the team returns home from the latest triumph as the world-record-breaking eight Trebles have been secured.
The main stand itself is the oldest surviving part of the second Celtic Park, having opened its doors to paying customers in the summer of 1929, replacing the old Grant Stand which had been constructed on that side of the stadium back in 1899, seven years after the stadium itself had been built.
The distinctive red brick and glass façade of the main stand had been added in our centenary year of 1988, allowing the club to incorporate new hospitality venues on the premises, thus providing a much-needed source of revenue.
On the ground floor, a new reception area provided a focal point for visitors, with access for players and officials to the arena itself, offices for management and administrative staff on one side and the boardroom/trophy room on the other, the latter a key part of our stadium tours. The Mackintosh-style window which had been located above the previous front door for many decades before the centenary is now displayed within the foyer, providing a lovely juxtaposition of our history.
On the first floor, the main area facing London Road is occupied by the Walfrid Restaurant, a nod to our Founding Father whose statue greets the supporters immediately in front of the entrance. And on the second floor, the Jock Stein Lounge is the matchday base for another group of corporate supporters, before they take their seat in the main stand.
The Jock Stein Lounge is a place close to my heart, as taken there by my son as a wee treat a few years ago, we were lucky enough to meet the one and only Bertie Auld for a brief chat and a photo. It was also the home of the Stadium Tours at weekends until late last year, when our team moved into the smart new Sports Bar at the south-west corner of Celtic Park.
Hail Hail,
Matt Corr
Follow Matt on Twitter @Boola_vogue
More Photos on the next page…
Great feature, thanks. Are there any vestiges of the old frontage still visible inside the main stand at all? I’ve never thought to look when I’ve been there.
Other than the stained glass obviously!
Don’t think so.