Previously, Glasgow University recreation grounds had been located on the main university campus, just next to the famous tower building. This had an important place in Celtic history as the first venue in which the Bhoys played a competitive game and also cup final, both coming in the 1888 Glasgow Exhibition Cup.
The Celts have officially opened floodlights at different venues too. In March 1953, the Bhoys did this at St James’ Park – where they had previously been the first visitors against Newcastle United – and this time they lost 2-0 to the home men.
Celtic Park’s first floodlit game on 12 October 1959. Celtic v Wolves. Photo The Celtic Wiki
And then in October 1953, Celtic were the first club side to play under a lighted Molineux, losing 2-0 to Wolves. Six years later, Wolves returned the favour by being the first visitors at Celtic Park to play under floodlights. The English side also won 2-0 that night too.
Another floodlight opening event once again united Celtic and Rangers. In 1959, the two sides agreed to send representatives to Inverness to officially open the floodlights at Telford Street Park, home of Caledonian FC. On 11 March 1959, the ‘Old Firm’ side beat the home team by four goals to two.
In the 1980s, the Celts had two trips to southern Scotland in relation to floodlights. In May 1980, they travelled to Albert Park in Hawick to play Hawick Royal Albert; the purpose of the game was to raise money to buy floodlights. And then in November 1981, the Bhoys returned to the same venue to open the floodlights that they had helped fund, enjoying a big 9-1 victory.
Indeed, Celtic helping open parts of grounds such as new stands or floodlights has happened at various other places too, including Lossiemouth, Blantyre and Stow.
One ‘Scottish’ ground which always causes confusion is Shielfield Park, home to Berwick Rangers. Although the pitch is geographically located in England, the home team play their football in Scotland. Like many other grounds, there have been two Shielfield Parks. The second of these opened in 1954, and Celtic were the first visitors; the Bhoys’ reserve team who enjoyed a 4-1 victory in a ground where the main stand was not yet completed or open.
The practice of Celtic opening grounds has continued in more recent times. On 21 July 1992, the Bhoys went to Cork to open the new Bishopstown ground. However, it did not yet have a safety certificate so the players had to change in a portakabin! Still, it didn’t put them off as Celtic had a comfortable 2-0 victory against Cork City.
Bizarrely, despite all the times they were the first visitors to other grounds, Celtic WERE NOT the first team to play at the original Celtic Park. Instead, in May 1888, Hibernian played north Glasgow side Cowlairs. What was billed as a ‘Grand Exhibition Match’ ended in a scoreless draw.
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This meant that when Rangers came to visit later in the month, the Bhoys were the first team to win at the ground, thanks to a 5-2 triumph. Neil McCallum scored not only Celtic’s first goal but also the first goal at the new venue.
However, when the second (and current) Celtic Park opened, the Celts were the first team to play there. In August 1892, Celtic faced Renton in the first football game at the new ground. It proved to be an enthralling contest. Jock Bell of Renton became the first man to score, but eventually the Celts went on to claim a late 4-3 League victory.
This game also continued a remarkable record enjoyed by one of the Celtic players. Johnny Campbell equalised in this match, making him the first Celt to score at the second Celtic Park. In 1892, he was also the first player to score at St James’ Park when it was being used by Newcastle United and in 1897 he got the first ever goal at Villa Park, when he was on Aston Villa’s books.
As a club renowned for the huge numbers in which its fans travel, Celtic always bring noise and colour to the away grounds they visit. This explains why they have so often been deliberately invited to open new parks. In the years to come, this will no doubt continue as yet more venues have the chance to welcome Celtic’s green-and-white army.
Matthew Marr
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Click on cover to order a hardback copy
Matthew’s debut Celtic book titled ‘The Bould Bhoys – Glory to their name’ was published by Celtic Star Books last year and is available to order HERE. This brilliant book is also available on Amazon Kindle for just £3.49 and includes all photo sections that appear in the hardback edition.
Matthew Marr with his debut Celtic book, Glory to their name, which tells the story of Celtic’s first ever title win. Photo The Celtic Star
Celtic in the Thirties by Celtic Historian Matt Corr is published in two volumes by Celtic Star Books.
