The latest minutes from the Rangers Fan Advisory Board (FAB) meeting have been released – and while headlines might have focused on the Old Firm TIFO fallout, the rest of the content provides some crucial insights into the club’s direction, especially for supporters keen on infrastructure, ticketing, and the long-term vision under the new ownership.
Read Part 2 of the Minutes of the Rangers Fan Advisory Board / RFC Leadership Meeting
Previous Article, Covering Part 1 of the Minutes can be found here:- Fan Passion Curbed? Rangers’ Response to TIFO Sparks Concern
Season Ticket Surge Points to Growing Demand
The club revealed that just under 43,000 season tickets have already been renewed for next season – with fewer than 1,000 fans opting not to renew. That’s a renewal rate any club in Europe would envy and shows unwavering fan commitment. There are still some transactions to finalise, but it largely mirrors previous years’ trends.
Perhaps even more striking is the 18,240-strong waiting list. The sheer demand – with only a handful of seats becoming available each year – underscores a problem many clubs would love to have. Add to that the 6,000 seat transfer requests, and it’s clear fans are eager not just to get in but to enhance their matchday experience at Ibrox.
With 45,172 season tickets sold in the last financial year and the recent Copland Stand expansion bringing the club closer to a 46,000 season ticket sales target, it’s clear the demand far outstrips supply.
Stadium Expansion – Time to Think Bigger?
Although there were no direct commitments made during the meeting, Rangers’ leadership hinted at “strategic decisions for long-term improvements.” For many, that’s a nod toward long-mooted stadium expansion plans.
Current speculation suggests:
- A cantilever extension on the Broomloan Stand, similar to last year’s Copland upgrade, could add around 1,800 seats.
- Filling in the north-east and north-west corners (between the Broomloan and Copland/Sandy Jardine stands) could bring another 2,000–3,000 seats into play.
- The biggest expansion opportunity would be to lower to pitch at Ibrox and add seating around the four sides of the stadium, however this would require a construction period longer than a closed season and there will be little appetite for another move after last summers Hampden nightmare.
None of this has been confirmed, but the continued demand and the six to ten year estimated wait for a ticket make a compelling case. It’s not just about bums on seats – it’s about growing revenue, increasing atmosphere, and enabling Rangers to invest further in the playing squad and facilities.
Matchday Experience & Copland Completion
In a more immediate win for supporters, Rangers confirmed that the Copland Stand project will be completed by the start of next season. Not only will this include increased toilet capacity, but also the removal of temporary external facilities, improving matchday flow and comfort.
A new Matchday Experience Working Group has also been formed, tasked with identifying problems and developing actionable solutions – a positive sign that fan feedback is being taken seriously.
Edmiston House & The G51 Sports Bar – Plans Reconsidered
There was fresh discussion around the future of Edmiston House and the club’s underwhelming G51 Sports Bar plans. While development options are still under review, the FAB has asked the club to consider ways to expand the Fan Zone to better serve the matchday crowd.
The G51 project, however, is officially dead. CEO Patrick Stewart confirmed it has been scrapped due to capacity concerns – not fit for purpose from the outset. The club is now considering alternatives.
Castore Deal Clarified – Umbro Kits on the Way
A notable update came regarding the Castore deal. It has now been confirmed that the partnership, extended in 2023, runs through to 2030. Interestingly, next season’s kits will bear the Umbro brand – but will still be manufactured by Castore, who hold the rights under a professional teamwear sublicense.
Retail operations remain with Castore, but to improve delivery issues, a Scottish-based warehouse will now handle logistics – a long-overdue fix that should ease frustrations for supporters.
Managerial Silence & UEFA Rule Changes
For fans hungry for managerial news, the meeting offered little – just a vague note that the “recruitment process is underway.” It’s fair to say supporters expected a bit more, even if just a timeline or update on progress.
The minutes did, however, highlight changes to UEFA’s Financial Sustainability Regulations (FSR). Previously, clubs could invest freely in infrastructure or women’s football under exemptions. Now, even those investments must be within a club’s overall financial means – meaning projects must be funded through equity or direct contributions, not just open chequebooks.
Final Thoughts
While the meeting didn’t deliver blockbuster announcements, it reinforced several important themes: the urgency of stadium expansion, the need for improved supporter experiences, and the club’s effort to communicate clearly through the Fan Advisory Board.
Fans are showing up in record numbers, and the board knows it. Now it’s time for leadership to turn that passion into long-term progress – both on and off the pitch.
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