RANGERS Football Club, one of Scotland’s most successful football teams, have been at Ibrox for 125 years but now find themselves in Hampden for the start of the 2024/2025 season.
Hampden is the permanent home of the Scottish National Football Team, situated in Mount Florida, southeast of Glasgow.
Ibrox Stadium is cherished by Rangers supporters, so there are fans and season ticket holders who are not exactly thrilled to be relocated.
Don Currie said: “I’m not a fan of Hampden! The sooner we’re home at Ibrox, the better.”
Most of the Rangers’ faithful are not convinced about their temporary home for several reasons: fans are far too far from the pitch, there are no decent public transport links, and the quality of parking could be better.
Glasgow Rangers have moved to Hampden Park due to delays in obtaining materials for the Copeland Stand renovation, which means work will take longer to complete.
John Mair, a supporter from North Ayrshire, said: “What disturbs me most about playing there at this time is that it’s down to our board’s mismanagement of the current refurbishment of the Copeland Road.
“There is no official word from the club about when we will return to Ibrox, but rumours suggest early September. Every Rangers fan sees Ibrox as home.”
Ellie Muir is an avid young supporter who never misses a match at Ibrox and she shared much of the same sentiments:
“Ibrox is a place that feels like home – every game, the crowd makes you feel proud to be a Rangers fan.”
Ibrox, the third-largest football stadium in Scotland, has a rich history and legacy. First opened on December 30, 1899, it remains one of the most special landmarks of the Scottish game.
Ibrox Stadium replaced Ibrox Park, the first home of Rangers FC, after the Ibrox Disaster, in which 25 Rangers fans sadly died back in 1902.
The new Ibrox Stadium opened during an Old Firm march on 19 September 1981, and has stood the test of time ever since.
Rebecca Carroll said: “Ibrox represents all forms of life, both past and present, and that is most special. The way it represents the Ibrox Disaster, our war heroes of both past and present show that Ibrox has that way of making you feel special.”
Ibrox’s grand design, red sandstone architecture, and beautiful marble staircase have established it as a revered place to support the boys in royal blue.
Rebecca added: “Ibrox is most special to me as it’s a place of diversity, where all different walks of life can come together without judgement.”
Glasgow Rangers supporters have experienced many unforgettable moments at Ibrox, a stadium with a special place in every fan’s heart.
It is where Rangers won their first European trophy – the European Cup Winners Cup on 24 May 1972 in a 3-2 victory over Moscow Dynamo.
It is no wonder that Rangers supporters treasure their trips to Ibrox – it is a place where memories are made and dreams come alive.
Ellie shared her most cherished moment at Ibrox and why it will remain with her forever.
She said: “My most special memory at Ibrox is the night we played Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Europa League. The buildup to the game was amazing as we won 4-2 on 17 February 2022, the week before we played Dortmund.
“The pre-match atmosphere was electric! The fans came in full force to support Rangers despite the freezing weather. We saw the Union Bears march with fireworks and flares. I felt both nervous and excited. Walking to the stadium was an indescribable experience – truly special. The hairs on my neck stood up when the players came out to everyone clapping and cheering.”
Ibrox is a special place held dear to every Rangers supporter, and the fans long for home. It is a place with history, success, and legacy, so it is no wonder they cannot wait to return.
Hampden will be used until late September and until work is completed, Rangers await the return to their beloved stadium.
