Rangers have revealed the overall capacity at Ibrox is set to INCREASE as part of plans to upgrade and improve facilities for disabled fans.
A phased development will begin in a matter of weeks with construction work to be scheduled for the summers of 2024 and 2025 to provide what the club describes as the 'best disabled facilities' of any stadium in Scotland and one of the most accessible sports arenas in Europe.
The plans to work across the summer periods have been decided to ensure Rangers matches throughout the regular season are not disrupted by the work off it. The completion of the upgrades will add 270 wheelchair spaces while 700 general access seats will also be added taking the overall capacity of Ibrox in excess of 51,500.
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Phase one will include key works in the Broomloan and Copland Stands but season tickets will not be impacted for the upcoming season. However, in 2024 close season that will not be the case with those supporters in these areas to be consulted throughout the process and alternative seating will be found.
Phase three begins in 2025 close season with the Sandy Jardine Stand the main focus. Once again season ticket holders in this area will be affected but will be kept in the loop and again, like their fellow fans the previous season, will be found alternative seating.
It's set to be change both off and on the park with Michael Beale set for a massive summer overhaul. Key men such as Alfredo Morelos are leaving the club with Ryan Kent set to follow. Todd Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin arrived in January and are set to be joined by a number of new recruits with the likes of Dujon Sterling, Jose Cifuentes, Kieran Dowell and Jack Butland named as potential arrivals.
Rangers Disability Access Officer, John Spiers, commented on the club website: "These fantastic plans will provide Rangers’ disabled supporters with some truly world-class accessible facilities.
"The club are aware our current offering for disabled supporters is not good enough for a club of our standing, however, these works will ensure that Rangers will provide the highest standard of accessibility for our disabled supporters. They will be able to attend matches in significantly more comfort, with hugely improved access to the stadium, as well as fully accessible facilities and views of the match.
"I look forward to the completion of these works and to welcoming so many more disabled supporters to Ibrox in the coming seasons."
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