Celtic Park – the largest stadium in Scotland

Glasgow - Celtic Park 18.11.2014: Celtic Park, with a capacity of 60,832, is the largest stadium in Scotland, the seventh largest stadium in Great Britain and also one of the oldest stadiums in the world. Its history began on 13th August 1892. Over the years Celtic Park underwent renovation works in 1898 and then in 1929. Between 1957 and 1971 floodlights were installed. As time went by it became obvious that the stadium needed further modernization. Especially in the 1980s it was clear that something should be done about the old stadium.

However, at the beginning of the 1990s the club was in a bad financial shape. It got better after some changes in ownership took place. Celtic Park then underwent major renovation in 1994 – 1998. Originally, the stadium had a capacity of 40,000 and an elongated oval shape, much like Hampden Park, the Scottish national stadium. Thanks to the last renovation the stands inside the stadium took on a new, charming appearance. From the outside the stadium is appealing in its own way, too, but the outside look is not as perfect as the inside one. The view from the top rows is slightly marred by poles supporting the roof, which make it somehow difficult to see the whole pitch area. However, the stadium roof would not be stable without them.

Celtic F.C., formed in 1888, played their first match at Celtic Park in May that year, and they played against Rangers F.C., a 16 years older football club, which also comes from Glasgow. However, due to financial instability Rangers now play in the third tier of the Scottish League, which they are easily winning. As it happens, bitter rivalry grew over the years between these two clubs based in the same city, and it would probably last forever. The city derby matches are the most popular and both teams try to win not only points but also the opportunity to beat their arch enemy. A derby match between Celtic and Rangers played in 1938 was attended by the highest number of spectators in history – 92,975 people came to see the match. But of course, back then most of the spectators would stand in the standing areas.

Amid the roaring Scottish fans, at the usually sold-out Celtic Park, you will definitely experience a true football atmosphere, whether you watch an ordinary League match against a team from the bottom half of the table or a super important, decisive match of the Champions League. Seemingly, there is no group of ultras at Celtic Park. At most stadiums you can recognize ultras by waving flags, banners and vocal support. Yet, things are different at Celtic Park. Everyone is cheering just the same. It does not matter if you sit behind the goal or on the side stand, if you sit in the first or the last row. All cheer for Celtic!