What Is the Stadium Called at the East End of Glasgow?

Do you know what the stadium at the East End of Glasgow is called?

It's Celtic Park, and it holds a capacity of 60,411.

But there's more to this iconic stadium than just its name and size.

As you'll soon discover, Celtic Park has a rich and fascinating history that has shaped its identity as one of the most storied football grounds in the world.

So, if you're curious to uncover the legacy behind this renowned stadium, you're in for an insightful journey into its past and present significance.

Key Takeaways

• Celtic Park is the stadium located at the East End of Glasgow.
• The stadium has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century.
• It has undergone continuous modernization and redevelopment to enhance the fan experience.
• Celtic Park is not only the home ground for Celtic FC but also hosts Scotland internationals, Cup Finals, and concerts.

History of Celtic Park

Celtic Park, initially constructed in 1888 at Springfield Road and London Road, holds a significant place in the history of Celtic F.C. The stadium, situated in the East End of Glasgow, has been the heart of the club since its inception. It witnessed the birth and growth of Celtic F.C., becoming an integral part of the club's identity.

The ground has been witness to numerous historic moments in the world of football, including the first match against Rangers and hosting a British Home Championship match in 1891. With a rich history dating back to the late 19th century, Celtic Park has seen significant redevelopment over the years. The stadium has been continually modernized to enhance the fan experience, increase capacity, and meet the evolving needs of the club.

The redevelopment in 1994, costing over £40 million, marked a significant milestone, leading to the demolition and rebuilding of essential stands. This continuous evolution has ensured that Celtic Park remains a revered and iconic venue, not just for football but for a variety of events, firmly establishing its place in the annals of sports history.

New Celtic Park (1892–1904)

After the significant redevelopment of Celtic Park in the mid-1890s, the club relocated to the new Celtic Park in 1892, marking a pivotal moment in the stadium's history. The move to the new location at Janefield Street in the east end of Glasgow was prompted by increased rent at the original site, and the stadium opened on August 20, 1892, with a match against Renton. This marked the first of many historic events at the new ground.

Celtic Park's relocation to the new site was a significant decision due to the increasing rent at the original location, reflecting the club's commitment to providing a lasting home for its fans.

The opening match against Renton in November 1892 was a momentous occasion, signifying the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Celtic Park.

The new Celtic Park was described as the best ground in Britain at the time, reflecting its importance not only to Celtic F.C. but also to the wider Scottish football community.

The brickyard at Janefield Street became the cherished home of Celtic, and the stadium's significance continues to resonate with fans and athletes to this day, including the likes of Sir Chris Hoy and the Scottish Football Association.

Fire and Rebuilding (1904–1957)

Following the devastating fire that destroyed the north grandstand and pavilion at the original Celtic Park in 1904, extensive rebuilding efforts were undertaken to restore and expand the stadium. The purchase of the newer Grant Stand was a pivotal move, which later paved the way for a series of redevelopment projects. The replacement of the Grant Stand with a new Main Stand in 1927, following another fire, significantly enhanced Celtic Park's capacity. By the time the stadium was rebuilt, it could accommodate more spectators than any club stadium in England, with extensive covered terracing that rivaled even Wembley.

The 1950s brought further enhancements, with the addition of a roof over the western Celtic End terrace and the installation of floodlights. These developments not only improved the stadium's facilities but also allowed for evening matches, broadening the scope for football events. Subsequent modifications, such as concreting the Hayshed terrace and constructing roofs over the eastern Rangers End terrace, continued to elevate the stature of Celtic Park as a premier football venue in the East End of Glasgow.

Stadium Improvements (1957–1990)

In 1957, significant improvements were made to the stadium, including the addition of a roof over the western Celtic End terrace and the installation of floodlights in 1959, which marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of Celtic Park. These improvements not only enhanced the matchday experience for fans but also modernized the stadium, setting the stage for further developments.

Over the years, the stadium witnessed various crucial enhancements, such as an increase in covered terracing, positioning it as one of the most well-equipped stadiums in Britain by 1967. The continuous efforts to improve the infrastructure of Celtic Park were a testament to the club's commitment to providing a top-tier environment for its supporters.

1. The redevelopment of the Main Stand and the construction of the Jock Stein Stand significantly augmented the stadium's capacity and amenities, contributing to its status as a premier football venue in the region.
2. The period also saw the implementation of various technological advancements, such as floodlights, which not only improved visibility during evening matches but also expanded the stadium's utility for hosting events beyond traditional match fixtures.
3. These upgrades laid the groundwork for the ambitious redevelopment project led by Fergus McCann in 1994, which marked a transformative phase in the history of Celtic Park.

Celtic Difficulties and Fully Seated Stadia (1990–1994)

The substantial redevelopment efforts spanning from 1957 to 1990 not only positioned Celtic Park as a premier football venue but also set the stage for the transformative changes that would define the club's history in the early 1990s. During this period, Celtic encountered significant difficulties and undertook the ambitious project of converting the stadium into a fully seated venue. This redevelopment, overseen by Fergus McCann, entailed the demolition and subsequent reconstruction of the Jungle stand, Lisbon Lions Stand, and Jock Stein Stand. The project, which cost over £40 million, led to Celtic temporarily playing at Hampden Park. Notably, the club faced legal issues with the designers of the stadium due to a flawed initial design. As a result, adjustments such as the installation of retractable columns were made to ensure stability during adverse weather conditions. Ultimately, the redevelopment work substantially increased the stadium's capacity to 60,411, with phases completed and seats added. Furthermore, the stadium has hosted various non-football events, including the opening ceremony of the 2014 Commonwealth Games and concerts by renowned artists such as The Who and U2.

Redevelopment (1994–2011)

Amidst a period of significant change and growth, Celtic Park underwent further redevelopment from 1994 to 2011, solidifying its position as a premier football venue. The redevelopment, overseen by Fergus McCann, involved the demolition and rebuilding of the Jungle stand, Lisbon Lions Stand, and Jock Stein Stand, marking a substantial overhaul of the stadium.

This extensive project cost over £40 million and was completed in phases, ultimately increasing the stadium's capacity to 60,411, offering an enhanced experience for fans.

The surrounding area of Celtic Park also underwent significant redevelopment for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, with housing in Barrowfield, Dalmarnock, and Parkhead districts being reconstructed.

Additionally, the installation of rail seating sections in 2016 and a £4 million improvement project in 2018 further modernized the stadium, solidifying its status as a state-of-the-art venue.

Notably, the exterior of the stadium was adorned with printed banners in 2015, and statues of key figures such as Brother Walfrid, Jimmy Johnstone, Jock Stein, and Billy McNeill were erected outside the Main Stand, adding a historical and cultural dimension to the stadium.

Safe Standing (2011–present)

The redevelopment of Celtic Park from 1994 to 2011 not only enhanced the stadium's capacity and fan experience but also paved the way for the installation of a rail seating section in 2016, allowing for safe standing at the venue. This innovative addition has created a safer and more dynamic environment for fans, aligning with the club's commitment to providing an exceptional matchday experience. The rail seating section reflects the club's understanding of the cultural significance of standing areas in football stadiums while prioritizing spectator safety. This development has been well-received by fans and has contributed to a more vibrant atmosphere during matches. The following table provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of Celtic Park and its standing area:

The incorporation of safe standing at Celtic Park is a testament to the stadium's adaptability and commitment to meeting the evolving needs of fans and the broader football community.