In a groundbreaking move for women’s football in Scotland, discussions have begun surrounding a shared stadium for Celtic, Rangers, and Glasgow City. This ambitious proposal, initiated by Scottish FA president Mike Mulraney, aims to create a dedicated hub for the women’s game in Glasgow, potentially transforming the landscape of women's sports ahead of the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The proposed stadium is envisioned to accommodate between 3,000 and 5,000 spectators, providing a suitable venue for all three clubs and the Scotland women's national team. Currently, Celtic plays its home games at Hamilton’s New Douglas Park, while Rangers are based at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld, and Glasgow City calls Petershill Park home. The logistical challenges of having three teams in the same league playing at different venues have prompted this innovative approach.
Mulraney expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "It's at an embryonic stage. We think it's an avenue that can be successful. We are trying to build the women's game from the bottom up." His comments reflect a growing recognition of the need for improved facilities and infrastructure to support women’s football in Scotland.
The idea of a shared stadium was first suggested by Donald Gillies, managing director of Rangers Women, during a Fan Advisory Board meeting back in December 2024. He emphasized the importance of having a dedicated home for Glasgow’s women’s teams, saying, "Let me choose my words carefully. I stress this is only aspirational, but there would be ways of doing it with multi-partnership groups, particularly the other women’s teams in Glasgow, as well as the Scotland national team."
Gillies pointed out the limitations of Hampden Park for the women’s national team, noting that the venue is too large for current attendance levels. "In my opinion, Hampden isn’t working for the women’s national team. It’s too big for attendances of 8,000," he stated. He advocates for a fit-for-purpose stadium that could enhance the matchday experience and atmosphere, arguing that a smaller venue could lead to sell-out crowds and a more vibrant environment.
As the talks progress, both Celtic and Glasgow City have shown their support for the idea, with Glasgow City’s spokesperson stating, "It's no secret we continue to be committed to finding a home for our club in Glasgow, a place where women and girls who love football can thrive. We will continue to explore every opportunity to make that happen." This collaborative spirit among the clubs is seen as a crucial element in moving forward with the proposal.
The Scottish FA's 'Pitching In' project, which has already raised over £13 million of its £50 million target, underscores the commitment to developing football infrastructure across Scotland. This initiative aims to improve facilities, create new pitches, and enhance dressing room accommodations, all vital for the growth of women's football.
Moreover, the proposed stadium could serve as a model for similar venues across the country if successful. The idea of creating a hub venue specifically for women's football has garnered positive feedback, with many believing it could be a game-changer for the sport in Scotland.
Fiona McIntyre, managing director of the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL), highlighted the importance of facilities in growing the women’s game. "In women’s football, facilities are probably one of our single biggest challenges to growth," she remarked. The lack of designated, sustainable football facilities has been identified as a significant barrier, and the establishment of a dedicated stadium could help mitigate these issues.
Recent studies indicate a growing interest in women’s football, with a fifth of SWPL clubs reportedly doubling their average matchday attendances between the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons. This surge in popularity emphasizes the need for improved infrastructure to accommodate the increasing number of fans.
As discussions continue, the prospect of a shared stadium for Celtic, Rangers, and Glasgow City represents a significant step forward in the evolution of women’s football in Scotland. The collaboration among these clubs could foster a stronger community around the sport, encouraging more young girls to participate and support women's football.
While the idea of Rangers and Celtic sharing a venue may be met with skepticism from some traditionalists, Mulraney insists that fresh thinking is crucial for the sport's growth. "We can't just replicate the men's game; we have to do things differently," he asserted. The potential benefits of a shared facility could outweigh the challenges, paving the way for a new era in women’s football.
In conclusion, the ongoing discussions about a shared stadium for Celtic, Rangers, and Glasgow City highlight a pivotal moment for women's football in Scotland. As the SFA and the clubs work together to create a suitable venue, the future of the women’s game looks brighter than ever, with the 2035 Women’s World Cup on the horizon and a growing fanbase eager to support their teams.
