Hibernian Football Club has announced extensive renovation plans for their Easter Road stadium, which will be carried out this summer. These developments, fully funded by the Gordon family as they continue the club’s vision championed by the late Ron Gordon, are set to transform various aspects of the stadium.
Key changes include:
1. Introduction of a safe-standing section in the Famous Five Stand, aligning with modern trends in stadium design and enhancing the matchday experience for supporters.
2. Redevelopment of the interior of the Famous Five Stand, including the revival of the ‘Behind the Goals’ bar, a popular spot among season ticket-holders in previous years.
3. Establishment of a new family section in the East Stand, catering to the needs of families and creating a welcoming environment for all supporters.
4. Improvement of facilities for disabled supporters in the East Stand to ensure full compliance with UEFA standards regarding accessibility.
These renovations signify the club’s commitment to modernizing and enhancing Easter Road Stadium while honoring its rich history and tradition. The Gordon family’s investment underscores their dedication to furthering the club’s success and providing an exceptional experience for fans.
Safe standing
Hibernian Football Club conducted a comprehensive consultation process with fans last year to assess support for the implementation of a safe-standing section at Easter Road. With an overwhelming majority backing the move, the club has officially announced the introduction of a safe-standing section beginning from the start of the 2024/25 season. This summer, the Famous Five Lower tier will undergo restructuring to incorporate rail seating.
The safe-standing section will span the entire width of the lower tier, with a larger area concentrated directly behind the goal in section 18RS. Season ticket-holders affected by the new layout in the Famous Five Stand have been given priority to either renew their seats within the safe-standing section or relocate elsewhere within the stadium for the 2024/25 campaign. This initiative reflects the club’s commitment to enhancing the matchday experience for supporters while maintaining safety standards.
‘Behind the Goals’ returns
The Hibs Observer previously reported in October that the Famous Five Stand’s interior was set to undergo refurbishment as part of broader efforts to enhance the stadium’s appearance. This vision is now materializing with the redevelopment of the Behind the Goals bar area.
As a component of this renovation, seats within the Block 50 section of the Famous Five Upper have been upgraded to form part of a new membership package named after the bar itself.
The ‘Behind the Goals’ membership, priced at £800 per season, translates to approximately £50 per home game. This membership entitles supporters to various benefits, including access to the bar before, after, and during halftime of matches, as well as a range of street food options among other perks. Additionally, the club anticipates offering match-by-match access to the bar in the future, providing greater flexibility for supporters.
New family section
Hibernian Football Club has revealed plans for a new family section within the stadium. Following discussions with supporters, it was determined that the existing family zone in the Famous Five Stand would be impacted by the installation of a safe-standing area. As a result, blocks 37 and 38, located at the north end of the East Stand, have been identified as the new designated family section.
In addition to designating these blocks for families, the club intends to revamp the concourse area within the East Stand to cultivate a more family-friendly atmosphere. These enhancements aim to create an environment where families can enjoy the matchday experience together in a safe and welcoming setting.
New accessible seating
In a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, the club is undertaking upgrades to accommodate disabled supporters. Specifically, a new accessible wheelchair section will be established in the East Stand. This initiative aims to increase the number of wheelchair spaces within the stadium while also ensuring compliance with UEFA accessibility standards.
To facilitate the creation of this new section, several seats in blocks 43, 44, and 45 of the East Stand, situated at the south end, will be removed. This adjustment will allow for the necessary space to be allocated for wheelchair users, enhancing their matchday experience and promoting equal access to the stadium’s facilities.
