Rangers could make unusual stadium alteration as part of expansion to iconic ground

Rangers have launched a feasibility study that will explore the potential expansion of Ibrox by 4,000 seats.

The Scottish giants revealed on Tuesday that the study would consider several improvements that could be made to their iconic 126-year home, and general matchday experience.

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As well as a view to increase their stadium capacity, the club will look into overhauling facilities at the Glasgow ground.

Rangers began a new era in May when a US consortium led by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises acquired a majority stake in the club.

But things have been far from straight forward since, with the Gers enduring a nightmare time of things on the pitch.

The first appointment of the new era was Russell Martin, who lasted just 123 days as head coach before being sacked.

It was then announced earlier this week that CEO Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell had both been sacked.

Following Danny Rohl’s arrival in the dugout in October, the ship has at least been steadied on the pitch, with Rangers winning their last four Scottish Premiership games.

What are the plans for Ibrox?

Rangers have moved to match their recent progress on the pitch by announcing major plans away from it.

Since their takeover, chairman Cavenagh and vice-chairman Paraag Marathe have discussed the possibility of making major improvements and upgrades to Ibrox.

Last month, the Rangers Fan Advisory Board revealed after a meeting with several senior figures at the club – including Cavenagh – that plans to expand the iconic venue had been floated.

According to the fans board, the ‘preferred option’ would see an extra 4,000 seats added to the stadium.

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The plans – which were described as ‘longer term’ – would see the pitch dropped to make room for the additional seating.

And the proposed stadium expansion could be one of a number of improvements supporters will be able to enjoy going forward.

Announcing the launch of the new feasibility study, Rangers promised it would ‘help shape the future of Ibrox’.

A media release from the club claimed this would identify ‘immediate ways’ to improve their fans’ matchday experience.

With supporters set to play an active role in this process, the study will examine various aspects, including the set-up and infrastructure, as well as the use of bar and social spaces for the benefit of supporters.

This includes looking into the use of the stadium’s Edmiston House facility, which currently hosts a matchday event.

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‘An important project’

Rangers interim chief executive Fraser Thornton explained the purpose he hoped the newly-unveiled study would serve.

He told the club’s website: “This is an important project for the club.

“We want to build for the future in a way that is sustainable and ambitious, while also identifying the steps we can take right now to improve the matchday experience and what we offer our fans.

“Supporter input will guide that work.

“The outcome of this process will give us a clear set of choices for both the short and long term.

“We’re fiercely proud of the club’s roots in the Ibrox and Govan communities, and we know our role in Glasgow is significant.

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“While this phase focuses on our fans, we fully recognise that local residents, community groups and elected representatives will have an important part to play as the project develops.

“Our aim is to keep investing in this part of the city and to play a positive role in its future.

“We encourage all supporters to take part in the survey when it opens.”