Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Stewart Wilson

Megabrox incoming: Will Rangers' US investors upgrade Ibrox?

The listed red brick facade of Rangers' Ibrox Park is legendary and untouchable.

One of the final surviving remnants of stadium designer Archibald Leach's incredible legacy across the UK, it stands as a monument to big-thinking men from another age.

And while the main stand can't be tampered with, the rest of the stadium could easily face changes should American investors take over.

The consortium headed up by 49ers Enterprises chief Paraag Marathe have money to spend on the right projects and they have form when it comes to stadiums.

And don't take my word for it, here's what the Leeds chairman himself said about his time with the San Fransisco 49ers during a podcast: "The name of the game for any sports team is to have yourself a sustainable stadium or arena that you can play in that generates enough that you can support the team you want, a competitive team on the field.


Read more:


"And that was, that was all of our focus, you know, for seven or eight years that I was COO of the team itself. That's all our focus was, was figuring out where to get, build a stadium, how to build it, how to finance it, how to sell it, all of that. 

"And yeah, we did transition from a $3bn lemonade stand to a sort of more of a sports entertainment company."

And Marathe hasn't wasted time in doing the same at Leeds United during his stint as chairman.

In September last year, he announced a move to increase Elland Road's capacity from 37500 to 53000, making it England's seventh biggest stadium.

Marathe said: “We recognise how important Elland Road is to the Leeds United fans and the wider community. The opportunity to refresh a century-old stadium, coupled with the legacy of Leeds United, is unprecedented.

"Our plans reinforce our commitment to the long-term success of the club and I am excited that we are going to be able to welcome thousands more supporters to every game, in a stadium that retains the unique atmosphere of Elland Road. We look forward to sharing our plans with supporters and the local community for their input.”

If the Americans are intent on making a profit from their investment, it seems obvious that turning the 15,000-strong waiting list for season tickets into paying punters is a good place to start.

Such a decision would involve major cost and time, but if the group are thinking long-term, they certainly seem to have the resources to take Ibrox to the next level.

Maybe the fabled 'Megabrox' of fan forums will end up being more than just fantasy after all!

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.