The Scottish FA is "weighing up whether to quit the National Stadium when its lease expires" in '20, according to Andy Newport of the Scotland DAILY RECORD. It will cost "many, many millions of pounds" to maintain the "historic" venue on Glasgow's south side over the span of a new 20-year lease, according to SFA CEO Stewart Regan. A poll of fans suggested many believe that "cash could be better spent elsewhere." The Scottish Football Supporters Association carried out a survey of just under 3,000 of its members and found "only a sixth wanted to see major internationals and cup finals staged at Hampden." SFA execs have "already held talks with their rugby counterparts about staging showpiece fixtures at Murrayfield" and that prospect was backed by 34% of the poll's respondents. Meanwhile, another 25% called for major matches to be "taken on the road around the country" (DAILY RECORD, 12/11).
STATUS QUO 'NOT WORKING': The BBC reported the SFSA's survey also revealed that of those involved, 56% rate the overall experience of Hampden as "bad or very bad" and "only" 13% rate the Hampden experience as "positive." In terms of cup games, 61% have a "positive or neutral position on the atmosphere generated at Hampden," with that figure standing at 60% for int'l matches. SFSA Chair Simon Barrow said that "the status quo is not working" and called for "a full independent consultation" to be conducted. Hampden Park Ltd. "handles the running of the stadium" and Managing Dir Peter Dallas highlighted that "millions of pounds have been invested in improving the matchday experience," with the ground one of the host venues for Euro 2020 (BBC, 12/11).
FINANCIAL FACTORS: In Edinburgh, Craig Stewart reported Hampden has "long been criticised for poor sight lines and inadequate supporting transport links." However, it "will not just be the experience for the paying supporter or the emotional attachment to the 114-year history of the ground that are the key issues." Finance will "come into the equation" as the SFA would need to come up with a way of generating income without having "privileged access to a 52,000-capacity stadium." At present, the SFA makes more money in sub-rental income from the ground than it pays to lease Hampden. That "could be a factor, as could be the loss of various substantial revenue streams" (SCOTSMAN, 12/12).
