GLASGOW’S politicians, business leaders, campaigners and community groups have come out fighting for Hampden Park as the Scottish Football Association gathers to decide whether it will remain the home of the national team. 

As reported by the Evening Times, the Scottish Football Association (SFA) is weighing up whether to quit the national stadium when its lease expires in 2020 or transfer it elsewhere – possibly to Murrayfield in Edinburgh. 

SFA bosses meet today to discuss bids from both Hampden Park and the Scottish Rugby Union to host Scottish international matches along with cup finals and semi-finals.

The final decision is expected to be announced later on this week.
John McHugh, spokesman for campaign group Hampden Roar, said: “After the tragedy of the Art School, Glasgow cannot lose another iconic building. 

“We should make Hampden a priority for Scotland to celebrate our culture, history, people and national sport and you will attract investment for improvements to the stadium and infrastructure. 

“Instead of walking away from the community who have housed them for a century, we’re asking the SFA to share our vision for Hampden – Scotland’s most significant sporting, cultural and historical asset.”

Glasgow City Council has backed the National Stadium remaining at Hampden, while the Scottish Government has not expressed an official view on whether Glasgow or Edinburgh should host the prestigious and lucrative matches.

Our Save the Hampden Roar campaign has highlighted how losing the stadium would have a huge impact on Glasgow’s economy and its burgeoning role in international sport.

A letter signed by businesses in Mount Florida has underlined the hammer blow that would be dealt to the local economy if the SFA decides to leave Hampden Park for Murrayfield.

The letter, co-ordinated by Mount Florida Community Council (MoFloCoCo), has been signed by 39 businesses, representing the majority of the neighbourhood shopping area.

The letter highlights the community benefits of the local shopping area as well as the economic contribution.

Chris Carus, of MoFloCoCo, said: “All types of business are represented in the signatories including businesses that benefit directly on events days like restaurants, as well as others that benefit from the additional year-round footfall brought by the SFA offices, the sports health centre, corporate events and other stadium visitors.”

A decision by the SFA to leave Hampden would be another shock to the city, coming soon after the tragic fire at Glasgow School of Art which shut down businesses in parts of Sauchiehall Street.

Mr Carus added: “Only four of the businesses we spoke to declined to put their names to the letter. Of those that gave a reason, the main issue is reduced access for deliveries on major match days. That is something we believe can be improved, and we intend to raise it with the city council and Police Scotland.”

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce has also given its backing to the campaign to keep Hampden as the home for Scottish football.

The SFA has a straight choice between Hampden, or a move to Murrayfield in Edinburgh - the home of Scottish rugby

In a letter to the SFA, Stuart Patrick, chief executive of the chamber, said Hampden was “more than a stadium” and brought tens of millions of pounds into the city’s economy.

Mr Patrick wrote: “It is a statement of Glasgow’s proud place as one of the world’s top sporting cities and of Scottish football’s position in the global game. It is known across the world as Scotland’s football home.

“The fact that Hampden is one of the host venues for Euro 2020 is a reminder of its world class status and capability of hosting such events and the benefits that it brings to Glasgow, and for the profile of Scottish football.

“Furthermore, the recent sell-out appearances of such popular music stars as Ed Sheeran, Beyonce and Jay-Z this summer further remind of the stadium’s appeal, flexibility and potential beyond sport.”

The letter said the economic impact of Hampden was of significant value to the city and to Scotland and was “not only measured by tens of millions of pounds but also by reputation.”

It said the park had forged strong links with the local community and there were ‘countless’ businesses, bars, cafes and restaurants in the surrounding areas which provided jobs for local people.

The letter said the city had delivered the 2018 European Championships – proof of its capability to deliver ‘world class sorting events.”
It concluded: “We need a healthy and valued Hampden Park for such events in the future.

“We are writing to state our support for Hampden Park and urge the Scottish FA to ensure it remains the home of Scottish football beyond 2020.”