Manging Director Update | Hampden Park move

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - OCTOBER 08: Glasgow Warriors Kyle Steyn, Head Coach Franco Smith and Managing Director Alastair Kellock are pictured as Glasgow Warriors announce that Hampden Park will host this year's annual 1872 Cup match against Edinburgh Rugby at Hampden Park, on October 08, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

Dear Warrior Nation,

I am sure by now you have heard the news that we are moving our home 1872 Cup match with Edinburgh to Hampden Park.

To accommodate such a move, we have also had to change the fixture date to Sunday 22 December. I understand that this change is not suitable for everyone. However, it is our hope  that having the earlier kick off will allow as many people as possible to travel from across Scotland.

Rugby’s newest spectacle

The vision for moving this match is ultimately to showcase Glasgow Warriors on as big a scale as possible. And, also to create rugby’s newest spectacle. We have seen the success other clubs have had organising big-game derby fixtures. And, as the current defending league champions I truly believe our current group of players deserve to have this opportunity.

In recent years, we have continually sold out our home leg of the 1872 Cup, and have been unable to meet the high demand of those wanting to attend. Therefore, now is the time to offer a match day that allows more friends, families, and ticket purchasers to come to our flagship match in the BKT United Rugby Championship.

Dare to dream

If we dare to dream, this is our first steps towards matching the 51,000 Bulls supporters that came to Loftus Versfeld for our final in June; or the 75,000 people that have already sold out Croke Park for the Leinster versus Munster fixture this Saturday. Or even better, to making the 1872 Cup double header the most attended back-to-back rugby dates in the URC calendar. Can you imagine filling both of Scotland’s national stadiums.

We have worked hard to get this news to you as early as possible. Furthermore, in the coming weeks we will double our efforts to make getting to and from Hampden as seamless as possible. The information for transferring your tickets is now with Season Ticket Members, and we’ll be in touch again ahead of general sale opening on Friday 25 October.

Show someone what we’re all about

Glasgow Warriors’ ask to you is that you help us to make this one of rugby’s very best spectacles, and the highlight of our calendar. So, invite your friends, come with a group from the rugby club, show someone who has never experienced rugby before what we, Glasgow Warriors, are all about.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has already reached out to ask how they can support making this an incredible event. And, if there are other ideas, I urge you to get in touch.

Together, let’s make Hampden Roar.

Yours in rugby,

Al Kellock

Glasgow Warriors, Managing Director