A new era will officially launch on Sunday 29th March @ 3pm when we open our 2015 season against defending Premier League champions Edinburgh Monarchs who will be our first opponents at the new and improved Ashfield Stadium – with a fraction over 4 weeks to go, the countdown is well and truly on!
We’ve already had a fantastic response from our loyal supporters – along with those who haven’t been to speedway for a while. We’re also seeing an increasing level of enquiries from people who don’t know much about speedway but have heard how special it is.
The redevelopment of the stadium continues at a furious pace ahead of what promises to be an exciting year for everyone connected with Glasgow Speedway and our aim is to ensure that all spectators – whether supporting the home side, or the opposition – thoroughly enjoy their race day regardless of the result.
We wanted to update you on just a few areas to aid understanding in advance of the new season.
Parking
So much has been achieved inside and around the stadium in the short period since the club, and Ashfield stadium itself, were bought by Gerry and Michael, we know you’ll be impressed when you get to see it for yourself.
One area which time has beaten us on, for 2015, is to create additional parking at the stadium.
Whilst there will still be limited parking (£2 per vehicle) in the ‘red blazed’ secure car park at front of the stadium, the other smaller car park will be designated for disabled drivers.
We will additionally now operate a larger, manned secure car park (£2 per vehicle) – with space for over 200 vehicles – situated only 500 yards along Hawthorn Street (stadium side of the street), a little beyond Gala Bingo.
We wish to encourage supporters’ to please make use of this manned car park weekly throughout the season.
Catering & Merchandising
We recognise how important it is for supporters, and potential new supporters, to have a good quality, as well as broad variety, of food, drink and club merchandise to choose from when they visit Glasgow Speedway – in 2015 they will have more choice, and more outlets, than ever before!
Meeting Presentation
Along with all the thrills and spills on track, we wish our speedway experience to offer fabulous entertainment throughout the race meeting. A key element in this is the match day presentation, which will once again be led by one of the most experienced speedway presenters in the business – Michael Max. We’re also working on some further changes to enhance the whole race day show!
New Mascot
Tigers’ will have a new furry mascot this year and he already has some special plans to entertain visitors to Ashfield! In addition, he is going to be out and about ahead of the new season so keep an eye on our social media channels for further details! Can you name him? Send us your suggestions.
Music
You choose the music! Would you like to hear a particular tune when your favourite rider wins a race? We’ve already received some terrific suggestions via our social media channels, but there’s still time to have your say. Please let us know what you want to hear when Richard Lawson storms across the line or Nick Morris leaves the opposition trailing in his wake!
Reflecting on all the race day changes Glasgow co-promoter Colin Hamilton commented: “We’re putting a massive emphasis this year on making speedway and coming to matches more enjoyable, particularly for families. We want to make the big matches bigger and we’re working hard on improving our raceday experience.
“We are putting new food and drink options in place as part of the redevelopment of Ashfield and our new mascot is sure to get supporters smiling.
“I have no doubt the fans will get behind it as well and I’m looking forward to the opening meeting in front of a packed house.”
With season tickets already on offer and demand extremely high – have you saved your £45 on your 2015 speedway action yet? If not, click here for details and to purchase. A reminder that season tickets will NOT be eligible for the opening meeting.
In other news we can now confirm that this year’s Press & Practice will be held on the afternoon of Wednesday, 25th March. The initial segment will be exclusively for press/media access, then we open the stadium to the public and the first opportunity to view the new look facilities! We will confirm the ‘gates open’ time shortly.
Can you help the Tigers’ in 2015? With much improved facilities, a potentially very successful team and a general uplift in interest around Glasgow Speedway, we’re looking to hear from supporters’ who may be interested in lending us a helping hand on race day. As previously highlighted we’re looking for some additional track staff to report to a meeting at the track this Sunday @12pm, however we’re also hoping some supporters’ will be keen to assist us in welcoming new-to-speedway visitors this season – if you’d like to be a Tigers’ ambassador on race day (and still enjoy the racing), please get in touch.
Finally, we very much look forward to seeing a large turn out of Tigers’ fans at tomorrow evening’s supporters’ event at Ibrox. It would be terrific to REALLY give Gerry & Michael a rapturous reception, and of course to enjoy all the fun with Richard, Aaron, our mystery guest and others on the night. Doors open at 6:30pm, pay at the door with Adults £5, U16 £2.
Gerry & Michael will be on hand to answer questions, however please feel free to pre-submit these by email or via the club’s social media.
If you require any further information or have any comments on the above please email – info@glasgowtigers.co
PS – have you joined any of this year’s Race Teams? Click here to see how you can Back the Boys in 2015.