In an unexpected turn of events, the kick-off time for the much-anticipated pre-season friendly match between Birmingham City and Rangers was delayed. Originally scheduled to begin at 7.30 pm, the match was pushed back by 15 minutes, with the new start time set for 7.45 pm. The reason? Over ten thousand Rangers fans were expected to flood St Andrew’s Stadium on Wednesday evening, and the introduction of new electronic scanners at the turnstiles created massive queues, raising concerns among fans about missing part of the action.
To alleviate the congestion and ensure a smooth entry for all attendees, Birmingham City made the sensible decision to delay the start of the match. This adjustment allowed more fans to enter the stadium safely and avoid unnecessary chaos at the gates. A tweet from Rangers confirmed the delay, stating, “Kick-off has been delayed until 7.45 pm to ensure safe entry of all fans into the stadium.” Similarly, the hosts took to social media to inform their supporters, writing, “Please note that tonight’s kick-off has been delayed by 15 minutes to 7:45 pm to allow all fans to enter the ground safely.”
This pre-season fixture is crucial for Rangers as Philippe Clement’s men prepare for a challenging season ahead. After the Birmingham City match, Rangers will travel to face Union Berlin on Saturday, setting the stage for their Scottish Premiership campaign, which kicks off the following weekend with a visit to Heart of Midlothian.
The delay in the Birmingham City vs Rangers friendly match highlights the importance of fan safety and the impact of new technologies on stadium operations. Ensuring a smooth and safe entry for all fans is a priority that sometimes necessitates last-minute changes, as seen in this instance.
By making these adjustments, Birmingham City demonstrated their commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees. As Rangers fans eagerly await the start of their team’s Scottish Premiership campaign, the lessons learned from this friendly match will undoubtedly contribute to better management of future fixtures.
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