NEWS: Chalmers outlines plans for venue future

Glasgow Clan Chief Operating Officer Gareth Chalmers has outlined his club’s ambitious plans for the future of their home venue.

The Clan are currently bidding to become the new operators of Braehead Arena, following the collapse of intu Braehead Leisure last year.

Chalmers reiterated that this is a game changing opportunity for the Clan and would see the 3,500 seater building continue to be a multi-purpose facility under club management.

“We’ve been extremely proud to call Braehead our home for the past 11 years, however the situation had grown to a point that there was little scope left for further progression.

“If you look at the Cardiff Devils situation, being operators of their home venue has been a huge benefit to their organisation on and off the ice.

“We’re looking at a number of substantial infrastructure plans including an additional entrance which would provide ice users with access out-with the shopping centre’s opening times, plus facilities to provide the Purple Army with a vastly improved fan and hospitality experience.

“The indoor venue market is very competitive, however we are very excited by the opportunity, we have carried out our due diligence and highlighted a number of improvement areas to make the building more sustainable during it’s third decade of trading”.

Gerry McLaughlin, Clan’s Head of Business Development added:

“We’re fully focused on providing a premier facility in the West of Scotland, not just for ice hockey and all ice users but we also see the potential for the building to be a hub for many indoor and alternative sports. The arena’s historic concert and conference events will also be a crucial contributor to the creation of a venue with a bustling daytime energy and electric nights”.