THE capacity of Forres Mechanics’ Mosset Park ground has been doubled to cater for the Scottish Cup invasion of Rangers.
Initially limited to under 1,500, the crowd for Mechanics’ September 29 tie against the Ibrox giants will now be a 2,751 sell-out.
The Highland League champions were given the go ahead to increase their capacity after safety fears were raised that hundreds of ticketless Rangers fans would travel north for the second round clash.
Now the Glasgow side will be given a thousand tickets, more than a third of the full allocation, and Forres manager Charlie Rowley is thrilled it will create an even better atmosphere on the day.
"I think it’s a sensible decision and I’m absolutely delighted," he said. "A lot of hard work has gone into organising this game by all of our committee and volunteers, and it will be a great day for the club."
Club officials met with Moray Council and both Strathclyde and Grampian Police officers to finalise ticket plans, and it was agreed to raise the ground limit if certain safety measures were met.
Following tests on the Mosset Park crash barriers around the pitch, and access improvements in the main stand, the new capacity was rubbed stamped.
Season ticket holders, sponsors and advertisers were given the opportunity to snap up their tickets for the Rangers game on Saturday, and there will be a public sale of briefs this Thursday night for home fans.
Tickets are priced £15 for ground and £20 for stand, limited to two per person, and supporters will be asked to prove residency in the IV postcode area by showing identification on the night.
See Friday’s Northern Scot for the latest on the Can Cans’ big match.
