NafisaCeltic will be supported by a massive travelling backing in a Scottish Premiership ground next season.
St Johnstone have confirmed they will hand over three stands at McDiarmid Park when the Hoops come to town.
The Perth outfit, newly promoted back to the Premiership after winning the Championship, have made their stance crystal clear ahead of the upcoming campaign. When Celtic and Rangers visit, the away following will occupy three sides of the stadium.
It is a decision driven by revenue, and St Johnstone have made no attempt to disguise that reality.
A club statement read: “As previously indicated, as a matter of financial expediency, we will sell three stands to Rangers and Celtic.
“All East Stand season ticket holders will move to the Geoff Brown Stand for these particular fixtures. Family Stand season ticket holders will be offered seating options in the Geoff Brown Stand.
“Hearts will be given the entire North and Ormond Stands. This allows us to maximise club revenue while keeping the Family Stand season ticket price low.
“We understand that these decisions may divide opinion. However, the additional revenue generated from these fixtures provides a significant financial boost to the club, which is vital in helping us compete and invest both on and off the pitch.”
Home fans will be accommodated in the Geoff Brown Stand for those matches, leaving the remainder of the stadium effectively dominated by the travelling support.
From a Celtic viewpoint, it is a familiar scenario but nonetheless a welcome one.
In recent seasons, too many clubs have trimmed Celtic’s allocations, only to be left with large sections of empty seats elsewhere in the stadium. That approach has often damaged the atmosphere and, on occasions, even their own income.
St Johnstone have opted for the opposite route.
They are aware the demand will be guaranteed. When Celtic travel to McDiarmid Park, those three stands will be filled. There is no financial risk attached to the decision.
It also alters the dynamic of the fixture.
An away trip to Perth will now feel closer to a home environment, with the majority of the stadium backing the visiting side. That can prove significant over the course of a season, particularly in tight encounters where atmosphere can swing momentum.
For St Johnstone, it is a simple commercial decision. For Celtic, it is another chance to turn an away venue into a wave of green and white.
Nafisa
