Hibs/Hearts Murrayfield debate

[bobby s]

If the semi was to played there, I'd stake my mortgage on it being a 67k sellout.

When was the last time there was a crowd of that size at a football ground in Scotland?

I'm guessing the Old Parkhead pre Hillsborough because ISTR being at Hampden in the 80's and the capacity was 63K then....

[Scottish]

Old Firm Scottish Cup Final of 1989 drew 72,079. For a semi-final,Celtic v Hearts in 1988 was watched by 66,464. For a semi-final crowd in excess of Murrayfield's capacity you have to go back to Hibs-Rangers(the first game) in 1972 which had an attendance of 76,174.

FWIW I think common sense dictates Murrayfield with the other semi either at Rugby Park if Hamilton get through and maybe Firhill if it's Dundee. Not an Edinburgh ground as that's too much of an advantage for Dundee.

[Scottish]

Most people are aware that the Rangers-Celtic Scottish Cup Final on May 5th 1973 with 122,714 present was the last 100,000 crowd in Scotland. But the 'lesser' landmarks aren't so well documented. All at Hampden.

Last 90,000 was 94,331 Scotland v Spain Nov 1974
Last 80,000 was 80,529 Scotland v England May 1982
Last 70,000 was 72,079 Celtic v Rangers May 1989
Last above current capacity of biggest ground (Celtic Park, 60,294) was 62,817 Rangers v Celtic League Cup Final Oct 1990

[Asterix]

Cheers D

[the hibLOG]

I'm reading quotes from Frank DOugan the Hibs SUpporters Club chief, saying semis and finals have always been held at Hampden, which is not true is it? Finals yes, apart from the early years, but isn't the practice of holding semis at Hampden a comparatively recent thing - apart from Old Firm ties?

[Scottish]

Neutral venues were first used in 1912. There were 46 semi-final ties between then and 1939 with just 11 at Hampden.

Since WW2 there have been 118 semis with 78 at Hampden. The first time both semis were played there was in 1954 but this didn't become a regular practice until 1971.

I can remember having to go to Muirton of all middens for a semi in 1970.

[bobby s]

ISTR to remember a semi being played at Celtic Park in the late 80's early 90's between Rangers and St Johnstone.....

[Scottish]

Discounting 1997 and 1998 when Hampden was out of commission the most recent semi to be played elsewhere was Celtic v Hibs in 1995 at Ibrox.

I tell a lie. It twas Rangers v St Johnstone in 1999 at Parkhead

[the hibLOG]

Was it only 97 and 98 that Hampden was out of use for Scottish Cup semis? I was at the League Cup final in October 93 between Hibs and Rangers at Parkhead and there is a feature in the programme about the works at Hampden then.

[Jim Boyce]

The Rangers v St Johnstone game at Parkhead was in 1989 - the day of the Hillsborough disaster.

[Scottish]

Was it only 97 and 98 that Hampden was out of use for Scottish Cup semis? I was at the League Cup final in October 93 between Hibs and Rangers at Parkhead and there is a feature in the programme about the works at Hampden then.

Hampden was out of action after the League Cup Final in October 1992 and was opened again - partially rebuilt with new East and West stands - for an international v Holland in March 1994

After the Scottish Cup Final in May 1996 the final stage of redevelopment commenced. The South Stand was demolished in November 1997. The first 'big' game at the completed ground was the Scottish Cup semi between Celtic and Dundee United in April 1999.

In terms of internationals there were none at Hampden between March 1992-March 1994 and again between March 1996-October 1999

[LEATHERSTOCKING]

I too was @ the 1970 semi @ Muirton. Several of my mates @ the Art School were Killie fans & we all piled into an old VW van - 60 miles - frightening ! It was the 1st time I`d ever seen skinheads - frightening (again). I was a big fearty in those days - easily frightened. Evereyone expected Killie to win but the Dons surprised us all. The old Hampden stand came down on 1st November 1997: I watched it drop. It was a very cold windy day hence the tear in the eye. I think several "home" Queen`s games were played @ New Lesser but can`t remember but I think the 1st game ever played without a South Stand @ Hampden was QP vs. Cowdenbeath. There was a cluster of portacabins behind the Aitkenhead Road goal for changing rooms for months. The "tremporary" cabins built behind the Somerville Road goal @ New Lesser as offices for the SFA, SPL & QP are still there. These things must have a life of their own. "Temporay" hut classrooms were put up @ my school in the early 60s & THEY`RE still there too.

[Scottish]

Several of my mates @ the Art School were Killie fans.

Art School? Nah, that can't be right. Skinheads I'll grant you but not art students.

[Gunboat Briggs]

The first 'big' game at the completed ground was the Scottish Cup semi between Celtic and Dundee United in April 1999.

Oh no it wasn't! The said typical Glasgow capitulation by the boys in Tangerine took place at Ibrox. I vividly recall exchanging pleasantries with the East End hordes in the salubrious surroundings of the Stadium Bar beforehand, in fact.

[Scottish]

Quite right. Cyber dunce's cap for me