Celtic Park vs Allianz Arena: Time for an upgrade to Paradise

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·9 February 2025

Celtic Park vs Allianz Arena: Time for an upgrade to Paradise

Celtic Park vs Allianz Arena: Is It Time for an Upgrade?

Celtic v BSC Young Boys, view of Paradise from the sky. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Celtic Park has long been regarded as one of the most atmospheric stadiums in world football. Legends like Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, and Rio Ferdinand have praised the electric atmosphere, often describing the fans as Celtic’s “12th man.” However, in recent years, the stadium has looked increasing tired, particularly on big European nights.

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This season’s Champions League clash against Club Brugge exposed that staleness. Despite the stakes, the noise and intensity weren’t at their usual heights. The “disco lights” upgrade, introduced over four years ago, initially added spectacle, but little else has changed to modernise and improve Celtic Park as a stadium.

Disco Lights at Celtic Park, 8th November 2018. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

Celtic Park vs. Bayern’s Allianz Arena – A Tale of Two Eras

Celtic Park’s last major renovation came in the late 1990s under Fergus McCann, transforming it into a modern all-seater stadium with a capacity of over 60,000. At the time, it was a bold step forward, ensuring Celtic had one of the finest stadiums in Britain. Celtic’s dominance of the Scottish game can be traced back to McCann’s vision of building a 60,000 capacity stadium. However, in the decades since, European football has moved on, and many clubs have taken their matchday experience to another level.

View inside the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League match between FC Bayern München and Paris Saint-Germain at Football Arena Munich on November 26, 2024 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena, which opened in 2005, was built with modern football in mind. With its glowing exterior, cutting-edge acoustics, and advanced fan engagement features, it enhances the atmosphere in ways Celtic Park currently cannot. While Celtic Park thrives on history and raw passion, the Allianz Arena demonstrates how innovation can elevate a stadium’s impact on the game.

If you think Bayern’s stadium is impressive you should have a look at their training campus which is just 3km away and is visible from the stadium. If you are going to Munich walk over there and have a look, it’s incredible!

Bayern Munich’s Social Media Post – Allianz Arena and Celtic Park

Celtic’s main stand is tired and well past its best

One of Celtic Park’s biggest limitations is the main stand, a building that has remained largely untouched. With its single tier and steel framework dating back to the 1920s, it is steeped in history, tradition, and sentiment—but it also restricts capacity and reduces the intensity of noise compared to the towering, fully enclosed stadiums of Europe’s elite.

Celtic v BSC Young Boys, view of Paradise from the sky. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

As Celtic prepares for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout tie against Bayern Munich, a packed Celtic Park will need to create the kind of atmosphere that has rattled the biggest names in football. Brendan Rodgers has spoken of his ambition to re-establish Celtic as a European force, but in a rapidly evolving football landscape, passion alone may not be enough.

For Celtic Park to remain a true fortress, it may be time to modernise—not to copy others, but to innovate and build a future that ensures the club can compete at the highest level for years to come.

Time to Innovate, Not Immitate

Celtic v BSC Young Boys, view of Paradise from the sky. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Upgrading Celtic Park doesn’t mean simply replicating Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena—it’s about innovating while preserving the stadium’s unique identity. The upcoming fixtures against Bayern offer a stark comparison of how the two stadiums influence the atmosphere and fan experience.

While Bayern’s Allianz Arena boasts modern acoustics, immersive fan engagement, and a fully illuminated exterior, Celtic Park remains deeply rooted in tradition. However, to maintain its edge, Celtic must look beyond nostalgia and explore ways to elevate the matchday experience in order to ensure it can compete with Europe’s elite both on and off the pitch.

Bayern Munich’s Allianz Area Exterior Illumination

The club should consider enhancements such as improving acoustics, expanding the main stand, and modernizing facilities to better amplify the roar of the Celtic supporters. Reworking sound engineering and integrating new technologies could bring the stadium to life in new ways, ensuring Celtic Park remains an intimidating fortress on European nights, while staying true to its rich history and passionate fanbase.

Fans of Bayern Munich display a tifo, of the Bayern Munich emblem prior to the DFB Cup round of 16 match between FC Bayern München and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Allianz Arena on December 03, 2024 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Financial Strength – No Excuses

Celtic is currently in its strongest-ever financial position, yet European clubs with greater financial power continue to widen the gap in terms of on-field success. If Celtic want to remain competitive at the highest level, it must seize every opportunity to improve and a glaring example is a renovation to Paradise.

The Green Wall at Celtic Park. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

A second tier being added to the Main Stand would allow Celtic to move season ticket holders in the Jock Stein stand to the new upper Main Stand and then use their old seats to create The Green Wall as the Celtic End bringing all Ultras together and expanding the singing section considerably. That’s a win-win situation for everyone, all it requires is the vision.

Holstein Kiel team line up prior to the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and Holstein Kiel at Allianz Arena on February 01, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Celtic Park has the history. It has the fans. But it’s time to evolve. The question is no longer if an upgrade should happen, but when…

Dubai Bhoy

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