Hibs faithful are flocking together in East Stand

HIBS fans have been snapping up their seats in Easter Road's new East Stand even although they won't be able to take their places until after the new season has kicked off.

The club's ticket office has been inundated this week by supporters who have sat elsewhere in the ground asking to move into the 6,400 capacity new stand.

And fears increasing the crowd limit to 20,250 may dissuade supporters from buying season tickets have proved groundless with renewals running ten per cent ahead of last year's deadline.

Today Fife Hyland, director of communications and marketing, declared himself "very happy" with sales so far, believing the introduction of a ten-month interest free payment plan, the prospect of European football and the sight of the final phase of redeveloping the stadium have all played a part.

He said: "The payment plan has allowed supporters to incorporate coming to Easter Road as part of their monthly outgoings and we've also had a few hundred take advantage of being able to buy their season ticket for the next two or even three years at today's prices.

"The extra capacity has also given fans a greater opportunity to sit together, friends who have perhaps sat in the West or Famous Five Stands now able to do so in groups of five, 15, or in one case 24."

Existing season ticket holders from the old East Stand were given first opportunity to pick their own seats with others from elsewhere next in line and then newcomers before the remaining places go on general sale. However, although work on the new stand is on schedule – the last of the concrete decking and the roof were put in place this week – it won't be ready for the SPL kick-off meaning those desperate to take their seats will have to be accommodated elsewhere until it is completed.