Munro urges fans to give Scotstoun a rousing start

The Warriors lost their first match under the new management of Gregor Townsend, Matt Taylor and Munro, away to Ulster last week, and are now under pressure to make the most of a second “first impression” when they host the Scarlets in the first RaboDirect PRO12 match to be played at Scotstoun.

A former Glasgow player and Scotland international, Munro believes it will be a historic occasion for Glasgow sport and is not surprised that ticket sales  are already pointing towards a capacity crowd of 5,000.

“There’s a tangible buzz around the whole club as we prepare to take the field at  Scotstoun for the first time this Friday night,” he said.

“The players are itching to get out there and deliver a fitting result for such a special occasion, and it’s great to know that the supporters share our enthusiasm about getting the ball rolling in our new home. They’ve bought season ticket memberships in record numbers and I know from speaking to the guys in the office that match ticket sales have been brisk so far this week as well.

“Having a large and vociferous crowd at our backs was a key part of how we made Firhill such a fortress last season, and we’re all really looking forward to seeing our fans replicate that atmosphere at Scotstoun. There are a lot of new supporters among those who have  purchased season tickets, which is great to see.”

The Scotstoun Stadium was turned into an excellent venue for the IRB World Sevens Series in May, but it will not be quite so compact this week. Smaller versions of the temporary stands erected behind each goal in May are available for use but, in an agreement with City of Glasgow Council and Glasgow Life, they will only be used for the big attendances in the Heineken Cup and festive derby with Edinburgh in order to safeguard the relatively new running track.

However, with 3,400 seats in the main stand, 1,200 on the far side and space for 400 standing, Glasgow hope that a crowd approaching 5,000 is possible and will generate a terrific atmosphere as the team settles into its new home. The size of the crowd will provide an indicator as to the early success of the SRU and Glasgow bid to grow professional rugby in the west. But that begins with a team performing well and needs the launchpad of a victory on Friday.

Munro added: “Scotstoun is a first-class venue for players and fans alike, and I’d urge everyone involved in rugby in the west of Scotland to get along this Friday to share a really proud moment for the sport in our region.”