Hospitality revamp will force 250 Tynecastle fans out of seats

Ewan Murray
SOME 250 Hearts season ticket holders will have their seats relocated as the club alters corporate hospitality arrangements for next season.
Those who attend matchday hospitality in Tynecastle's Gorgie Suite are currently housed in section A of the Wheatfield Stand when watching games, as has been the case for the past four seasons. For the new campaign, guests will return behind the goals to section X of the Gorgie Stand; supporters who currently have season tickets in that area will be unable to renew for the same seats as a consequence. Hearts say those concerned can move to any available part of the ground at no extra cost for the season ticket.

A Hearts spokesman confirmed the club do not believe existing seating arrangements are suitable for their corporate guests; rows of empty seats have been visible in the Wheatfield's section A all season. "We are pleased that the vast majority are working with the club to find new seats and we are doing everything we can to also ensure they can sit next to the people they previously sat with," the spokesman explained.

"Hospitality guests are being relocated from section A in the Wheatfield Stand to section X in the Gorgie as we are keen to ensure all supporters are well catered for. "All supporters provide a valuable contribution to the club and by ensuring we maintain a positive experience for hospitality guests, at no disadvantage to existing season ticket holders, it allows the club to maintain our excellent value season ticket prices for the rest of the supporter base."

Further alterations are anticipated at the stadium in the close season. Hearts will replace seats in the enclosure sections of Tynecastle's main stand and provisional moves are already underway with a view to extending and improving media facilities.