Coleraine FC has increased the capacity of The Showgrounds ahead of Friday's top-of-the-table clash with Glentoran. The club announced that the Uncovered Terrace can now accommodate over 1,400 spectators, a significant upgrade that takes effect immediately for the home fixture on 30 October. The team, which sits first in the Premiership on 34 points from 13 games, will look to extend its two-point lead over Linfield.
The expansion was made possible through financial and practical support from the Friends of Coleraine supporters' group and key club figures including directors Chris Fillis and Niall McGill. Former chairman David Cameron, contractor McKendry ACL, and staff member Chris Gray were also instrumental in delivering the project. The work included the installation of new crush barriers to meet safety standards.
Safety approval secured for matchday
The Safety Advisory Group, which includes representatives from the Sports Grounds Safety Authority, the local council, and the PSNI, has reviewed and approved the capacity change for the upcoming match. Full, formal ratification of the increase will follow after a further review in the coming weeks. The club has requested that all supporters adhere to guidance from stewards throughout the ground on Friday night to ensure a safe environment.
This development arrives as Coleraine sit first in the Premiership, holding a two-point lead over Linfield with 34 points from 13 games. Their formidable recent form, which includes four consecutive wins, will be tested by a Glentoran side currently fourth in the standings. The last meeting between the sides in September saw Coleraine secure a 2-1 away victory. The team's recent form of four wins and one loss from their last five matches includes a 5-0 victory over Crusaders FC on Saturday 24 October and a 3-2 comeback win at Larne on Friday 16 October. They have scored 31 goals this season while conceding only 12. The team has also shown remarkable resilience in recent weeks, scoring key goals in the final 15 minutes of matches to secure an additional seven points from their last five games. Their next fixture after the Glentoran match is an away trip to face Carrick Rangers on Tuesday, 3 November.
Chief Executive Officer Dale Pryde-MacDonald oversaw the project, which represents a tangible step in ongoing stadium improvements. Tickets for the match against Glentoran remain available via the club's official ticketing website. The fixture kicks off at The Showgrounds on Friday night under the new, expanded terrace capacity.
This story first appeared at Coleraine FC
