CELTIC Park has undergone a close season facelift as Ronny Deila’s side spends their pre-season in Paisley.
Complimenting the Celtic Way the frontage of the stadium has been transformed to salute many of the players who have shaped the history of the club from the founding days through the glories of Lisbon to the modern era which has established the stadium as the most atmospheric in the Champions League.
When supporters return to the ground next week for the Champions League qualifier with Stjarnan they will be greeted with huge paintings of players alongside the simple but bold message of PARADISE- WHERE LEGENDS ARE MADE.
Artist Jim Scullion was commissioned to do the work bringing to life players from all generations celebrating the triumphs of the club with the images displayed on the stands behind both goals.
Supporters who have been at the stadium to buy tickets and merchandise have voted the new look a success with social media awash with images of the brand new look.
The term Paradise dates back to the earliest days of the football ground and is believed to be related to leaving the Janefield Street cemetery to be greeted with the original stadium.
Since the 1994/95 transition to an all-seater stadium various improvements have taken place with the area around the stadium also transformed.
Statues to Jock Stein, Jimmy Johnstone and Brother Walfrid stand in front of the main door with the Celtic Way- completed in 2014 providing a spectacular walkway for fans to enjoy and meet up on matchdays.
With images of McGrory, McStay, Murdoch, Tully, Auld and Hay to welcome fans there is no danger of supporters forgetting the history that shapes the club and creates legends on a yearly basis.
Think I must be the only Tim that thinks the outside of the stadium is ghastly. Not the Celtic Way I hasten to add it is brilliant. Instead of the sticky plaster why not build the stadium at equal levels throughout. There are ways to build without adding too many seats and a bit of tarmacadam around both the Jock Stein and Lisbon Lions ends would not go amiss.