Celtic Football Club is never far from the headlines, and this summer has been no exception. Supporters have been debating the club’s quieter transfer window compared to previous years, even as Kieran Tierney’s return from Arsenal provided a welcome lift. Brendan Rodgers’ side ended pre-season on a positive note, lifting the Como Cup after a tense penalty shootout win over Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia. But with Champions League qualifiers and a League Cup tie against Falkirk looming, many fans feel the squad could use more reinforcements to stay competitive on multiple fronts.
At Celtic Park itself, the focus isn’t just on results and signings – the club has also been looking at how it engages with supporters. With more interest than ever in how digital tools can improve matchdays and keep fans connected, Celtic has been taking small but noticeable steps forward. These initiatives are particularly important given the club’s global supporter base, with fans regularly travelling from all over Europe and beyond to take in the atmosphere at Paradise.
Digital Ways to Improve Fan Experience
Clubs around the world are testing how technology like blockchain can improve ticketing and fan services. According to industry sources, including those who track the expanding list of crypto casinos, these tools can reduce fraud, cut costs, and create stronger ties between clubs and their supporters.
Celtic have been working on similar ideas. Online ticketing and access systems have been upgraded in recent seasons, and there’s talk of further tweaks to prevent the kind of problems fans experienced during last year’s biggest matches. Celtic TV also confirmed its full pre-season broadcast schedule for the 2025/26 campaign, giving fans a reliable way to keep up with games they can’t attend in person at Celtic Park. These improvements are welcomed by many, with supporters noting on fan forums that smoother access and better communication around ticketing would make matchdays more enjoyable for everyone.
How Fans Use Digital Cards
This isn’t the first time Celtic have experimented with technology. Back in 2022, the club announced a partnership with Sorare, the fantasy football platform that allows fans to collect and trade digital cards of their favourite players. Sorare uses blockchain technology to create and manage these player cards as non-fungible tokens (NFTs), meaning each card is unique and its ownership can be verified. It was a new way to connect, mixing nostalgia for old-school football stickers with the convenience of a digital platform.
Fans outside Scotland have been particularly vocal about how much easier it is to feel close to the club thanks to these online initiatives. Supporters posting on fan forums and sites often call for more content, clearer communication, and easier ways to follow matches. For a club with such a far-reaching supporter base, these requests are understandable, and digital platforms are key to meeting them.
Supporter Sentiment
Of course, the biggest topic right now remains the first team. Many fans have expressed frustration at the lack of major signings this summer. Journalist Keith Jackson even warned the board risks testing supporters’ patience if fresh faces don’t arrive soon. Brendan Rodgers’ contract situation has added another layer of uncertainty, with questions about whether he will stay beyond this season and what that could mean for the squad.
Still, there have been positives off the pitch. News of planned improvements to Celtic Park and the surrounding facilities has reassured many that investment isn’t being neglected. Reports show that the club is serious about improving the supporter experience, both on matchdays and throughout the week. From improved seating to enhanced digital platforms, these upgrades aim to ensure that Celtic Park remains one of the most welcoming grounds in Europe.
Balancing tradition with progress has never been simple for a club with Celtic’s history, but it’s essential. Supporters want to see ambition in the transfer market, but they also want to feel valued and heard. By continuing to improve digital services and matchday infrastructure, Celtic can build a stronger connection with fans at a time when that bond feels more important than ever. And with a challenging season ahead, having supporters fully behind the team, on and off the pitch, could make all the difference.
