Caley Thistle has confirmed it fully backs supporter group Section 94 as a united effort kicks off to raise cash to put a roof on the Caledonian Stadium’s West Stand.
The vocal base of ICT fans were seen by the Championship club as a driving force last season as the side missed out on promotion to the play-offs in the very final game.
After long-term talks with Inverness chief executive Scot Gardiner, the ‘Raise The Roof for Section 94′ campaign has been launched, in tandem with the ICT Supporters Trust, The Wyness Shuffle podcast, ICT Community Development Trust and the ICT Supporters’ Travel Club.
The fan-driven project will allow contributions to be made, allowing ground improvements to the West Stand to happen, with phase one aiming to pay for a new roof to keep supporters sheltered from downpours and harsh winds.
ICT say they will be announcing some “exciting experiential opportunities” to support the fans’ efforts to help to improve the stadium, which is based in the city’s Longman area.
This Saturday will see the club launch the Raise The Roof for Section 94 campaign with the support of the ICT Supporters Trust, Section 94, The Wyness Shuffle Podcast, ICT Community Development Trust and the ICT Supporters Travel Club.
Full Story 👉 https://t.co/NfC3LO0Lul pic.twitter.com/YzLPjwfGUa
— Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC (@ICTFC) February 17, 2023
Section 94 thanks ICT for backing
Daniel Smith, of Section 94, explained how constructive talks led to the campaign getting off the ground.
He said: “Everyone in Section 94 is delighted to help launch the ‘Raise The Roof’ campaign.
“Ever since discussions over a dedicated section for vocal supporters in the West Stand began last year, putting a roof over the stand has been one of our main aims.
“We’d like to put on record our thanks to the club for their tireless work to help make this a reality.
“We’ve already seen an unprecedented level of fan cooperation and collaboration thus far and we’re excited to see what the future brings.”
ICT chief happy to back Section 94
Gardiner, meanwhile, underlined the impact the fans within Section 94 have had on the team and was happy the club could lend its support.
He said “We have been speaking with the guys in Section 94 since their inception and it was clear to us that we had to try and address the section in the West Stand where our “ultra” fans are situated.
“They are there through rain and shine and literally are rained on whenever the weather is inclement.
“We have seen the impact they can have on the team, the play-off matches last season were fantastic and to be able to work with all of our fans groups to deliver a solution which would be out of our current financial reach, is the ideal scenario.
“The working group we established to drive the campaign forward has already come up with some great fundraising ideas and we look forward to being able to facilitate many more to reach our target. I hope Caley Jags from far and near will get behind this campaign.”
The ICT Supporters Trust‘s Jen Aitchison said: “The trust are delighted to be involved in this project and we are looking forward to the future developments of the West Stand.”
Rosemary Webb, of the ICT Supporters Travel Club, said: “We welcome all ground improvement projects at the Caledonian Stadium and this will hopefully be another good step forward for our supporters.”
Get behind ICT this weekend…
News for Hamilton at home on Saturday #ICTFC #S94 pic.twitter.com/qZLTtbn80o
— Section 94 (@section_94) February 16, 2023
Section 94, meanwhile, wants as many fans to join them to help roar on the team on Saturday as they push towards the play-offs against visitors Hamilton.
The group is calling for supporters to get right behind ICT in their bid to net three crucial points.
A statement said: “This appeal comes not just from us but from the club themselves.
“Your support makes the difference in these games and it’s needed now more than ever with some massive games ahead.”
As well as going for promotion, ICT have a home Scottish Cup quarter-final to look forward to against Premiership Kilmarnock on Friday, March 10.
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