Businesses in Dundee are hoping for a derby day boost following “unprecedented” ticket sales for the city’s most anticipated festive football clash.
Dundee United have come out on top in the first two city clashes this season but supporters have swamped the Tannadice ticket office for a chance to see them clash with James McPake’s Dens outfit for the final time in 2019.
The Tangerines have confirmed all home areas of Tannadice sold out within just 24 hours of going on sale and the good form of both clubs in the Ladbrokes Championship is expected to draw strong interest from all sides of the city.
Coldside councillor George McIrvine highlighted the positive impact of the derby on local businesses as fans turn out in their droves to watch the match in person or at pubs and clubs across the city.
Mr McIrvine attended the Festive Friends Christmas meal at Tannadice on Christmas Day alongside fellow councillor Lynne Short.
The event, which was also attended by Dundee United first team players and manager Robbie Neilson, is designed for people who may be socially isolated at Christmas.
Mr McIrvine said: “As expected there’s been a lot of hype about the Dundee derby in the run-up to Christmas, and it will no doubt be another cracking game with a near sell-out crowd inside, and many watching the game in local pubs and clubs throughout Dundee.
“The spin-off of regular Derby games is a much needed boost to local businesses.
“I was in the Clep Bar on Wednesday after the Festive Friends and the manager Dave said he will make a small fortune throughout the day in the run up to the game in the evening.
“Also Jim Kidd at Frews Bar is saying similar, with many punters being off work during the Christmas period taking advantage of the break and watching the footie in the pub.”
Dave Evans, manager of the Clep Bar, said big derby games had been “really important” for the business since he took over the premises in the summer.
He said: “I think it will be busy going by the last two derbies there’s been since we took over. We’ve already had two guys who’ve reserved spaces from around 2pm.
“We’re completely 50/50 in terms of support in here and that’s a big part of who we are as a pub so it’s good to get new faces in.
“These kind of matches are really important for us so hopefully it will be a great game.”
Meanwhile, Tannadice bosses have hit out at a “recent escalation” in verbal abuse towards club staff, describing it as “completely unwarranted”.
In an official statement, the club said: “While we understand people’s disappointment at missing out on items, our staff are not there to be the butt of frustration when the stock is simply no longer available.
“Dundee United FC will not tolerate unacceptab
He said: “I think it will be busy going by the last two derbies there’s been since we took over. We’ve already had two guys who’ve reserved spaces from around 2pm.
“We’re completely 50/50 in terms of support in here and that’s a big part of who we are as a pub so it’s good to get new faces in.
“These kind of matches are really important for us so hopefully it will be a great game.”
Meanwhile, Tannadice bosses have hit out at a “recent escalation” in verbal abuse towards club staff, describing it as “completely unwarranted”.
In an official statement, the club said: “While we understand people’s disappointment at missing out on items, our staff are not there to be the butt of frustration when the stock is simply no longer available.
“Dundee United FC will not tolerate unacceptab
He said: “I think it will be busy going by the last two derbies there’s been since we took over. We’ve already had two guys who’ve reserved spaces from around 2pm.
“We’re completely 50/50 in terms of support in here and that’s a big part of who we are as a pub so it’s good to get new faces in.
“These kind of matches are really important for us so hopefully it will be a great game.”
Meanwhile, Tannadice bosses have hit out at a “recent escalation” in verbal abuse towards club staff, describing it as “completely unwarranted”.
In an official statement, the club said: “While we understand people’s disappointment at missing out on items, our staff are not there to be the butt of frustration when the stock is simply no longer available.
“Dundee United FC will not tolerate unacceptable behaviour. Any incidents of abuse that can be specifically identified will be investigated further and brought to the authorities’ attention if necessary.”
