TRNSMT boss Geoff Ellis is creating the ultimate fanzone when Scotland's biggest music festival turns into a Tartan Army HQ. The promoter has secured permission from the council and FIFA to screen Scotland's match against Morocco on the first day of this year's festival at Glasgow Green on Friday.
Giant Screens and Sound
Tens of thousands of fans will watch the game on the massive 15m x 8m main stage LED wall and two side stage 8m x 10m screens, with audio through TRNSMT's powerful speakers, often heard in Glasgow's suburbs. It will be the largest live screening of the match in the country.
Headliner Richard Ashcroft has agreed to finish his set at 10:30pm, allowing music fans to transition into football fans for Scotland's second Group C game. The match could be historic: after Scotland's 1-0 victory over Haiti, a win would see them qualify for the knockout stages for the first time, while a draw would likely suffice.
Geoff Ellis's Vision
Ellis, 61, originally from Ashton-under-Lyne, said: "We will have the biggest screen in Scotland to watch the game and it'll be the loudest screening. More Scots will watch at Glasgow Green than in the Boston stadium." He hopes for another overhead kick from Scott McTominay or a strike from John McGinn, creating the loudest TRNSMT roar ever.
The daily capacity at Glasgow Green is 50,000, and Ellis expects a five-figure crowd to stay after Ashcroft's set. When he learned the Morocco game fell on TRNSMT's opening day, he knew he had to screen it. "Pretty much everyone will want to see the game. If we didn't show it, people might leave early or not come at all," he explained.
Festival Logistics
Ashcroft and the Beta Band, headlining the King Tut's stage, will finish around 10:30pm. Bars and food vendors remain open until just after halftime at 11:45pm. For the build-up, Ellis will host presenters and football-themed acts, including Cammy Barnes leading a rendition of Flower of Scotland before kick-off.
Despite being English, Ashcroft is keen to watch. Ellis said: "He's a football fan and wants to watch too. We'll set up screens backstage, but he might join the crowd." Ellis, a Manchester City supporter, has backed Scotland since primary school in the 1970s when England failed to qualify for World Cups and Scottish players like Asa Hartford and Willie Donachie played for City.
Safety and Atmosphere
Ellis expects no trouble, citing the Tartan Army's reputation as the world's best-behaved fans. "Morocco fans will be treated with friendliness. Everyone will be willing Scotland to win," he said.
The festival lineup includes Kasabian on Saturday and Lewis Capaldi closing on Sunday, alongside Amy Macdonald, Wolf Alice, and Nile Rodgers. Capaldi's return marks his fourth TRNSMT appearance. Ellis noted this year's strong Scottish representation on the main stage, including Amy Macdonald, Dylan John Thomas, and The Snuts.
Economic Impact and Challenges
Last year, TRNSMT generated over £16 million for Glasgow's economy. DF Concerts' summer 2025 events contributed £164.6 million to Scotland's economy. Despite the cost of living crisis, live music demand remains high. Ellis said: "We're selling more tickets than in several years. Live music is one of the last things people give up."
However, costs have risen significantly since Brexit and Covid, affecting steel, diesel, and logistics. Ellis called on the Scottish Government to review business rates, which have hit grassroots venues harder in Scotland than in England. He proposed reducing VAT on tickets for shows under 1,000 capacity and making contributions to the Live Trust zero-rated for VAT.
TRNSMT runs June 19-21 at Glasgow Green. Tickets are available at trnsmtfest.com.
