- Scott Arfield has taken over the Park Bar near Ibrox, reopening it as Bar 442.
- The new venue aims to offer sport, live music, and year-round entertainment beyond Rangers matchdays.
- Arfield joins former Rangers legends like Nacho Novo and Jim Baxter in opening bars after their playing careers.
Former Rangers hero Scott Arfield will open up a new bar for supporters near Ibrox, taking over a favourite haunt of pre-match punters.
The 37-year-old, who now plays for Livingston after leaving boyhood club Falkirk in January, has taken over the current Park Bar on Paisley Road West.
It will be renamed Bar 442 as Arfield and his business associates put their own spin on the bar, just a few minutes’ walk from the iconic home of Rangers.
Scott Arfield’s new venture
The venue posted on their new social media account advertising the shake-up.
They said: “Bar 442 will offer a blend of a modern sports atmosphere and become a vibrant hub, hosting live music and a range of special events throughout the week.
“The aim is to provide year-round entertainment, attracting not only fans on matchdays but also a wider audience.”
Arfield himself said similar and spoke about structural and facility improvements being made.
“I want to create a space that brings people together through sport, music and entertainment,” he explained.
“Over the next few weeks, we’ll be working to upgrade the fabric of the building. The bar is open for business while we improve the facilities.”’
Previous attempts to open
The former Canada international had previously asked for permission to transform two vacant units on Copland Road into a new pub.
Those applications were rejected by the council but Arfield persevered and has found his new venue location.
Traditional post-playing route
Arfield becomes the latest in a long line of ex-pros who have opened pubs or bars following their playing career.
Former striker Nacho Novo opened “NN10 Bar and Lounge” on Paisley Road in 2017, which was heavily themed around his Rangers career.
However, he stepped away from the business in 2020, after which it was renamed.
While Ibrox icon Jim Baxter ran a popular pub on Paisley Road West in Kinning Park during the 1970s.
It was a well-known meeting spot for fans until its closure in 1984.
Many other players such as Bobby Moore of West Ham and Bertie Auld of Celtic owned bars post-retirement in what was once a common second career for retired pros.
It has become less common in recent decades as the money received during playing careers increased.
However, some superstars such as Gareth Bale and Clarence Seedorf have owned bars following successful careers in recent years, with Arfield becoming the latest entrepreneur in the industry.
