Sarens PSG Stadium: The Home of Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Located in the Longman area of Inverness, Scotland, the Sarens PSG Stadium (historically known as the Caledonian Stadium) serves as a landmark of sporting passion in the Highlands. Situated near the banks of the Moray Firth, this grass-surfaced venue is the primary home of the Scottish Championship club, Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
From its inception as a requirement for league entry to its evolution into a multi-purpose entertainment hub, the stadium reflects the growth and ambition of football in the north of Scotland.
Key Facts
- Current Name: Sarens PSG Stadium (commercial name until 2027–28).
- Capacity: 7,512 spectators.
- Owner: Highland Council.
- Primary Tenant: Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
- Record Football Attendance: 7,753 (vs. Rangers, 2008).
- Opened: November 9, 1996.
History and Development
Founding and Construction
The stadium's origins date back to the 1994 merger of two Highland League clubs, Caledonian and Inverness Thistle. To secure entry into the Scottish Football League (SFL), the newly formed club committed to building a new ground. After evaluating four potential sites, the Highland Council approved the East Longman site, located near the Kessock Bridge and the A9 road.
The project faced early hurdles, including concerns from the local Harbour Trust regarding floodlight interference with Moray Firth traffic. Following a funding gap covered by a £900,000 grant from the Inverness District Council, the stadium opened in November 1996 at a cost of £5.2 million. The first SFL match held at the venue was a 1–1 draw against Albion Rovers.
Expansion and the SPL Era
In 2004, the club's promotion to the Scottish Premier League (SPL) necessitated an urgent upgrade, as the league required stadiums to have 10,000 seats. At the time, the stadium only had 2,280 seats. While the SPL eventually lowered the requirement to 6,000 seats, Inverness Caledonian Thistle temporarily groundshared with Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
During this transition, the Tulloch Construction Company built two new stands in just 47 days, transforming the venue into an all-seater stadium with a capacity exceeding 7,500. This investment led to the stadium being renamed the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium for several years.
Modern Era and Naming Rights
The stadium has seen various updates, including the addition of a small "singing section" (the West Stand) in 2007. In February 2019, the venue reverted to the name Caledonian Stadium after Tulloch gifted the facility to the club. Most recently, in August 2025, a record-breaking sponsorship deal with the Belgian construction firm Sarens led to the current name, Sarens PSG Stadium, effective through the 2027–28 season.
International and Multi-Purpose Use
Beyond club football, the stadium has a rich history of hosting international fixtures and diverse events. It has hosted various Scotland youth and women's national team matches, as well as the 1998 UEFA European Under-16 Championship.
The venue has also evolved into a premier concert destination, hosting global stars such as Elton John, Rod Stewart, Andrea Bocelli, and Duran Duran. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the stadium adapted its use to become a drive-in cinema, screening films like Braveheart and Toy Story.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Inverness, Scotland |
| Surface | Grass |
| Opened | 1996 |
| Max Concert Attendance | 19,400+ |
| Current Owner | Highland Council |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the Sarens PSG Stadium?
The stadium is owned by the Highland Council, while the football club holds a lease on the site.
What is the record attendance for a football match at the stadium?
The record football attendance is 7,753, which occurred during a match against Rangers on January 20, 2008.
Why was the stadium renamed Sarens PSG Stadium?
The name change is the result of a record-breaking sponsorship deal with Sarens, a Belgian international construction company, lasting until the 2027–28 season.
Has the stadium ever hosted non-football events?
Yes, the stadium has hosted rugby matches, major concerts by artists like Rod Stewart and Elton John, and served as a drive-in cinema during the pandemic.
Are there plans for the club to move?
In March 2025, investor Alan Savage mentioned the possibility of moving to a smaller venue at the UHI Campus to stabilize finances, as the current stadium may be too large for League One attendances.