### Officially Announced: New Scottish Premiership Season Schedule Includes Celtic vs St Johnstone Opening Match
The Scottish Football League (SFL) has unveiled its comprehensive schedule for the upcoming 2024/25 season, which kicks off on October 18 with the highly anticipated opening match between Celtic and St Johnstone.
#### Key Highlights of the Season Schedule:
1. **Total Games**: The league will feature 38 matches in total, with each team playing 19 home games and 19 away matches.
2. **Opening Match**: Celtic will face St Johnstone at Ibrox Park on October 18. This historic meeting is expected to draw significant crowds and be a key event for both clubs as they prepare for the new campaign.
3. **Premier League**: The top eight teams from the league will qualify for the Premier League, while the remaining teams will play in the Championship or League One.
4. **Promotion and Relegation**: The SFL will implement a points-based system for promotion and relegation, ensuring that teams have clear pathways up and down the ladder based on their performance throughout the season.
5. **Matchdays**: The season will run from October 18 to May 17, featuring 16 weekend fixtures and 22 weekday matches, providing ample opportunities for fans to enjoy the action at home and away.
6. **Fan Engagement**: The SFL plans to enhance fan engagement through interactive elements such as live streams, social media contests, and partnerships with local businesses.
#### Impact on Clubs:
- **Celtic**: As one of Scotland's most successful clubs, Celtic looks forward to welcoming St Johnstone back to Ibrox after a long absence. The match is expected to be a high-stakes affair, with both sides eager to make a statement.
- **St Johnstone**: The return to Ibrox comes after a period of uncertainty due to financial difficulties. The club aims to use this opportunity to rebuild its reputation and attract new supporters.
- **Other Teams**: Other clubs across the league will also benefit from the new schedule, allowing them to build momentum and prepare for the competition ahead.
#### Future Plans:
The SFL has outlined plans to continue improving the league experience for fans and players alike. This includes investing in modern stadiums, enhancing training facilities, and introducing new technology to enhance the viewing experience.
Overall, the new Scottish Premiership season promises to be exciting and competitive, with Celtic and St Johnstone leading the charge against other top teams in the country. Fans can look forward to witnessing some of the best football in Scotland as the season unfolds.