The Scottish Premiership's opening fixture weekend, spanning three days, is set to be an exception rather than the rule, according to SPFL's operations chief Calum Beattie. Only one of the six games will kick off at the traditional 3pm BST slot on Saturday, August 2nd—Kilmarnock v Livingston. The remaining matches are spread across the weekend, with two Sunday games influenced by European commitments.

Beattie emphasized the league's commitment to preserving the 3pm kick-off tradition, which holds significant value for season ticket holders and the sport's heritage. "We try to get that balance right between selling the right number of games, which brings in revenue, and not dislocating too many games from the 3pm slot," he said.

The opening game of the SPFL season, Arbroath v Ayr United, will take place on Friday evening, August 1st, broadcast live on BBC Scotland and iPlayer. Beattie hopes this schedule will also shine a spotlight on the Championship and Leagues 1 and 2, showcasing Scottish football to a global audience.

However, the unique schedule is partly due to European fixtures. For instance, Dundee v Hibs was moved to Sunday because Hibs played in Europe on Thursday. Similarly, Dundee United v Falkirk was scheduled for Sunday, regardless of TV selections.

Beattie also addressed the issue of fan misbehavior, a hot topic last season. While he expressed hope for a reduction in incidents, he indicated that points deductions for clubs due to fan misconduct are unlikely. "We believe in individual responsibility," he said, stressing that clubs are doing their utmost to address these societal issues.

The SPFL remains focused on maintaining the integrity of the competition, ensuring that football is decided on the pitch rather than through punitive measures.