Rangers chief executive Charles Green was delighted with the 38,000 attendance that saw a 4-0 victory over East Fife in the first-round victory of the Scottish Communities League Cup. It was the first game at Ibrox since the new owners were denied a place in the top flight and had to relaunch the club in Division Three.
"For me, it was a real heart-warming experience," Green told BBC Scotland.
"It has been a night to remember. I'm so, so proud to be associated with the turnaround of the club."
"I think it was an act of defiance, but I think it's also that Rangers fans are passionate about the club," Green said of the turnout.
"The Rangers fans have stood by the club and stood up to everything that has been thrown at it.
"There were days in the early part of the transaction when I was really questioning first of all what had we got ourselves into and secondly was it deliverable.
"But, if ever there was a moment where I could look back and think everything was worthwhile, it was this evening.
"Having seen the support we had today, me and my investors are behind this club, we are here to stay."
Gers boss Ally McCoist was also full of praise for the supporters.
"That was absolutely fantastic," he said. "It was a wonderful response from everybody - players and fans.
"Our support has been unbelievable and I believe we the best supporters in the country."
