Alternative venues for provinces.

RadioClash

Was thinking the other day, how many of the provinces have used alternative venues to spread the love and get new fans interested? I'm thinking they could do it for pre-season games/minor Rabo games.

I know Connacht have used Dubarry park in Athlone on occasion.
Possible alternative venues: Sligo showgrounds(nice new stand and the pitch seems big enough). Both Athlone and Sligo are as good as the Sportsground IMO if they can get the crowds.

Munster: Apart from Thomond and Muzzer, the A team have used the Waterford RSC. Should offer at least one pre-season game there.

Leinster: Struggling to think of anywhere outside of Dublin that would be suitable. Tallaght stadium would be good to get non traditional fans interested.

Ulster: Not well versed in grounds up North. Finn Harps new ground perhaps? Brandywell in Derry?

Of course maybe some season ticket holders would be peeved but I'm sure a balance could be struck. NZ Super rugby teams tend to shift games around to smaller markets sometimes and it works well.

buck65

The A games move around the provinces for the most part as well as training sessions in Munster anyway, especially in the pre season.
Can't really see the point of playing a Rabo game somewhere else really.

justsomebloke

as far as I'm aware due to contractual obligations with the RDS, Leinster aren't in a position to move any games some where else without sacrificing an Aviva game, which they aren't going to do.

RadioClash

I think it would make the most sense for Connacht given the poor enough crowds they get in Galway(what's their average this season?). The underage games in Athlone always seem well attended and who knows what they might get if they brought a Rabo game to Sligo (over 3000 would be a result).

Any Connacht fans like to chime in?

durkadurka

As a ST holder i'd be annoyed if I suddenly had to travel to Carlow for a game.

TheTwiz

What about season ticket holders from Carlow?

Skiup

Always wondered about this for Connacht. Surely it makes sense to bring a couple of games a year to Sligo. I would expect a crowd of 3000 plus at it. As provincial teams the province should get to see them muck like the NZ way as said earlier.

RadioClash

durkadurka wrote: »

As a ST holder i'd be annoyed if I suddenly had to travel to Carlow for a game.

It would make the most commercial sense for Connacht and probably the least for Leinster(capacity concerns and the vast majority of season ticket holders being Dublin based).

Munster are well served by two grounds and you will see more of a balance in fixtures once Muzzer gets its upgrade,whenever that will be. A nod to Waterford in the pre season would be nice.

Ulster, I don't know. You'd imagine there is huge untapped support in the rest of N.I, and the other 3 non N.I counties seem quite peripheral in their concerns at the moment. Suitable grounds is another matter.

durkadurka

TheTwiz wrote: »

What about season ticket holders from Carlow?

That person bought his ticket in the full knowledge that the games would be in RDS or aviva.

irishbucsfan

TheTwiz wrote: »

What about season ticket holders from Carlow?

Depriving them of a rare opportunity to get out of Carlow.

Otacon

durkadurka wrote: »

That person bought his ticket in the full knowledge that the games would be in RDS or aviva.

Maybe a few more would buy tickets if they thought some games would take place more locally.

CIARAN_BOYLE

For Leinster you need a 13,000 seater stadium to cover ST holders and then bigger for locals.

But given contracts (LR have to play 12 games a season in RDS) they would miss out on an aviva game which would be commercial suicide

bilston

RadioClash wrote: »

and the other 3 non N.I counties seem quite peripheral in their concerns at the moment.

What makes you think that?

Still it's a good idea in principle moving games around. I see no reason why Ulster couldn't play a pre season game in somewhere like Derry or Coleraine, or Donegal or Monaghan for that matter. I suppose it may be something to do with appeasing ST holders.

durkadurka

Otacon wrote: »

Maybe a few more would buy tickets if they thought some games would take place more locally.

You'd lose others like me though, if my three mile trip to the rds became a fifty mile trio on occasion.

leeroybrown

RadioClash wrote: »

I think it would make the most sense for Connacht given the poor enough crowds they get in Galway(what's their average this season?). The underage games in Athlone always seem well attended and who knows what they might get if they brought a Rabo game to Sligo (over 3000 would be a result).

I'm a Connacht season ticket holder and realistically I think that while the branch are committed to the use and development of the Sportsground they should have a single venue but that wherever possible games should be scheduled for times that maximise the ease of travel to games. The branch used to have a preferred time early on Friday evenings which was unsuitable but now the majority of games are played on Saturday evenings.

Also, I don't see any point to just moving one or two minor games. You just heap a load of marketing problems on the branch and cause issues for existing season ticket holders who already have good arrangements for Galway without any major gain. Moving bigger games isn't really a possibility anymore given that Connacht can get 6000-7000 fans into the Sportsground for big Interpro/HEC games.

I think the same applies to all the provinces. Pick one base, schedule your games to suit supporters, try to maximise ease of travel and only switch stadium where a larger venue is required.

I am pie

bilston wrote: »

What makes you think that?

Still it's a good idea in principle moving games around. I see no reason why Ulster couldn't play a pre season game in somewhere like Derry or Coleraine, or Donegal or Monaghan for that matter. I suppose it may be something to do with appeasing ST holders.

A friday night game in the Brandywell would be a good idea I reckon, I'd hope you get a few thousand in from the Derry & Donegal, maybe even Fermanagh & Tyrone folks.

Unless i'm misjudging the interest i think Monaghan / Cavan wouldn't pull much of a crowd. Not sure the Newry / Armagh rugby fans would travel down em masse, i reckon the NW would be a better bet.

Should send Leinster up to Dundalk for the night !

Would Munster pull a crowd anywhere in Kerry ?

Connacht should be doing all they can to escape the sportsground, it's pretty charmless. Sorry Connacht fans !

OldRio

'try to maximise ease of travel'

That's the problem. Over a 4 hour round trip from Leitrim to Galway.
No easy solution.

Zzippy

RadioClash wrote: »

I think it would make the most sense for Connacht given the poor enough crowds they get in Galway(what's their average this season?). The underage games in Athlone always seem well attended and who knows what they might get if they brought a Rabo game to Sligo (over 3000 would be a result).

Any Connacht fans like to chime in?

Average attendance in Galway this season in the RDPro12 was 4,597. If you include the HEC games the average was 5,047.
The vast majority of season ticket holders are based in Galway, same as for Leinster most are based in Dublin. You might get 3,000 for a game in Sligo but you would p1ss off a lot of ST holders too, the majority of whom are new ST holders remember, after the big increase last year. Rugby nights in the Sportsground are fast becoming a popular feature of Galway with lots of new fans, if you start taking games away you will quickly alienate those new fans.

Edit: Average attendance this season is more than double that of last year (2,269). Last year we had 4,582 for a Leinster match which would have been a bumper crowd, this year the average attendance is higher than that. HEC rugby, better marketing and the improvements in the Sportsground all played a part. Moving games would be akin to shooting yourself in the foot.

RadioClash

I am pie wrote: »

A friday night game in the Brandywell would be a good idea I reckon, I'd hope you get a few thousand in from the Derry & Donegal, maybe even Fermanagh & Tyrone folks.

Unless i'm misjudging the interest i think Monaghan / Cavan wouldn't pull much of a crowd. Not sure the Newry / Armagh rugby fans would travel down em masse, i reckon the NW would be a better bet.

Should send Leinster up to Dundalk for the night !

Would Munster pull a crowd anywhere in Kerry ?

Connacht should be doing all they can to escape the sportsground, it's pretty charmless. Sorry Connacht fans !

Munster would be a draw anywhere in the province, the problem would be no adequate stadium other than the main two(and Waterford for possible pre-season encounters).

The thing about the Sportsground is that it's location within Galway is unbeatable, but the fact that it's a damn dogtrack masquerading as a rugby venue lets it down. Traveling within Connacht isn't the easiest especially on a dark cold friday night, hence I think it would be an idea to bring one game to Athlone, and one to Sligo during the season. Not too excessive, most games stay in Galway but gives other population centers a fair crack of the whip.

Point noted by the other poster about the current attendance rates at the Sportsground, didn't realize it was so high this year. Possibly 5 years back they'd be doing well to break the 1k barrier.

its_phil

RadioClash wrote: »

Munster would be a draw anywhere in the province, the problem would be no adequate stadium other than the main two(and Waterford for possible pre-season encounters).

The thing about the Sportsground is that it's location within Galway is unbeatable, but the fact that it's a damn dogtrack masquerading as a rugby venue lets it down. Traveling within Connacht isn't the easiest especially on a dark cold friday night, hence I think it would be an idea to bring one game to Athlone, and one to Sligo during the season. Not too excessive, most games stay in Galway but gives other population centers a fair crack of the whip.

Point noted by the other poster about the current attendance rates at the Sportsground, didn't realize it was so high this year. Possibly 5 years back they'd be doing well to break the 1k barrier.

I'd have no problem with one of the minor games being played in Athlone, say the Treviso or Scarlets games being played there. Dragons is a grudge match (they are our biggest rivals outside Ireland) so at this stage I wouldn't like to see that game moved.

As long as it was announced when it was at the start of the year and played on a Saturday, I'd be in favour of it.

ormond lad

No point moving 1st team games out of limerick/cork in munster or dublin in leinster but A games should as much as possible be played throughout the province. Like leinster should look to play British and Irish Cup games in places like Tullow rfc, Boyne etc similar to what Munster have done.
My club has hosted 3 or 4 Munster A games the past few years including a British and Irish pool game v Bristol a few years ago. That game drew a great crowd to the club and was great pubicity for the club
Clubs like clonmel, tralee have also hosted A games and they also did very well out of hosting games

its_phil

Connacht are in the B&I Cup next year too, so that should give them an opportunity to expand in the province and test out venues

irishbucsfan

Wouldn't agree with moving A games away from Donnybrook myself. It's a great venue and gives more people opportunity to attend.

Dublin is far easier to sort out transport for than elsewhere as well. You can get to matches by bus from most places in the province.

bilston

I am pie wrote: »

A friday night game in the Brandywell would be a good idea I reckon, I'd hope you get a few thousand in from the Derry & Donegal, maybe even Fermanagh & Tyrone folks.

Unless i'm misjudging the interest i think Monaghan / Cavan wouldn't pull much of a crowd. Not sure the Newry / Armagh rugby fans would travel down em masse, i reckon the NW would be a better bet.

I think you could get a decent turnout in Monaghan, from memory I've only driven to it the once and that was a while ago but from memory it would be closer to Belfast than Derry, might be wrong on that though, but it's pretty close to Armagh and the Mid Ulster area in general. I don't know anything about grounds there though. Cavan might be more problematic though.

justsomebloke

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Wouldn't agree with moving A games away from Donnybrook myself. It's a great venue and gives more people opportunity to attend.

however these people are already services by the proper Leinster Team so why not move them to areas where people can't get to see Leinster at all.

overshoot

bilston wrote: »

I think you could get a decent turnout in Monaghan, from memory I've only driven to it the once and that was a while ago but from memory it would be closer to Belfast than Derry, might be wrong on that though, but it's pretty close to Armagh and the Mid Ulster area in general. I don't know anything about grounds there though. Cavan might be more problematic though.

i would have thought monaghan would still be on the close side to belfast but from sth donegal its still an hour closer. gortakeegan doesnt have that many seats though, not sure if its overall capacity is too high either.

the brandywell (7,700, 3k seats) is owned by derry city council so that could well be a runner. Finn Park 2 (6,600 all seater) is still at foundations level (but something is in the ground:D!), Finn Park... not in great shape. also you would get a better crowd in Derry which is 40mins or so away
outside of gaa grounds there isnt really many more options... coleraine showgrounds has had its capacity slashed (according to wiki) from 13,000 to 2,500. St Juliens Road, holds 5000 but has anyone used it since Omagh town went bust in 2005? could be in tatters.
cant think of any non gaa grounds in cavan of a decent capacity

[Jackass]

Leinster are contracted to host 12 games per season in the RDS. (as it was 10 teams in the Celtic league = 9 home games and 3 home Heineken Cup group games).

Since the inclusion of the Italians, this has opened up 2 oppertunites to host games away from the RDS, which are used for Munster game at home and one home Heineken Cup group game, as they are the most likely to fill Lansdowne, and any subsequent knock out games in the Heineken Cup.

The RDS is used for Pro12 play-off games (probably for the final this season if we get there) as it's very difficult to sell tickets on such short notice (a final would require 50,000 tickets in 2 weeks, with the possible added expense of fans who travel to a Heineken Cup semi final or final) and the semi final oppisition isn't confirmed until about a week before the game iirc, so tough to sell tickets for a mystery team.

But pre-season games are fair game.Leinster usually host them in Donnybrook, but hosted a game in Tallaght stadium in the pre-season just gone to attract non-traditional fans.

I'd like to see them basically tour League of Ireland stadiums for pre-season, such as Bray in Wicklow, Drogheda / Dundalk in Louth, Longford, Wexford & Athlone. I don't think they should be too worried about massive crowd numbers, it would just be nice from a publicity point of view at least to give people the oppertunity to see games.

Every pre-season though Leinster tour all of the clubs outside of Dublin and hold open training sessions and hang around for photo's and sign autographs, and bring any silverware, and also the players get a day in their local club with any silverware over the summers also. (got to meet Bernard Jackman and Sean O'Brien in Tullow with the Heineken Cup back in 2009 as I was in the area.)

its_phil

[Jackass] wrote: »

Leinster are contracted to host 12 games per season in the RDS. (as it was 10 teams in the Celtic league = 9 home games and 3 home Heineken Cup group games).

Since the inclusion of the Italians, this has opened up 2 oppertunites to host games away from the RDS, which are used for Munster game at home and one home Heineken Cup group game, as they are the most likely to fill Lansdowne, and any subsequent knock out games in the Heineken Cup.

The RDS is used for Pro12 play-off games (probably for the final this season if we get there) as it's very difficult to sell tickets on such short notice (a final would require 50,000 tickets in 2 weeks, with the possible added expense of fans who travel to a Heineken Cup semi final or final) and the semi final oppisition isn't confirmed until about a week before the game iirc, so tough to sell tickets for a mystery team.

But pre-season games are fair game.Leinster usually host them in Donnybrook, but hosted a game in Tallaght stadium in the pre-season just gone to attract non-traditional fans.

I'd like to see them basically tour League of Ireland stadiums for pre-season, such as Bray in Wicklow, Drogheda / Dundalk in Louth, Longford, Wexford & Athlone. I don't think they should be too worried about massive crowd numbers, it would just be nice from a publicity point of view at least to give people the oppertunity to see games.

Every pre-season though Leinster tour all of the clubs outside of Dublin and hold open training sessions and hang around for photo's and sign autographs, and bring any silverware, and also the players get a day in their local club with any silverware over the summers also. (got to meet Bernard Jackman and Sean O'Brien in Tullow with the Heineken Cup back in 2009 as I was in the area.)

'A' games should visit other locations outside of Donnybrook too.

errlloyd

Are A-Games really gonna convert non traditionals? What non rugby supporter is gonna go watch Leinster A play?

I agree with A-Games being played outside of Dublin, but they should be brought to rugby clubs, admission should be free and a few cents knocked off the pint, club members should be urged to bring some mates and have a bit of a party. Especially at either end of the season, I can see why in the winter the covered stand of Donnybrook might be a welcome sight for supporters, but during the summer I'd love to see Leinster representing Leinster!

ormond lad

errlloyd wrote: »

Are A-Games really gonna convert non traditionals? What non rugby supporter is gonna go watch Leinster A play?

I agree with A-Games being played outside of Dublin, but they should be brought to rugby clubs, admission should be free and a few cents knocked off the pint, club members should be urged to bring some mates and have a bit of a party. Especially at either end of the season, I can see why in the winter the covered stand of Donnybrook might be a welcome sight for supporters, but during the summer I'd love to see Leinster representing Leinster!

As i mentioned above, the club in Nenagh has hosted several Munster A games in the past few years from games v touring russian sides to Bristol in the B&I cup. Some have been for free with others having an entrance fee of about a tenner(money went to branch not our club) as they were british and irish cup games with Munster Rugby taking near total control of gameday for the bigger games with thomond park stewards etc working.
There is no reason at all that all Leinster A games should be in dublin.

A games can start someones interest in supporting their province. if 1 of the top players is returning from injury etc and is playing for the As to get some match fitness a new fan can see a top player playing(for free or much lower price than pro12 game) and that may increase their interest in the sport and that new fan may look to go to a pro 12 game in the future

Naomi00

RadioClash wrote: »

I think it would make the most sense for Connacht given the poor enough crowds they get in Galway(what's their average this season?). The underage games in Athlone always seem well attended and who knows what they might get if they brought a Rabo game to Sligo (over 3000 would be a result).

Any Connacht fans like to chime in?

Where are you getting the 'poor crowds' from?

The attendance is getting better and better recently.

I was at the Connacht v Munster match a few weeks ago and it was a record attendance for a Rabo game, and they've had their highest numbers recently with the HC games.

edit/ It was over 7,000.

Gingko

Connaught staging the odd game at the Sligo Showgrounds would be a great move! The showgrounds has been recently given a makeover and the pitch is first class. New seating, TV gantry, segregation, electronic scoreboard, pitch extension, toilet block, security, tarmac, new signage / flags and a big paint job has it looking prim!

They are also about to construct a new covered all seater stand behind the goal at the car park end holding some 1400 seats. (remarkable improvements been made in a recession) They already have 2700 covered seats and a terrace for 1000 plus. The atmosphere at the showgrounds is far better then anything I experienced at the Galway Sportsground which is an awkward set up. The view of the action is better in the Showgrounds too. Sligo Rovers are on the TV twice next week so check out the set up.

Connaught rugby has support in Sligo with Sligo RFC in Strandhill being the home of the Sligo rugby community. Reckon they would sell out Sligo no problem! Only problem been they may not want to return to Galway?

leeroybrown

Gingko wrote: »

Connaught staging the odd game at the Sligo Showgrounds would be a great move! The showgrounds has been recently given a makeover and the pitch is first class. New seating, TV gantry, segregation, electronic scoreboard, pitch extension, toilet block, security, tarmac, new signage / flags and a big paint job has it looking prim!

They are also about to construct a new covered all seater stand behind the goal at the car park end holding some 1400 seats. (remarkable improvements been made in a recession) They already have 2700 covered seats and a terrace for 1000 plus. The atmosphere at the showgrounds is far better then anything I experienced at the Galway Sportsground which is an awkward set up. The view of the action is better in the Showgrounds too. Sligo Rovers are on the TV twice next week so check out the set up.

Connaught rugby has support in Sligo with Sligo RFC in Strandhill being the home of the Sligo rugby community. Reckon they would sell out Sligo no problem! Only problem been they may not want to return to Galway?

It all sounds nice in theory but:
1) How much will the rental ground cost? The Sportsground is an established base with capital investment and realistically each additional game played costs the branch very little. Renting someone else's ground and giving them a big chunk of the match day revenues isn't the most sensible financial prospect.
2) In fairness to the Sportsground the facilities and atmosphere have improved an awful lot this year.
3) To get the kind of sell out you're talking about you'd need a big Interpro/HEC game. There's Making a large portion of the season ticket holders and regular support base travel two hours across the entire province for big games won't be a popular move. I'm sure some people will point out that they have to travel two hours into Galway for the big games but the reality is that they're the minority and the vast majority come a far shorter distance for games.

Gingko

leeroybrown wrote: »

It all sounds nice in theory but:
1) How much will the rental ground cost? The Sportsground is an established base with capital investment and realistically each additional game played costs the branch very little. Renting someone else's ground and giving them a big chunk of the match day revenues isn't the most sensible financial prospect.
2) In fairness to the Sportsground the facilities and atmosphere have improved an awful lot this year.
3) To get the kind of sell out you're talking about you'd need a big Interpro/HEC game. There's Making a large portion of the season ticket holders and regular support base travel two hours across the entire province for big games won't be a popular move. I'm sure some people will point out that they have to travel two hours into Galway for the big games but the reality is that they're the minority and the vast majority come a far shorter distance for games.

I did say just "the odd game"! Appreciate that the Sportsgrounds have improved a lot this season but it's still well below par? I'm not suggesting that they leave Galway either! Biggest population base in west so it's logical it remains their base.

Another plus for Sligo is the infrastructure. It's easy to get in and out of where as Galway has the worst urban planning in Ireland. One big car park! Why I left! The odd token game would go down well and increase their support throughout Sligo, Leitrim, North Mayo and even South Donegal and border Fermanagh where I know of rugby fans who warm to Connaught over Ulster for their own reasons. This area has been starved of pro rugby and Connaught are sure to get a heroes welcome!

whysomoody

skregs wrote: »

Considering the only time Thomond was sold out in the league this year was for the Leinster match, the RDS gets usually about 16,000 per match, and Ravenhill is usually about 70% full, I wouldn't be too pushed for alternative venues

the idea would be to get others interested and maybe they will travel then.

MyKeyG

whysomoody wrote: »

the idea would be to get others interested and maybe they will travel then.

Yeah I can see the sense in having taster matches on peoples front doors. As a Munster ST holder I think Musgrave and Thomond are sufficiently central to the other Munster counties for games but could see it working in some of the larger provinces.

siltirocker

Gingko wrote: »

Connaught staging the odd game at the Sligo Showgrounds would be a great move! The showgrounds has been recently given a makeover and the pitch is first class. New seating, TV gantry, segregation, electronic scoreboard, pitch extension, toilet block, security, tarmac, new signage / flags and a big paint job has it looking prim!

They are also about to construct a new covered all seater stand behind the goal at the car park end holding some 1400 seats. (remarkable improvements been made in a recession) They already have 2700 covered seats and a terrace for 1000 plus. The atmosphere at the showgrounds is far better then anything I experienced at the Galway Sportsground which is an awkward set up. The view of the action is better in the Showgrounds too. Sligo Rovers are on the TV twice next week so check out the set up.

Connaught rugby has support in Sligo with Sligo RFC in Strandhill being the home of the Sligo rugby community. Reckon they would sell out Sligo no problem! Only problem been they may not want to return to Galway?

I disagree completely.

In Sligo, Connacht is supported by Strandhill, Rosses Point and a few from Tobercurry. Absolutely no one gives a sh1t about Connacht in the town. Christ, you can't even buy Connacht jersey in Elverys. . . who sponsor Connacht. (We'll you couldn't for the whole calander year of 2010 when I last lived there).

Sure all the Grammar boys now play with Munster Academy.

I appreciate you might be involved with the club up there as I was myself, and you and large crowd there may be passionate supporters but Bit'O'Red rules the roost in that town.

Connacht would get less than a thousand in the Showgrounds I reckon. I'd go to West Mayo or Athlone first tbh.

fatguy2k1

RadioClash wrote: »

The thing about the Sportsground is that it's location within Galway is unbeatable, but the fact that it's a damn dogtrack masquerading as a rugby venue lets it down. Traveling within Connacht isn't the easiest especially on a dark cold friday night, hence I think it would be an idea to bring one game to Athlone, and one to Sligo during the season. Not too excessive, most games stay in Galway but gives other population centers a fair crack of the whip.

here, get out of that - that amount of abuse we got for moving a pre-season out to Athlone last year was unreal. no chance in hell would a rabodirect match be played anywhere other then The Sportsground.

Gingko

siltirocker wrote: »

I disagree completely.

In Sligo, Connacht is supported by Strandhill, Rosses Point and a few from Tobercurry. Absolutely no one gives a sh1t about Connacht in the town. Christ, you can't even buy Connacht jersey in Elverys. . . who sponsor Connacht. (We'll you couldn't for the whole calander year of 2010 when I last lived there).

Sure all the Grammar boys now play with Munster Academy.

I appreciate you might be involved with the club up there as I was myself, and you and large crowd there may be passionate supporters but Bit'O'Red rules the roost in that town.

Connacht would get less than a thousand in the Showgrounds I reckon. I'd go to West Mayo or Athlone first tbh.

Sligo Rovers do command the biggest following in Sligo town no argument there! Actually I'm not involved in any club myself. Was purely a case of excellent facilities in the showgrounds that came to mind. I still think a "token game" in Sligo would be beneficial for rugby in the province. Once again it's only logical that their based in Galway City.

Did ye have to mention the Grammar boys! What a pain in the oooorrse that lot are to listen to!

siltirocker

Gingko wrote: »

Sligo Rovers do command the biggest following in Sligo town no argument there! Actually I'm not involved in any club myself. Was purely a case of excellent facilities in the showgrounds that came to mind. I still think a "token game" in Sligo would be beneficial for rugby in the province. Once again it's only logical that their based in Galway City.

Did ye have to mention the Grammar boys! What a pain in the oooorrse that lot are to listen to!

Well the Grammar boys (I was Summerhill myself for a few years) supply the professional rugby players in Sligo and all those boys decided to turn down Connacht and go to Munster.

In fairness I believe one lad a few years ago wasn't offered a contract with Connacht and Munster came in (likely to be the case with Conor Kindregan too) but beyond that I have always found more Munster love in Sligo than for Connacht.

Gingko

Yep re Sligo just got word that they just got planning permission for the new stand behind the goal end which will make the showgrounds an excellent venue for all codes and concerts too!

Someone earlier suggested the Brandywell as an alternative for Ulster games? Have they been there lately? It has fallen behind other LOI grounds and the security is diabolical. It's not really fit to host top LOI games there any more so don't think for one minute Ulster are even considering it. Derry City F.C. are in line for a big NI sports grant though so perhaps after the money has been spent on upgrading the Brandywell it may be considered but not until then and not until they sort their security out. Their stewarding is the worst in the league.

Finn park is a complete dump and Gortakeegan should not have got a premier division license. Maybe just 600 seats? Poor pitch, poor lights and lack of general facilities for fans. Ulster alternatives may come in the form of Irish League grounds at Coleraine, Ballymena, Portadown etc that all have new stands and improved facilties. But I understand it's not exactly reaching out to the nationalist community?

overshoot

Gingko wrote: »

Someone earlier suggested the Brandywell as an alternative for Ulster games? Have they been there lately? It has fallen behind other LOI grounds and the security is diabolical. It's not really fit to host top LOI games there any more so don't think for one minute Ulster are even considering it. Derry City F.C. are in line for a big NI sports grant though so perhaps after the money has been spent on upgrading the Brandywell it may be considered but not until then and not until they sort their security out. Their stewarding is the worst in the league.

Finn park is a complete dump, Ulster alternatives may come in the form of Irish League grounds at Coleraine, Ballymena, Portadown

the Brandywell is owned by Derry City Council, DCFC wont see one penny of they money... good thing or some players could find they have a second contract!:pac: DCFC would also be in charge of stewarding, pretty sure that would change to ulster and it would be their responsibility.
and i dont think Finn Park was considered... 6,600 all seater Finn Park 2 on the other hand (the brandywell will probably be upgraded before its finished though with the rate of work!). irish league clubs you mentioned have a safe capacity of around 2500 or less, Ballymena just over 4000 but its pretty close to belfast and hardly worth it... not sure though but does safe capacity just refer to the number of seats?

SparKing

I wonder would this thread exist if Munster didn't have 2 bases? Do Athlone people support Connacht? It is mostly in Leinster after all. Galway is the home of Connacht Rugby for good or for bad. Saturday games have made games far easier to attend, most of Connacht is less than 2 hours drive from Galway. While I agree it would be nice for Sligo/Castlebar/Ballina or wherever to have the odd game, it isn't really feasible if they are to keep the current ST holders happy. Traffic in Galway can be terrible but it should improve drastically after the current roadworks are finished. I wonder what percentage of season tickets went to each county in Connacht.

Gingko

"not sure though but does safe capacity just refer to the number of seats?"

Should be a minimum amount of covered seating, proper and safe access in and out of ground, proper stewarding, control room, cctv / pa systems, barriers, signage, safe terracing that's not crumbling and has plenty of "crash barriers", tarmacked surfaces and not gravel, decent turnstiles etc etc.

The UEFA licensing was the best thing to happen to LOI grounds. Cleaned them right up! Difference with rugby is they can use terraces for the big Heineken Cup games.

Is Finn Park 2 actually happening?

Gingko

SparKing wrote: »

I wonder would this thread exist if Munster didn't have 2 bases? Do Athlone people support Connacht? It is mostly in Leinster after all. Galway is the home of Connacht Rugby for good or for bad. Saturday games have made games far easier to attend, most of Connacht is less than 2 hours drive from Galway. While I agree it would be nice for Sligo/Castlebar/Ballina or wherever to have the odd game, it isn't really feasible if they are to keep the current ST holders happy. Traffic in Galway can be terrible but it should improve drastically after the current roadworks are finished. I wonder what percentage of season tickets went to each county in Connacht.

Just curious to know what roadworks are being done in Galway? And yep Munster are laughing!

SparKing

Sorry to go off topic, they're removing most of the roundabouts on the East Side of the city and installing a manned/monitored traffic management system. Hopefully it will improve things.

Gingko

SparKing wrote: »

Sorry to go off topic, they're removing most of the roundabouts on the East Side of the city and installing a manned/monitored traffic management system. Hopefully it will improve things.

Fingers crossed for Gaillimh! Traffic was one of the reasons I left. Here's hoping!

Podge_irl

Gingko wrote: »

And yep Munster are laughing!

Munster are far from laughing. Musgrave Park doesn't get any decent games and the crowds are thus quite small. The renovations done on the stadium appear to be a bit of a waste of money. And the two training bases is shockingly amateurish and can't be helping them.

If anything, Munster shows that splitting games just doesn't work.

Gingko

"The renovations done on the stadium appear to be a bit of a waste of money"

Sorry to hear that. How so?

Podge_irl

Gingko wrote: »

"The renovations done on the stadium appear to be a bit of a waste of money"

Sorry to hear that. How so?

Well they've only played 4 games there (2 during the RWC) and the attendances haven't improved over previous years.

overshoot

Gingko wrote: »

Is Finn Park 2 actually happening?

some foundations in so far... heres a facebook pic i saw a month ago... not been home in a while for a look. all very slow.. i know this stage is usually slow (pitch and founds) but its very slow