Sneak Peak - RDS Redevelopment Plans

awec · 15-03-2013 03:18PM

So it sounds like Leinster are in a position to negotiate for a better deal?

IngazZagni · 15-03-2013 03:18PM

I think the new plans look good. The current stadium really doesn't give off the impression that the European Champions reside here. The new venue will go a long way to doing that. Capacity is good too. Having too big a capacity could leave too many empty seats for the smaller games in the Rabo but enough to get most people in to most big games except the final stages of the European Cup. (Provided we get to that stage again!)

Macy0161 · 15-03-2013 03:23PM

awec wrote: »

UEFA doesn't allow terracing for European games, so the terracing at the RDS would only be useful for LOI fixtures and in that situation why would any of the LOI clubs use it over their home ground

Pats used it for a European game a few seasons ago. The terrace isn't enough of the capacity to make it an issue. I think that would've been before Tallaght had the second stand open (might even have been before one was open), so Tallaght is probably the next option up for most LoI clubs if they have to move. It still has potential for games needing something bigger than Tallaght, but smaller than Lansdowne, but the terrace being there or not doesn't really matter.

Winters · 15-03-2013 03:48PM

If the images that have been posted up are true then I would find it strange the RDS is getting rid of their standing areas altogether. Especially when they are extensively used throughout the arena during the Dublin Horse Show. It has been held by the RDS since 1868 so there is a lot of tradition and prestige attached.

If anyone is wondering, for the Dublin Horse Show the RDS remove the North and South stands and convert the Grandstand for hospitality use. There are two terraces behind the ends that are then opened up and used for the show - pictured below.

I find the current design quite confusing and poorly laid out. For instance, is there any reason why permanent stands cant be built at both ends albeit a bit further back and the Horse Show use a more shortened pitch? Is there a minimum length arena for show jumping?

I still think they should look at the option of building a full length terrace along the front of the lower Anglesea including in front of the changing rooms and in place of the subs area. They could also raise the terrace higher.

http://www.aaroncourtballsbridge.com/sites/82/800px-Dublin_Horse_Show_2008_-_main_arena.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/19/Dublin_Horse_Show_2008_-_Anglesea_Stand.jpg

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000qPHtyi6CsTw/s/900/900/Dublin-Horse-Show27.jpg

http://www.dublinhorseshow.com/files/p_20110113120305Grandstand.jpg

http://the-gathering.ireland.com/layouts/Sublayouts/~~/media/Images/Events/dublin-horse-large.ashx

[Jackass] · 15-03-2013 04:53PM

Looking at the video again, it looks like the terracing behind the north and south stands that currently exist will be knocked down to make room for the corner parts being built.

Also, from the pictures it's pretty clear that there's no way the North and South stands could be permanent stands as they use well over the length of a rugby pitch for show jumping, and presumably there's no way around that.

But the main issue for me is that those removeable North and South stands are fine, but why can't the roof still continue around, connected to the two tower pillars either side and some support structure behind the North & South stands, meaning it can still be removed, but roofing will go all the way around. Even if they errect terraces further back for the horse show, they would still benefit from this roof structure.

Definitely agree with you about the terrace the length of the Anglesea stand. They could even move the pitch over slightly (as they are rebuilding the entire far side of the ground) and put terracing infront of the current granstad...

Winters · 14-10-2014 10:47AM

There was an article with Mick Dawson recently where he suggested that there was only a small demand for terracing in the RDS and that there would only be one terrace in any RDS redevelopment plans. It can’t be due to the society as the terracing is used quite extensively by the horse show.

Nice article here on the Ravenhill atmosphere: http://sportsrants.com/uk/2014/10/12/future-looks-bright-ulster-rugby/

From being up there, having so much terracing up close to the pitch is excellent. It would be a shame if terracing wasn’t integral to any future RDS.

iDave · 14-10-2014 10:53AM

Winters wrote: »

There was an article with Mick Dawson recently where he suggested that there was only a small demand for terracing in the RDS and that there would only be one terrace in any RDS redevelopment plans. It can’t be due to the society as the terracing is used quite extensively by the horse show.

Nice article here on the Ravenhill atmosphere: http://sportsrants.com/uk/2014/10/12/future-looks-bright-ulster-rugby/

From being up there, having so much terracing up close to the pitch is excellent. It would be a shame if terracing wasn’t integral to any future RDS.

I think Ravenhill is one of the best designed modern stadiums out there.
Four sided symmetrical design incorporating terracing and seating. It suits everyone and should be copied by all sports.

Zzippy · 14-10-2014 10:54AM

Winters wrote: »

There was an article with Mick Dawson recently where he suggested that there was only a small demand for terracing in the RDS and that there would only be one terrace in any RDS redevelopment plans. It can’t be due to the society as the terracing is used quite extensively by the horse show.

Nice article here on the Ravenhill atmosphere: http://sportsrants.com/uk/2014/10/12/future-looks-bright-ulster-rugby/

From being up there, having so much terracing up close to the pitch is excellent. It would be a shame if terracing wasn’t integral to any future RDS.

Way more craic on the terrace - it's about all we have in the Sportsground, and pretty much every time I've been to Thomond it's been the East Terrace. Much better for creating an atmosphere when you're all packed in together.

awec · 14-10-2014 10:54AM

I am sure there would be more demand for terracing if it didn't have a restricted view. A full length terrace like Ravenhill would be perfect.

Demand would be even higher again if it were covered.

molloyjh · 14-10-2014 11:12AM

I'm not sure where he gets the idea that there is a small demand for terracing. There is, as awec said, small demand for a terrace where you can't see chunks of the pitch, which is the case if you're in certain parts of the current terrace. But in Ravenhill, Thomond and the Sportsground they are obviously the most popular areas. I can't see how Leinster would be any different???

justsomebloke · 14-10-2014 11:17AM

Winters wrote: »

and that there would only be one terrace in any RDS redevelopment plans.

I thought it's just the grandstand that's going being redeveloped? and so there would only be one terrace at the front of it regardless? Due to the nature of the south and north stands, terraces can't be put there anyway.

So it seems like a stupid point to make, as we were only ever expecting one terrace and give the current terracing it would probably only add around 50-75% more then currently there at the moment

.ak · 14-10-2014 11:24AM

TBH the demand for terracing is probably small. As much as we go on about it it's hardly like the rest of the STHers in the non-terrace parts would be writing in to demand terracing.

So how many people does the current terrace hold? That's probably the limit of the demand right there.

justsomebloke · 14-10-2014 11:31AM

The problem with Terracing at the moment is that it is season ticket holders only. Leinster can't sell any match day tickets for it.

Expanding it would probably introduce a small number of cheaper tickets that could be sold at a lower price point then is currently available and could potentially be used to introduce newer spectators to the game.

P_1 · 14-10-2014 11:38AM

molloyjh wrote: »

I'm not sure where he gets the idea that there is a small demand for terracing. There is, as awec said, small demand for a terrace where you can't see chunks of the pitch, which is the case if you're in certain parts of the current terrace. But in Ravenhill, Thomond and the Sportsground they are obviously the most popular areas. I can't see how Leinster would be any different???

The cynic in me would suggest that this is due to there being more cash in selling seated tickets than terrace tickets but maybe that's just me being a cynical so and so...

errlloyd · 14-10-2014 11:44AM

P_1 wrote: »

The cynic in me would suggest that this is due to there being more cash in selling seated tickets than terrace tickets but maybe that's just me being a cynical so and so...

Significantly more capacity in the Terrace. I also think atmosphere is very valuable to Leinster branch, if they thought they could fill it they would.

Larbre34 · 14-10-2014 11:59AM

As a Terrace jockey, in my view shelter is a big part of it in the RDS, as well as the atmosphere (and the lack of kids to be honest). Ive met mates coming off the North and South Stands drenched and frozen when you'd be cosy enough under the Anglesea.

If they were to offer an exposed Terrace in a new Anglesea Stand, similar to the Memorial Stand in Ravenhill for instance, I wouldnt be enthusiastic.

There was some talk early on in the process of putting wing terraces high up in each corner of a new Anglesea, benefitting from the roof, that would be reasonable.

I do enjoy Ravenhill and the Sportsground, but the best stadium Ive been in with mostly terracing was Sandy Park at Exeter Chiefs, stonking old fashioned atmosphere.

awec · 14-10-2014 12:14PM

My season ticket is south stand but I would definitely move to the terrace if there was a full length one without restricted views.

Winters · 14-10-2014 12:15PM

Sandy Park being a new build interestingly.

The current terrace capacity at the RDS is 1,000 split 500 either side.

The proposed terrace is 1,500.

The general rule of thumb in terms of design is 2 standing spectators use the same space as 1 seated spectator.

dregin · 14-10-2014 12:16PM

I've been in the terrace a fair few times and thought the view was utter ballox.

It was great craic, but you're there to watch a match too. Doesn't surprise me that Matt has stats to say there's no demand for a terrace given the sorry state of the current one.

Would I be right in saying that Leinster has a wealthier fan base than any other province? One that wants to pay for seats instead of standing. In the current RDS, I'd definitely prefer a seat in the Angesea over the terrace below any day of the week.

Winters · 14-10-2014 12:19PM

justsomebloke wrote: »

I thought it's just the grandstand that's going being redeveloped? and so there would only be one terrace at the front of it regardless? Due to the nature of the south and north stands, terraces can't be put there anyway.

So it seems like a stupid point to make, as we were only ever expecting one terrace and give the current terracing it would probably only add around 50-75% more then currently there at the moment

The design competition is quite open worded and could mean full redevelopment or just one stand. I assume the latter is all we'll be able to afford. Still, I would prefer to hear better views on terracing coming from the branch especially with Thomond, Ravenhill and the Clan Terraces as positive examples and the absence of standing in Lansdowne as a negative.

awec · 14-10-2014 12:20PM

Honestly lads - take the new stand at Ravenhill, copy it exactly and put in blue seats. Sorted.

Uriel. · 14-10-2014 12:27PM

I am also a South Stand STH and couldn't really see myself in the terrace as it currently stands. Mostly because my OH (also STH) is likely to be too small to enjoy the terrace, along with the various restricted views.

A bigger terrace, no restricted views, and higher points within might be something that we would consider. To be fair, the atmosphere on the terrace is amazing and is rarely if ever replicated in other parts of the stadium.

If I could afford it, I'd probably be sitting in one of the other stands though, benefiting of a side view, seat, cover etc. ... someday... maybe...

Eponymous · 14-10-2014 12:39PM

I couldn't imagine being anywhere other than the Terrace, to be honest. A full length terrace along the lines of the East Stand in Lansdowne prior to redevelopment would be perfect. Not too wide but a fantastic view and a lot of noise. Isn't that what everyone really wants?

I don't get this thing about there being no demand for terracing. Any big game and the number of people on the South Terrace anyway gets ridiculous, even with the crap view. They can't all have terrace tickets, but they all seem to get in...

Big Nelly · 14-10-2014 12:42PM

dregin wrote: »

Would I be right in saying that Leinster has a wealthier fan base than any other province? One that wants to pay for seats instead of standing. In the current RDS, I'd definitely prefer a seat in the Angesea over the terrace below any day of the week.

You could start a big fight with that comment about wealthier fans

I am STH and have been for a couple of years(missed last year due to baba been born) but I have always bought the terrace and so do my mates. Nothing to do with not been able to pay for seated ticket but I prefer the banter in the terrace, on match day it can be cracking. I do admit for European games you need to get in the door early or your view can be terrible but I dont mind that and it helps build up the atmosphere in stadium.

I have sat on North/South stands when bringing the kids/OH but for standard match with the lads the terrace is the best spot for atmosphere and banter....

I would hate it if they get rid of the terracebut will have to deal with it by the looks of it...

Big Nelly · 14-10-2014 12:46PM

Eponymous wrote: »

I don't get this thing about there being no demand for terracing. Any big game and the number of people on the South Terrace anyway gets ridiculous, even with the crap view. They can't all have terrace tickets, but they all seem to get in...

I think the problem is people buying seated tickets but for the big match's might not bring the kids and want to have the banter in the terrace, security never check if you have terrace ticket or not when coming in but if you try to go for the seated stands they will confirm if you have a seated ticket.....

One match we where late and we stood so far back I had fired up Sky Go at times to see what the hell was going on in match:mad:

Never let that happen again:D

ulster_Beef · 14-10-2014 12:53PM

durkadurka wrote: »

This might be sacrilige but he's wrong! Terraces generate the atmosphere because people are standing and like minded people can stand together.
Also groups of mates can stand together.

Couldnt agree more and I am glad we at Ravenhill have terracing all around.

Im an east terrace dweller. Its full long before west terrace or any other. The uploaded image shows east terrace to the right

Not to take away from any other terraces, Im just making a point that its the same people, week in, week out... getting in earlier, getting the beers in and singing early, getting the atmosphere built up. Think what you want about drink consumption but the facts are terraces and beer = atmosphere.

When you go on ticket master its always the terracing sold out first too

We all know when people have reserved seats they are waiting at the bar and dont sit back down til 10 mins after kick off. I believe thats one of the reasons why the Aviva is dire. The "small end" could easily be a terrace for rugby and Id put my savings on the atmosphere increasing with even those few people on a terrace.

Hopefully they review their decision

dregin · 14-10-2014 12:57PM

It's also way harder to have a sneaky can in the seats. I wonder how much the beer revenue has to do with the attitude towards terracing.

Dave_The_Sheep · 14-10-2014 12:59PM

dregin wrote: »

It's also way harder to have a sneaky can in the seats. I wonder how much the beer revenue has to do with the attitude towards terracing.

I've never had any issue and I used to bring in a rake of cans to the games.

Podge_irl · 14-10-2014 01:01PM

I have only ever heard one story of someone being stopped drinking from a can in the stands and it was by a steward who told him to pour it into a cup instead.

former legend · 14-10-2014 01:04PM

Podge_irl wrote: »

I have only ever heard one story of someone being stopped drinking from a can in the stands and it was by a steward who told him to pour it into a cup instead.

There were reports here during the last RDS game (Cardiff?) of stewards trying to take cans from people.

Sneak Peak - RDS Redevelopment Plans

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