pics of the overall look of the stadium and new clan stand

From RTE ( www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2018/1007/1001602...op-the-sportsground/ )

Connacht Rugby have unveiled plans to redevelop the Sportsground into a new 12,000 capacity stadium.

The Irish province has reached an agreement with their co-tenants, the Irish Greyhound Board, and the owners of the land, the Galway Agricultural and Sports Society to carry out the work.

The Sportsground first opened in 1926, but despite modifications in recent years, the province has outgrown the venue. Three potential locations were considered, but redeveloping the College Road stadium in Galway city was always the preferred option. Talks to redevelop the site began almost 3 years ago.

The new facility will include a new stadium with capacity for 12,000 spectators, with a new high-performance centre and greyhound racing track.

The new stadium will include two stands at either side of the ground, with terracing behind each goal. The new main stand will include dressing rooms and corporate hospitality.

The new pitch will be an all weather surface. The high performance rugby centre will include an indoor training pitch, along with treatment rooms, a strength and conditioning facility and administration and office space.

The project is expected to cost in the region of €30m and will be paid for through a combination of public and private funds. Connacht Rugby intend to apply to the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund for financial support.

The multi-use facility will also be made available for the hosting of other sports, including soccer and gaelic games, if the demand arises.

Connacht Rugby has held talks with local residents in Galway city and plans to host a full public consultation. Applications for planning permission and government funding will be submitted in the coming weeks.

www.connachtrugby.ie/connacht-rugby-anno...or-the-sportsground/

Not confirmed by branch yet but Darren Fre hill reporting as done
E30 million price tag and to be available to other sports
Exciting times ahead

RTÉ Radio One reporting that "RTÉ understand that Connacht are to redevelop the Sportsground as a 12,000 capacity stadium.". Don't see anything online yet or have any more details.

Edit - 30m of public and private money. An agreement made with the greyhound board. Dog racing will still happen. Open to use for other sports if required. New high performance centre included. Planning permission expected to be submitted soon. No mention of what will happen while construction is happening or of dates.

Bazzo wrote: I think it would be easy to sell more tickets with a larger stadium. Tickets for the clan and main stand are usually gone very quickly, it's no surprise people aren't interested in standing on the flat grass behind the goals with no shelter and a view of nothing.

An upgrade to facilities would also probably sell a few more tickets.

It's been at least 3 years since I've managed to get a Clan Stand ticket. I'd be lying if I said the thought of making a 10 hour round trip to stand exposed to the winter elements for two and a half hours hasn't put me off going down to some games.

Seating, better protection from the elements and the provision of accessible and family friendly areas with a proper view will immediately bing in a fair few.

Saw yesterday that Government approval has been finalised for the Outer Ringroad finally, hopefully with that resolved it makes progress on a new Stadium easier if it is clear the SG is unviable long term.

Logically if Connacht are looking to expand attendances to near double existing average, it makes sense to locate a new stadium further out near to the escape route for supporters from outside the city.

Personally think a Gluas has to be included in any long term development plan for the city, regardless of the RingRoad approval. And it should tie up with the Ring Road plan and development of Park & Ride facilities linked to both....

www.rte.ie/news/connacht/2018/1002/1000457-galway-by-pass/

I agree. I was lucky enough to get clan tickets as a once of for yesterday's game. Some difference to my enjoyment of the game. Normally we are in the elements behind the posts. I really think if Connacht and the IRFU want to expand the game and make it the go to sport they need to protect the customer. My wife likes rugby but not a hope in hell will she stand on a rainy day in the sportsground with poor facilities and no cover.

I think it would be easy to sell more tickets with a larger stadium. Tickets for the clan and main stand are usually gone very quickly, it's no surprise people aren't interested in standing on the flat grass behind the goals with no shelter and a view of nothing.

An upgrade to facilities would also probably sell a few more tickets.

Tall Paul wrote: Scarlets were playing in Galway last weekend.
Top 2 team the last 3 years.
6k turned up.
A quality team should be a sell out crowd.
Do we need a 12k plus stadium?
It would only be full 2 or 3 times a year.

I know connacht do not own the sports ground.
But a stand either end of the ground and bring the capacity upto 10k would make most sense

The answer is yes, we can get 10k into SG for Interpro's if pricing is right...

I think from a funding point of view there's no point in having to have the hand out again in four/five years time looking to add 4-5k capacity if we need it.

Build a 10k'sh capacity stadium that can be scaled up at either end to add 4-6 capacity via "temporary" stand extensions if its required so if a RWC comes around again the New SG is viable...

Scarlets were playing in Galway last weekend.
Top 2 team the last 3 years.
6k turned up.
A quality team should be a sell out crowd.
Do we need a 12k plus stadium?
It would only be full 2 or 3 times a year.

I know connacht do not own the sports ground.
But a stand either end of the ground and bring the capacity upto 10k would make most sense

A new stadium could be built with GAA participation (and Galway Utd also) where there would be a maximum capacity of 15 to 20K for rugby and soccer & then have extra temprorary terracing which would accommocate the larger Galway GAA crowds for the summer months. As was suggested by Pat Lam, the vision should still be to have an all encompassing stadium/entertainment ground where it could be used by the Arts community also. It would be a major venue for large rock/pop bands and could also be a conference centre for dance groups, business conferences etc.

Thats a good point 12 to 15k is prob enough.

20K Why not...
30K would be a bit too much indeed

I really hope not. That article talks about a 20k to 30k ground. I think we would be lost in it.

Seems like the GAA are looking at something similar maybe they would cooperate in a joint venture??

www.hoganstand.com/Forum/Details/106295?...onal&Latest=1#Latest

Hear they will be selling the training ground off to developers for high rise apartments then hoping to build something like the Holt Arena.