Connacht Rugby to start redevelopment of Sportsground next year
Connacht Rugby has announced plans to begin the next phase of the redevelopment of The Sportsground next year.
The historic redevelopment is scheduled to go on for two years and will replace the current Clan Terrace with a brand-new North Stand. This new stand will include the combination of standing, sitting, and hospitality seats, and “top-class facilities for players, supporters, partners, and media.”
Plans under Phase Two of the public procurement project also incorporates a high-Performance centre at the Sportsground, with an indoor pitch and state-of-the-art facilities for athletes and staff.
Phase One of the project saw the announcement of plans for Connacht’s brand-new artificial pitch and LED floodlights, which are due to be installed next month.
In a statement to the club’s website, Connacht CEO Willie Ruane said: “This week’s commencement of the Public Procurement Process for Phase 2 continues the positive momentum of The Sportsground redevelopment project. We have already seen the positive impact Phase 1 has had on our players’ and fans’ experience of the Sportsground and we are excited about what Phase 2 will further deliver in this regard over the coming years. On behalf of everyone associated with Connacht Rugby I would like to once again take this opportunity to thank the government for their very significant support of this project, without which none of this would be possible.”
The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D. added: “I want to congratulate everybody involved in bringing the project to this stage. Your vision and commitment will ensure that Connacht Rugby has a new home that everybody concerned will be justifiably proud of.”
Lastly, the Minister of State for the Gaeltacht and Sport, Jack Chambers T.D. added: “This is another important step in the delivery of what will be a superb new facility in Galway. My Department will continue to work closely with Connacht Rugby to ensure the passionate Connacht fans have this excellent new stadium open for business as quickly as possible”.
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