CONFIRMED: The Showgrounds will host Europa League 3rd Round game
UEFA have this evening confirmed that Sligo Rovers will be allowed host the home tie of their Europa League 3rd Round game at The Showgrounds.
This much anticipated announcement will be music to all Sligo Rovers fans ears, now not having to worry about the possibilty of having to travel to Dublin for this game.
Chairman Michael Toolan never seemed in doubt that we could host the game in The Showgrounds, and he spoke about the decision today and the work that will be involved to get the ground up to scratch. "Now we are facing into a major programme of works which will involve the installation of over 1,000 seats, the extension of the pitch and the provision of a range of facilities to meet the necessary standards for media, conference and hospitality requirements.
"We estimate that this work will cost in the region of €50,000, but I know our supporters will appreciate our insistence in hosting the game in the Showgrounds, and they will work with us to ensure the Europa League game is a major success." While the club explored provisional options to play the game in Dublin if the UEFA decision went against them, the Chairman believes the right decision has been made.
"It is only fitting that our European adventure should take place in the Showgrounds. It will entail a significant cost to prepare the ground, and the only way we can recoup some of this cost if we have a full house on the night.
"That is the challenge facing Sligo Rovers and our supporters, we had the courage to make a successful case to UEFA to host the game in Sligo, and I hope this decision is rewarded by the Sligo public with a full house at the game."
"While it is excellent to have the game in the Showgrounds, the capacity will be limited to under 3,700 for the game. With a minimum of 10% required for away supporters, and another block of seats to be set aside for media and guests, this means that there will be just over 3,000 tickets on sale for our home supporters. While ticket pricing and arrangements are being finalised, we will be giving priority to shareholders, season ticket holders and sponsors, "Now we are facing into a major programme of works which will involve the installation of over 1,000 seats, the extension of the pitch and the provision of a range of facilities to meet the necessary standards for media, conference and hospitality requirements.
"We estimate that this work will cost in the region of €50,000, but I know our supporters will appreciate our insistence in hosting the game in the Showgrounds, and they will work with us to ensure the Europa League game is a major success." While the club explored provisional options to play the game in Dublin if the UEFA decision went against them, the Chairman believes the right decision has been made.
"It is only fitting that our European adventure should take place in the Showgrounds. It will entail a significant cost to prepare the ground, and the only way we can recoup some of this cost if we have a full house on the night.
"That is the challenge facing Sligo Rovers and our supporters, we had the courage to make a successful case to UEFA to host the game in Sligo, and I hope this decision is rewarded by the Sligo public with a full house at the game."
"While it is excellent to have the game in the Showgrounds, the capacity will be limited to under 3,700 for the game. With a minimum of 10% required for away supporters, and another block of seats to be set aside for media and guests, this means that there will be just over 3,000 tickets on sale for our home supporters. While ticket pricing and arrangements are being finalised, we will be giving priority to shareholders, season ticket holders and sponsors, following which they will be put on general release."
- Quotes from sligorovers.com
Tickets will be on sale soon and the draw for the 3rd Round takes place on the 15th July.
A special word of thanks to all volunteers and MC who played a major role in making this possible. Their hard work and dedication over the years to improve the ground is paying off now, it is now one of the best in the country and now being able to host the 3rd Round game is a massive compliment to all thats been done.
