Sky’s the limit for Munster’s fixture list

SKY Television, and not the ERC or Munster, will decide the kick-off times for the Heineken Cup matches at Thomond Park next November, December and January.

This was revealed last night by Pat Whelan, chairman of the Thomond Park Development committee. The norm over the past several years has been to start Munster’s Heineken Cup games at 5.15pm but with the redevelopment of the ground, the usual floodlights will be out of commission, so Whelan is hoping to kick off the three matches at 2pm.

“The work on the stadium is on time and provided everything goes according to plan, we will have it open for the Heineken Cup matches,” he said.

“There will be a stand but with only 200-300 sitting in it. It will be in a very rough state but we are obliged by ERC to accommodate a certain figure and that’s what we have come to an agreement on. The players will also tog out there,although again the conditions won’t be exactly pristine.

“The main problem with Sky Television is light or rather the lack of it. Thomond Park could be very dark on a November, December day from 2pm on. We’re hoping to convince them that we wouldn’t need to bring in temporary lights but if they say no, and we have to do so, that’s expensive and we’re back to 5.15pm. It will be a Sky decision.”

The graphics and digitalphotographs shown to yesterday’s press conference indicate that the new stadium will be something very special when completed in theautumn of 2008 with two spectacular, sky-altering grandstands really standing out.

For next season, all four terraces will provide standing accommodation. The north and south goal line uncovered seating will remain, bringing the capacity to just over 12,000. Once completed, the capacity will be just under 26,000 with seating for 15,100 and terraced accommodation for 10,530.

Munster’s Magners League home fixtures will be played at Musgrave Park.

The key features of the newstadium will be the symmetrical grandstands on the east and west sides. The span of the main roofsupport truss for each will stretchto 146 metres, making it a newand unique landmark for Limerick city.

Construction is underway on the foundations for the stands with priority given to the East (“far side”) Stand construction which will be the main facility. It will house corporate boxes, two suites, three private lounges and the Supporters Club bar.

“There has already been significant interest in these boxes,” said Munster chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald. “They will initially be made available to sponsors of Munster and any remaining will come on offer and be allocated in the autumn. In addition to marketing naming rights, the Munster Branch will market a number of category sponsors including beer, soft drinks and concert rights.”