Ulster think big after €18m boost

Ulster Rugby have confirmed they are seeking to secure naming rights for their proposed redeveloped stadium at Ravenhill after announcing how they plan to utilise the €18.3m injection from Northern Ireland’s Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure for the final stages of construction.

At present they are in discussions with a number of interested parties who would like to be a naming partner to the new arena. Ravenhill is owned by the IRFU and was first opened in 1924.

A new stand on the east side of the ground was opened three years ago and work on the remaining three sides of the ground will begin next Wednesday, with completion planned by the summer of 2014 that will boost Ravenhill’s capacity from the current 11,400 to 18,100.

The first phase of the redevelopment, due for completion next summer, features new stands at both ends of the ground. The new Memorial End stand will provide covered seating for approximately 2,400 people with terracing accommodating a further 1,350. It will house a ticket office, shop, bar/catering facilities and a new educational facility which will promote the benefits of nutrition, healthy lifestyle and playing sport.

The new Aquinas stand will be the family area of the ground. It will provide covered seating for 2,100 people with terracing for a further 1,300. It will house new team changing facilities, treatment rooms, an indoor training surface as well as television match day media facilities. Below the stand will be a gym, meeting/lecture rooms.

The second phase of the redevelopment will begin in July 2013. The old main stand will be demolished and a replacement built, and will include bars and restaurants and accommodate 3,450 seated spectators with the new upgraded promenade providing standing for approximately 3,400 fans.

“The new stadium will go a long way in achieving the goals of Ulster Rugby,” said chief executive Shane Logan.

“At present all of our home games are sold out and we clearly have not enough capacity. For example, an hour after tickets went on sale for the Ulster v Leinster game at Christmas, they were all gone.

“We will be bring the spectators closer to the pitch on all sides which will create a great atmosphere, and hopefully, put the fear into the opposition. That, of course, in turn, will generate more revenue and sponsorship and that will help us invest in the professional game and into the clubs and schools to grow the future.”