Tigers choose Walkers Stadium

Leicester will stage their Heineken Cup quarter-final against Bath on April 11 at the Walkers Stadium.

Tigers have moved the game to Leicester City’s home ground, which has a larger capacity than Welford Road.

And redevelopment work at Welford Road would mean a reduced capacity for the all-Guinness Premiership European clash.

Leicester have played three previous Heineken knockout games at Walkers Stadium, beating semi-final opponents Llanelli Scarlets in 2007, but losing a quarter-final against Bath the previous season and a semi-final to Toulouse in 2005.

All three ties attracted 30,000-plus crowds.

“Demand for tickets for such a major fixture between two historic rivals is sure to outstrip the capacity of Welford Road,” said Tigers managing director David Clayton.

“Redevelopment work at our home stadium also requires the demolition of the current Caterpillar Stand during April, which would mean reduced capacity at Welford Road.

“Also, we must reserve 25% of available tickets for the away club and, taking all of these factors into consideration, we believe that hosting the quarter-final at the Walkers Stadium is the best option available to us.”

Leicester have already agreed to move the final home game of the Premiership season, against Bristol on April 25 to Walkers Stadium, as work on the new Caterpillar Stand continues in readiness for its opening at the start of the 2009-10 season.