Taffy
20-09-07, 10:18 AM
Cardiff City and Cardiff Blues have officially announced they will share a new stadium in the capital and called for an end to 'sentimentality and prejudice' amongst supporters.
The deal, which has been initially inked for a 'significant period' and will see the rugby region pay rent to the city's football club, will mean a move for the Blues from their Arms Park home throwing the future of the historic venue into doubt.
The new £43m stadium on the outskirts of the city in the Leckwith area is due to open ahead the 2009-10 season and will initially have a capacity of around 25,000, although that could be increased to up to 30,000.
The move, however, is likely to face opposition from rugby supporters in Cardiff dismayed at having to relocate from the historic Arms Park.
The departure of the Blues leaves significant question marks hanging over the future of the Arms Park.
When the rugby region move the venue will remain the home of Cardiff RFC, the Welsh Premiership side who attract regular crowds in the region of 1,000 supporters.
Cardiff RFC currently have a 15-year lease for use of the stadium, but it seems impossible the club will be able to sustain itself in the Arms Park for any significant length of time. The club will inevitably move to another location in Cardiff, with the facilities where the Welsh rugby squad currently train in Sophia Gardens being strongly linked.
The land on which the Arms Park stands is owned by Cardiff Athletic Club and it is they who must make a decision over the future of the historic venue. Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain, the days of the Arms Park are most certainly numbered.
The deal, which has been initially inked for a 'significant period' and will see the rugby region pay rent to the city's football club, will mean a move for the Blues from their Arms Park home throwing the future of the historic venue into doubt.
The new £43m stadium on the outskirts of the city in the Leckwith area is due to open ahead the 2009-10 season and will initially have a capacity of around 25,000, although that could be increased to up to 30,000.
The move, however, is likely to face opposition from rugby supporters in Cardiff dismayed at having to relocate from the historic Arms Park.
The departure of the Blues leaves significant question marks hanging over the future of the Arms Park.
When the rugby region move the venue will remain the home of Cardiff RFC, the Welsh Premiership side who attract regular crowds in the region of 1,000 supporters.
Cardiff RFC currently have a 15-year lease for use of the stadium, but it seems impossible the club will be able to sustain itself in the Arms Park for any significant length of time. The club will inevitably move to another location in Cardiff, with the facilities where the Welsh rugby squad currently train in Sophia Gardens being strongly linked.
The land on which the Arms Park stands is owned by Cardiff Athletic Club and it is they who must make a decision over the future of the historic venue. Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain, the days of the Arms Park are most certainly numbered.