Champions League or UEFA Cup Final Promised for Lansdowne Road

[Eth]

The announcement was made today in Strasbourg by UEFA Chief Executive Lars-Christer Olsson following a meeting with FAI Chief Executive John Delaney.

FAI Chief Executive Officer, John Delaney said: “This is marvellous news. Ireland showed last week with the Ryder Cup that it is capable of hosting the world’s major sporting events and bringing a Champions League or UEFA Cup Final to Lansdowne Road will have a similar impact in terms of promoting the country around the world. The Government is investing €191m in the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road and the arrival of one of the biggest football matches in the world represents an excellent dividend.

"UEFA have been kept informed of all aspects of the Lansdowne Road development and they are very excited at the prospect of playing one of their show-piece finals there. This decision is also a strong vote of confidence by UEFA in the FAI because as the host association we will have a key role in the organisation of the event.”

The Lansdowne Road development is on schedule with planning received recently with final approval subject to An Bord Pleanala oral hearing. The plan sees the present stadium being demolished and replaced by a state of the art stadium capable of seating 50,000 spectators.

[johnp]

Great stuff! But can't believe Croke Park has never been touted :whatever:


Quality avatar mate

[Maestro]

Great stuff! But can't believe Croke Park has never been touted :whatever:


Quality avatar mate

It has - a UEFA delegation inspected Croke Park when Ireland and Scotland bid for Euro 2008. UEFA were mightily impressed and said that if the GAA lifted their ban on soccer, UEFA would guarantee a CL Final within 5 years.

[johnp]

It has - a UEFA delegation inspected Croke Park when Ireland and Scotland bid for Euro 2008. UEFA were mightily impressed and said that if the GAA lifted their ban on soccer, UEFA would guarantee a CL Final within 5 years.

Didn't know that about the CL Final (although I do remember that they visited a couple of years back).
It's gotta be a no-brainer for the FAI. Apart from the Hill, temporary seating? Would UEFA approve?

[Eth]

Temp seating is not allowed any longer - Landsdowne was given special dispensation - doubt that would be given to Croker as its big enough even without the hill. Has the floodlights gone up in croker yet?? it will be an amazing sight to see croker under floodlighting!

[johnp]

Temp seating is not allowed any longer - Landsdowne was given special dispensation - doubt that would be given to Croker as its big enough even without the hill. Has the floodlights gone up in croker yet?? it will be an amazing sight to see croker under floodlighting!

Croker without the Hill takes away about 15000. Thats significant, not to mention the empty end of the ground for a CL Final. Don't think it would look too good.

I believe the floodlights should be in action for the Ireland games there (as most games are in the evening).