Stadium Updates (All Clubs)

[nigel-harps1954]

How much of the 700k has been raised to date?

No idea. I tend to not ask such questions of the board. I'm not even sure many of them have an accurate figure either, to be fair.

There's been a number of fundraising activities already undertaken though. A golf event and dinner hosted by Shay Given and London Donegal people, in London, a stadium draw, and a few other smaller bits and pieces have already been done.

[ger121]

I agree that 8k is fine for now but I do worry that we will need more and I’m not sure if/how it will be able to be expanded. Not sure you can add anything to either of the open ends given property lines and the two stands look single stand traditional roofing set-up… it looks to me like it locks us in at 8k.

One in the hand…

[D24Saint]

No idea. I tend to not ask such questions of the board. I'm not even sure many of them have an accurate figure either, to be fair.

There's been a number of fundraising activities already undertaken though. A golf event and dinner hosted by Shay Given and London Donegal people, in London, a stadium draw, and a few other smaller bits and pieces have already been done.

Bit like most Pats fans with the improvements to Richmond. If them pesky councillors agreed to the Richmond Arena we would be in it now. Instead it’s the same empty site it was when our plan was rejected that’s Ireland in a microcosm but.

[Martinho II]

I know before we finally moved to Bishopsgate in 1993 we spent guts of a decade tryin to finalise the move and there were financial issues that held it back so I can identify Harps pain.Hopefully they will get over the barriers soon!

[SkStu]

One in the hand…

Ah yeah, of course. We’re blessed to be in this position all things considered.

[ger121]

Ah yeah, of course. We’re blessed to be in this position all things considered.

I do agree with your post regarding the future but it will be good to have a modern stadium with nearly double the current capacity.

[nr637]

If you build, they will come!

v=5Ay5GqJwHF8

[Nesta99]

If you build, they will come!

v=5Ay5GqJwHF8

LoI stadium development thread, click on a link and get a 'Please try again later' message - quite apt really!

[joey B]

Some progress on the new stand at Tallaght.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7M0VG2WUAAZVpG?format=jpg&name=large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7M0VG3XUAA3oZ1?format=jpg&name=large

[yurt]

Looks great. I'm assuming that it'll be the new season before we can expect Rovers fans to be in there. Will be interesting to see how often it will sell out next season?

You'd imagine both games against Bohs and maybe a champions league fixture should it be against a bigger team. Would they expect any other of the Dublin Derbies to attract 10k+?

[pineapple stu]

Interesting to see the seat colour pattern looks like being something nice, rather than the abominations on the other three stands.

[pateen]

Looks great though it does look short on both sides ... as in it could stretch a little more wider.

[Nesta99]

The should keep that hoarding in place.....

[brendy_éire]

Brandywell planning application going to committee next week, with approval recommended. It'll obviously pass, despite a few objections. Wasn't in favour of planning being devolved to councils, as councillors tend not to be the brightest and are more easily corruptible, but one positive is that none of them would dare vote against something like this.
Construction due to start in November.

[outspoken]

Interesting to see the seat colour pattern looks like being something nice, rather than the abominations on the other three stands.

Saw Marc Lynch tweeting to say that when the current seats needs replacing they'll be changed to all green as well.

[ger121]

Brandywell planning application going to committee next week, with approval recommended. It'll obviously pass, despite a few objections. Wasn't in favour of planning being devolved to councils, as councillors tend not to be the brightest and are more easily corruptible, but one positive is that none of them would dare vote against something like this.
Construction due to start in November.

New Terrace, right? What is the expected capacity?

[Philosophizer]

Saw Marc Lynch tweeting to say that when the current seats needs replacing they'll be changed to all green as well.
This makes sense if the other seats will be replaced soon, but I doubt that’s the case as they’re in grand condition. Could be another 10-15 years before they need replacing… the south stand has only been open a couple of years.

[DCWA]

New Terrace, right? What is the expected capacity?

Rail seating, capacity just shy of 3000 although we will lose maybe 400 from blocks a+b of southend park stand to accomodate so should be approx 2500 increase on capacity, job went out to tender last week that should be wrapped up quickly and as mentioned by someone else as soon as season ends will be ready to get stuck in.

Unfortunately we aren’t getting a grass pitch it will be a new, upgraded synthetic pitch which is a great shame so until the FAI or UEFA or whoever outright ban the horrible things we will be stuck with one.

[bohsmug]

Rail seating, capacity just shy of 3000 although we will lose maybe 400 from blocks a+b of southend park stand to accomodate so should be approx 2500 increase on capacity, job went out to tender last week that should be wrapped up quickly and as mentioned by someone else as soon as season ends will be ready to get stuck in.

Unfortunately we aren’t getting a grass pitch it will be a new, upgraded synthetic pitch which is a great shame so until the FAI or UEFA or whoever outright ban the horrible things we will be stuck with one.

Hadn't heard it was rail seating. Are there any more in depth documents/info available online than the typical newspaper article? Any I've seen don't have a huge amount of detail.

Any idea for expected completion date? A (give or take) 3k terrace will be quality if/when you get numbers into it.

Edit

Can see the following quote on 42.ie from a Derry director

"It will be ‘standing-seated.’ Essentially, there will be an additional capacity of 2,500 standing with seats locked back. If they host a European game, the seats fold down.
The overall cost will come in at over £1 million."

Sounds great :good:

[Nesta99]

£1mil sounds very reasonable, not a pittance but the sor of money that would make you wonder why all the fuss getting to tender and why other clubs *cough* couldnt have channelled about 10% of a few yrs of European earnings in to some ground improvements a while back. Im presuming the pitch is seperate to the quoted figures for capacity expansion?*

[bohsmug]

£1mil sounds very reasonable, not a pittance but the sor of money that would make you wonder why all the fuss getting to tender and why other clubs *cough* couldnt have channelled about 10% of a few yrs of European earnings in to some ground improvements a while back. Im presuming the pitch is seperate to the quoted figures for capacity expansion?*

That figure stood out to me too. Given that, AFAIK, many clubs are running at those sort of deficits yearly with money coming in from owners to cut the shortfall. To get a nice, covered stand that will last a long time seems a more than worthy investment. Often surprised that LOI doesn't benefit from philanthropy for that kind of stuff. At our level you can make a big, impactful improvement for relatively little in the grand scheme of things.

[Nesta99]

Re reading that statement "The overall cost will come in at over £1 million" its probably the most accurate statement on a capital project ever!!

[EatYerGreens]

"It will be ‘standing-seated.’ Essentially, there will be an additional capacity of 2,500 standing with seats locked back. If they host a European game, the seats fold down.


Presumably Derry are aware that UEFA don't allow rail seating at the moment. They have been 'testing' it at a few grounds in England, France annd Germany last season, annd will make a deciison on it at some point (and presumably be in favour of it everywhere too). But as things stand now, it won't be able to be used for Europe.

[bohsmug]

Feck, deleted my post by accident. Meant to edit. Anyway nothing mind-blowing in it..

[EalingGreen]

Presumably Derry are aware that UEFA don't allow rail seating at the moment. They have been 'testing' it at a few grounds in England, France annd Germany last season, annd will make a deciison on it at some point (and presumably be in favour of it everywhere too). But as things stand now, it won't be able to be used for Europe.I'm not sure that's correct.
Currently they permit rail seating which can be secured in the seated position for UEFA competition matches. While the tests which they've been conducting since 2022/23 in Eng/Fra/Ger have been for (terrace) standing:
"The objective is to assess if and under what conditions standing may be reintroduced in UEFA competitions in a safe manner."
https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/news/0277-15b969242b62-31606df8451f-1000--uefa-launches-an-observer-programme-on-standing-facilities-f/

This is why eg Borussia Dortmund had to reduce their stadium capacity when playing in UEFA competition (it is 81,365 for Bundesliga games), since Safe Standing in Germany has a 1:1.4 seating to standing ratio. (In England it is 1:1). However the above tests have seen the following:
"At the start of 2021/22, the UEFA Executive Committee also approved a request from Dortmund to offer fans standing tickets at European games. Capacity had been limited to 66,099 in previous years, but the new safe standing areas mean that BVB can now call on the full might of the Signal Iduna Park and a packed-out Yellow Wall for their continental contests."
https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/signal-iduna-park-borussia-dortmund-s-stadium-yellow-wall-5280

Unless a significant problem arises, it seems likely that standing will return to European club competition, at least for those clubs which can demonstrate Safe Standing facilities installed to the highest modern standards. In which case I'd assume Derry City will be ok?

[brendy_éire]

New Terrace, right? What is the expected capacity?

6,239.
If the Mark Farren stand is completed, which is expected, it'll be a total of 7,405. Close to the magic number of 8k for some European games, though there are rumours that some requirements will be eased next year.

It's likely that construction will continue into the start of next season.

[EatYerGreens]

I'm not sure that's correct.
Currently they permit rail seating which can be secured in the seated position for UEFA competition matches. While the tests which they've been conducting since 2022/23 in Eng/Fra/Ger have been for (terrace) standing:
"The objective is to assess if and under what conditions standing may be reintroduced in UEFA competitions in a safe manner."
https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/news/0277-15b969242b62-31606df8451f-1000--uefa-launches-an-observer-programme-on-standing-facilities-f/

This is why eg Borussia Dortmund had to reduce their stadium capacity when playing in UEFA competition (it is 81,365 for Bundesliga games), since Safe Standing in Germany has a 1:1.4 seating to standing ratio. (In England it is 1:1). However the above tests have seen the following:
"At the start of 2021/22, the UEFA Executive Committee also approved a request from Dortmund to offer fans standing tickets at European games. Capacity had been limited to 66,099 in previous years, but the new safe standing areas mean that BVB can now call on the full might of the Signal Iduna Park and a packed-out Yellow Wall for their continental contests."
https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/signal-iduna-park-borussia-dortmund-s-stadium-yellow-wall-5280

Unless a significant problem arises, it seems likely that standing will return to European club competition, at least for those clubs which can demonstrate Safe Standing facilities installed to the highest modern standards. In which case I'd assume Derry City will be ok?

So your point is that you agree with what I said in my connclusion, which was = "...and [UEFA] will make a decision on it at some point (and presumably be in favour of it everywhere too)".

[EalingGreen]

So your point is that you agree with what I said in my connclusion, which was = "...and [UEFA] will make a decision on it at some point (and presumably be in favour of it everywhere too)".You said that rail seating should soon be allowed. I pointed out that it is already permitted to be used where it [rail seating] is installed and that the Eng/Ger/Fra testing is for standing to be permitted.

[nr637]

Interesting to see the seat colour pattern looks like being something nice, rather than the abominations on the other three stands.

They could still add some white and gold seats yet! :)

[nr637]

https://www.derrycityfc.net/2023/05/plans-submitted-for-new-terrace-stand-at-brandywell/

[DCWA]

I noticed Lens using a significant amount of terracing against Arsenal tonight, not rail seats or anything just proper terracing. I have no idea what UEFA’s rules are now.

[EalingGreen]

I noticed Lens using a significant amount of terracing against Arsenal tonight, not rail seats or anything just proper terracing. I have no idea what UEFA’s rules are now.UEFA are experimenting with a return to terraces (standing) at a select number of grounds in England, France and Germany - see my post #7775 above.

Assuming this trial is successful, we may perhaps see a return to standing at UEFA games, at least where clubs have rail seating which also permits standing.

[oriel]

A possible gimmer of hope for Dundalk at last, well as long as grants / funding is approved. But lets see how it goes, a lot of false dawns previously, that said the upgrades to prioritise on are correct to start with, pitch and floodlights, and going for modest capacity also makes good sense.

https://www.dundalkfc.com/dundalk-fc-development-group-update/

[EatYerGreens]

A possible gimmer of hope for Dundalk at last, well as long as grants / funding is approved. But lets see how it goes, a lot of false dawns previously, that said the upgrades to prioritise on are correct to start with, pitch and floodlights, and going for modest capacity also makes good sense.

https://www.dundalkfc.com/dundalk-fc-development-group-update/

I think the stands either side of the current Main Stand look weird and a bit ugly.

Also funny to see the artist's impressions provided by the company have hoardings for BBC Sport and the English Premiership. You'd think they could at least have got that stiuff right :p

[oriel]

Yes saw that on BBC Sport !

Drawings are not final, also any upgrades to both sides of the main stand would have to have gaps / slant roofing to not impede the stand view.

[nr637]

Covered terracing behind both goal ends at Oriel should be the first phase in any development.

Something similar to the Derry design!

Any upgrade to Oriel can only be a positive if there is actual work completed. Dundalk fans have had a lot to put up with over the years and as an away fan, every visiting supporter always considered Oriel as one of the worst grounds to visit!

Hope things change...............! :confused:

[Nesta99]

I think the stands either side of the current Main Stand look weird and a bit ugly.

Also funny to see the artist's impressions provided by the company have hoardings for BBC Sport and the English Premiership. You'd think they could at least have got that stiuff right :p

Yuo, cause Oriel currently is a thing of beauty in comparison. I would take the ugliest ground in the world title happily if it was modern and fit for purpose. While any artist impressions will change you do have to work around whats there unless there is the money to flatten things and start from scratch. The YDC turned out to be a hinderence as prior to it there could have been the option to turn the pitch 90 degrees again, have the stand behind the goal and increase the area available for development. Now its shoewhorning things in to the existing footprint. All positive for me, sensible, pragmatic, time has been taken to get the lie of the land with LCC/FAI/Dept et al, phased but part of an overall plan rather than cobbled together in bits and pieces, no big statements on huge projects. Submission for SCG is a big, if first step forward. Could even be done and dusted before Stranrolar...

[Nesta99]

Covered terracing behind both goal ends at Oriel should be the first phase in any development.

Something similar to the Derry design!

Any upgrade to Oriel can only be a positive if there is actual work completed. Dundalk fans have had a lot to put up with over the years and as an away fan, every visiting supporter always considered Oriel as one of the worst grounds to visit!

Hope things change...............! :confused:

Id like things to stay like that but not for the herding of people on to a practically derelict terrace!

[bohsmug]

Who knows where this will end up but it's good to see Dundalk talking about this in a serious way.

Some terracing would probably be better 'cos Dundalk have a lot of fans who like to stand and make a good bit of noise in fairness to them. Nice to see a rendered image of Oriel Park, still look like itself but a hell of a lot better. The main stand is a hard one to work around if you intend to keep it. It's a bit of an odd looking idea on that side but at the same time maybe it keeps a lot of personality in the ground and allows you to keep the rest of it fairly straightforward without making the stadium boring/soulless. In saying that, I doubt they'll actually build 2 of those buildings with VIP balconies. Might just be in the picture for the sake of symmetry.

The drawing is from Allsport Spectator Facilities, the same company who built the Mono stand, so it's likely the same type of modular frame as that. Does feel like these builds are the most sensible from a LOI perspective but we'll all end up with the same ground if we're not careful! Hopefully this is a real proposition.

[nigel-harps1954]

Allsport are building the new Finn Harps stadium too. Reckon they could get a few more LOI grounds if more clubs start to look at improvements. The modular steel stands are far cheaper to build than big concrete monstrosities, and easier adapted for future development too.

[Nesta99]

Who knows where this will end up but it's good to see Dundalk talking about this in a serious way.

Some terracing would probably be better 'cos Dundalk have a lot of fans who like to stand and make a good bit of noise in fairness to them. Nice to see a rendered image of Oriel Park, still look like itself but a hell of a lot better. The main stand is a hard one to work around if you intend to keep it. It's a bit of an odd looking idea on that side but at the same time maybe it keeps a lot of personality in the ground and allows you to keep the rest of it fairly straightforward without making the stadium boring/soulless. In saying that, I doubt they'll actually build 2 of those buildings with VIP balconies. Might just be in the picture for the sake of symmetry.

The drawing is from Allsport Spectator Facilities, the same company who built the Mono stand, so it's likely the same type of modular frame as that. Does feel like these builds are the most sensible from a LOI perspective but we'll all end up with the same ground if we're not careful! Hopefully this is a real proposition.

Id hope that the roof of any new build on that side would go to the stand (maybe with a new roof on the stand) so that those glass panels can be removed. The view from seating at the rear of the wing of the stand are obscured regardless of how clear the glass panels are. But maybe thats nit picking all things considered. I too would also like standing areas, shed side and infront of the stand.

[cláirseach]

Who knows where this will end up but it's good to see Dundalk talking about this in a serious way.

Some terracing would probably be better 'cos Dundalk have a lot of fans who like to stand and make a good bit of noise in fairness to them. Nice to see a rendered image of Oriel Park, still look like itself but a hell of a lot better. The main stand is a hard one to work around if you intend to keep it. It's a bit of an odd looking idea on that side but at the same time maybe it keeps a lot of personality in the ground and allows you to keep the rest of it fairly straightforward without making the stadium boring/soulless. In saying that, I doubt they'll actually build 2 of those buildings with VIP balconies. Might just be in the picture for the sake of symmetry.

The drawing is from Allsport Spectator Facilities, the same company who built the Mono stand, so it's likely the same type of modular frame as that. Does feel like these builds are the most sensible from a LOI perspective but we'll all end up with the same ground if we're not careful! Hopefully this is a real proposition.


Any idea what the Mono Stand cost? It's a little cracker.

[EalingGreen]

The modular steel stands are far cheaper to build than big concrete monstrosities, and easier adapted for future development too.Also rather more environmentally sensitive:
"... the cement industry is responsible for about 8% of planet-warming carbon dioxide emissions — far more than global carbon emissions from aviation. If the cement industry were a country, it would be the third-largest emitter of carbon dioxide in the world, after the U.S. and China."
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cement-industry-co2-emissions-climate-change-brimstone/

[bohsmug]

Any idea what the Mono Stand cost? It's a little cracker.


I wish I knew but I don't! It was built this year so members won’t see it in the accounts until next year's AGM. Think it was still a significant investment but as it's modular it can be moved, so the outlay could be justified. It also freed up 1k+ spaces in the Des Kelly for Bohs fans and we've had home sellouts for most of the year so it would be really interesting to see the cost. Nowhere near as expensive as a concrete stand.

Do think it's given us a good idea of how these stands work in a practical sense and the feedback seems to be good (other than opposition teams wishing it was bigger maybe). I'd love if we could fit another one in but with Dalymount looking like it's making actual progress now and the planning application in it probably doesn't make financial sense.

[Nesta99]

Even the few concrete type stands built now are precast rather than poured on site so silly waste of money to opt for poured system thats outdated 15+ years, and it still gets pushed unnecessarily at times. Why it persisted in this country so long was either laziness by architects, old habits or an unofficial propping up of that industry. Modular and RSJ systems a fraction of the cost, more flexibility with design, quicker build, less impact from enviornment to noise and dust on site. Easier revision in the event of a flaw. I assumed at one time that for say fire regulations concrete was needed but nope.

[Shinkicker]

Even the few concrete type stands built now are precast rather than poured on site so silly waste of money to opt for poured system thats outdated 15+ years, and it still gets pushed unnecessarily at times. Why it persisted in this country so long was either laziness by architects, old habits or an unofficial propping up of that industry. Modular and RSJ systems a fraction of the cost, more flexibility with design, quicker build, less impact from enviornment to noise and dust on site. Easier revision in the event of a flaw. I assumed at one time that for say fire regulations concrete was needed but nope.
It takes 8 - 10 tonnes of coal to produce 1 tonnes of steel, so all materials have their impacts on the environment and I'm sure if your club built a concrete stand you'd still go... we all would. What gets me is the overinflated price of the raw materials making stadium upgrades less achievable. I do agree modular, flexible design and easy construction is the way to go. 50yrs plus ago there was only 1 cement producer in the country and even our roads were concrete. I'd say many architects and designer hand their palm greased by that fat cat.

[Nesta99]

Less impact not zero impact - i dont think there is anything consumed that is zero impact ever!? and carbon neutral seems like a laudable but far fetched target, how can you make a competition carbon neutral if eg you are holding a torunament on 3 continents. As conscientious Bohs might want to be as a club the amout of solar ad wind power needed to offset a new Dalymount and the carbonfootprint of matchnights is wishful thinking with current tech. Efforts should never be bnned but achievement not overstated as with FIFA/Olympics etc

[ger121]

Well done to the Development Group in Dundalk who prepared this initial report. Let’s be honest, anything that improves the stadium and has a realistic chance of being implemented is to be welcomed. I wish Dundalk all the best with the project.

[joey B]

https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/wexford-district/wexford-fc-set-to-leave-ferrycarrig-park-with-game-changing-plans-for-6000-capacity-stadium-in-town/a1843105411.html


Plans for a new stadium in Wexford…

[sbgawa]

great to see that happening in Wexford. Im guessing 3 or 4 years to completion but its on the way which is great