Stadium Updates (All Clubs)

[Straightstory]

Speaking of the Lourdes Stadium how long are Drogheda gone from there and where in Drogheda is it?

Lourdes Stadium is just beside United Park. The club moved in 1979.

[2 Year Contract]

Looks like the Legoland seats in the main stand in Tallaght are on the way out at last

https://x.com/tallaghtstadium/status/1765740467046498735?s=46

[Nesta99]

Looks like the Legoland seats in the main stand in Tallaght are on the way out at last

https://x.com/tallaghtstadium/status/1765740467046498735?s=46

We'd take them off you, stick them where the broken seats in the away section and the club owners seat in the stand.... were not fussy....

[sbgawa]

looks like they are replacing the whole seat including the metal support structure as opposed to just swapping out the plastic bit for a new coloured one.
Assume the original 2009 vintage structures must be past their sell by dates

[dundalkfc10]

looks like they are replacing the whole seat including the metal support structure as opposed to just swapping out the plastic bit for a new coloured one.
Assume the original 2009 vintage structures must be past their sell by dates

Why are they not putting in a safe standing section anywhere, missed opportunity especially if they have removed seats to replace them

[Nesta99]

Why are they not putting in a safe standing section anywhere, missed opportunity especially if they have removed seats to replace them

Thought that myself. Would the original design for an all seated stand, raking etc, prevent adapting to safe standing areas with rail seating. Like would you need to change the tread and rise of 'steps'. If its possible it should certainly be considered. I hate sitting at games (see other thread moaning about gettig old), most sports tbh....standing up sitting down, letting people pass, the types that need to be reminded to sit back down or hoping that staying standing (mea cupla) others around will too and not complain. Always just a given from a young age, going to games in Oriel, standing at a game. Ive been in the stand in Oriel many times and disappeared on pals to stand in the ground and just meet up at HT and after the game.

If anyone thinks that its a bit tight between the rows of seat in the stand in Oriel Park, its nothing on Loftus Road - found out what it must be like for people 6ft6 never mind 4ft10!

[outspoken]

Indirectly relevant - who knew that 4G field turf pitches could double up as car parks, wasted income stream! How this shower have an academy and a bit of a ground started, trumped only by Dundalk and Drogs doing nothing....
https://www.independent.ie/regionals/louth/sport/gaa/louth-gaa-club-seeks-full-assessment-by-an-independent-body-of-not-fit-for-purpose-darver-astro/a560714930.html

So they've essentially made ****e of it? Watch them get handed a "grant" now for a new one in the blink of an eye.

[A N Mouse]

Thought that myself. Would the original design for an all seated stand, raking etc, prevent adapting to safe standing areas with rail seating. Like would you need to change the tread and rise of 'steps'. If its possible it should certainly be considered. I hate sitting at games (see other thread moaning about gettig old), most sports tbh....standing up sitting down, letting people pass, the types that need to be reminded to sit back down or hoping that staying standing (mea cupla) others around will too and not complain. Always just a given from a young age, going to games in Oriel, standing at a game. Ive been in the stand in Oriel many times and disappeared on pals to stand in the ground and just meet up at HT and after the game.

If anyone thinks that its a bit tight between the rows of seat in the stand in Oriel Park, its nothing on Loftus Road - found out what it must be like for people 6ft6 never mind 4ft10!

Best simple explainer I could find

https://true-faith.co.uk/enough-room-will-safe-standing-increase-capacity-at-sjp/

In short a retro-fit would probably only get you a 1:1 (seating:standing). A new build, or space/cost permitting retro-fit, should get you slightly bigger ration, so 1:1.x.

It's probably not the kind of thing loi want/need in a main stand, well until we have grounds with corners, but at the ends.

Compare and contrast the images on the wiki
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safe_standing#/media/File:Safe_standing_area_fitted_with_rail_seats.jpg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safe_standing#/media/File:Rail_seats_in_Klagenfurt,_Austria.JPG

Oh, that article isn't dated, and not sure it's in there. But UK regs might go a step further and say that a standing person take up more room than a seat. So a retro-fit may actually reduce capacity.

[sbgawa]

I did hear that if they introduced a safe standing area in Tallaght it would actually reduce capacity marginally which seems crazy but in the nanny state we live in these days i can believe it

[Jamesie]

Thought that myself. Would the original design for an all seated stand, raking etc, prevent adapting to safe standing areas with rail seating. Like would you need to change the tread and rise of 'steps'. If its possible it should certainly be considered. I hate sitting at games (see other thread moaning about gettig old), most sports tbh....standing up sitting down, letting people pass, the types that need to be reminded to sit back down or hoping that staying standing (mea cupla) others around will too and not complain. Always just a given from a young age, going to games in Oriel, standing at a game. Ive been in the stand in Oriel many times and disappeared on pals to stand in the ground and just meet up at HT and after the game.

If anyone thinks that its a bit tight between the rows of seat in the stand in Oriel Park, its nothing on Loftus Road - found out what it must be like for people 6ft6 never mind 4ft10!

It's a toss up with Richmond Park for knee grinder award for Ireland and Britain

[Philosophizer]

It's a toss up with Richmond Park for knee grinder award for Ireland and Britain
Yep, as someone who is 6ft 3 I can tell you Richmond is the WORST in Dublin.
But it’s not unique in that. I was in Parc Des Princes a couple of years ago for a psg match and it was also terrible for leg space.

[EatYerGreens]

Why are they not putting in a safe standing section anywhere, missed opportunity especially if they have removed seats to replace them

Safe Standing is still not approved by UEFA, a few years into the test of it in certain leagues.

It's presumably only a matter of time, but would be a high risk strategy for Rovers to replace lots of traditional seats with safe standing without a guarantee from UEFA. As otherwise it could see Tallaght slip a category (?).

[EatYerGreens]

Thought that myself. Would the original design for an all seated stand, raking etc, prevent adapting to safe standing areas with rail seating. Like would you need to change the tread and rise of 'steps'. If its possible it should certainly be considered. I hate sitting at games (see other thread moaning about gettig old), most sports tbh....standing up sitting down, letting people pass, the types that need to be reminded to sit back down or hoping that staying standing (mea cupla) others around will too and not complain. Always just a given from a young age, going to games in Oriel, standing at a game. Ive been in the stand in Oriel many times and disappeared on pals to stand in the ground and just meet up at HT and after the game.

If anyone thinks that its a bit tight between the rows of seat in the stand in Oriel Park, its nothing on Loftus Road - found out what it must be like for people 6ft6 never mind 4ft10!

Parking cars on a new astro pitch is peak rural Ireland :D

[brendy_éire]

Safe Standing is still not approved by UEFA, a few years into the test of it in certain leagues.

It's presumably only a matter of time, but would be a high risk strategy for Rovers to replace lots of traditional seats with safe standing without a guarantee from UEFA. As otherwise it could see Tallaght slip a category (?).

It was rumoured last year that a decision on approval would be made in advance of the 24-25 European competitions. Also talk of reducing stadium requirements for capacity and the like.

[Nesta99]

Parking cars on a new astro pitch is peak rural Ireland :D

I was gobsmacked! I shouldnt have been but i was, yeah its very GAA rural Ireland but as outspoken alludes to, why look after a pitch when you can park cars on it compacting the under surface levels when they can just ask for a grant to fix it up, where LoI clubs host so many teams on their surface that its threadbare and not going to get a a replacement paid for.

[EatYerGreens]

It was rumoured last year that a decision on approval would be made in advance of the 24-25 European competitions. Also talk of reducing stadium requirements for capacity and the like.

Yeah - but it would be reckless to plan a stadium on rumour

[nr637]

Tolka Park capacity is now up to 5,700.
Terracing improvements on Riverside Stand side added a further 1,000 safe standing areas.
Every little bit helps, a lot of other clubs could do something similar, get rid of all those grassy banks still around!
:)

[2 Year Contract]

Tolka Park capacity is now up to 5,700.
Terracing improvements on Riverside Stand side added a further 1,000 safe standing areas.
Every little bit helps, a lot of other clubs could do something similar, get rid of all those grassy banks still around!
:)

There’s a major difference in cost in adding metal barriers to existing stepped concrete, versus replacing grassy banks with concrete in order to create a terrace

[nigel-harps1954]

Tolka Park capacity is now up to 5,700.
Terracing improvements on Riverside Stand side added a further 1,000 safe standing areas.
Every little bit helps, a lot of other clubs could do something similar, get rid of all those grassy banks still around!
:)

Have you seen the cost of concrete?

[nr637]

There’s a major difference in cost in adding metal barriers to existing stepped concrete, versus replacing grassy banks with concrete in order to create a terrace

Why not step the grass banks like terracing temporarily until they can afford some concrete! :(

[nigel-harps1954]

Why not step the grass banks like terracing temporarily until they can afford some concrete! :(

Because grass banks aren't permitted.

[Nesta99]

We get exemption in Oriel due to the wilding fof the ground and how it is so good for wildlife!

[A N Mouse]

We get exemption in Oriel due to the wilding fof the ground and how it is so good for wildlife!

Incoming Bohs press release, in 3.. 2..

[sbgawa]

Tolka Park capacity is now up to 5,700.
Terracing improvements on Riverside Stand side added a further 1,000 safe standing areas.
Every little bit helps, a lot of other clubs could do something similar, get rid of all those grassy banks still around!
:)

Who is going to think about the bees??

[nr637]

Who is going to think about the bees??

I thought Brentford were the bees!

[Nesta99]

Forwarned...

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68573819

[sbgawa]

Forwarned...

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68573819

Both of those players are Rovers fans, very clear bohemian hooligan behaviour

[nr637]

Because grass banks aren't permitted.

Markets Field, opposite the Main stand and behind the goals at the Markets Field end.
UCD the grass hill opposite the stand.
Finn Harps opposite the town end terrace when it is allowed open.

[thebronze14]

Markets Field, opposite the Main stand and behind the goals at the Markets Field end.
UCD the grass hill opposite the stand.
Finn Harps opposite the town end terrace when it is allowed open.

The river end in harps hasn't been open for 15 odd years

[pineapple stu]

UCD the grass hill opposite the stand
Not open for spectators though. Only people you'll see there are officials, LOITV commentators, PA, etc.

[nigel-harps1954]

The river end in harps hasn't been open for 15 odd years

Not to mention it's not a grass bank either..just weeds and rough stones and gravel.

I think it's been closed for 20 years now, since we were won the first division in 2004.

[nr637]

The airtricity League and the demise of the the grass bank terrace, what a shame! :confused:

[thebronze14]

Not to mention it's not a grass bank either..just weeds and rough stones and gravel.

I think it's been closed for 20 years now, since we were won the first division in 2004.

I used to go behind whatever goal we were shooting. Remember running on the pitch from there in 2004 alright. It was very steep compared to the town end, remember nearly falling down it a few times!

[nr637]

I used to go behind whatever goal we were shooting. Remember running on the pitch from there in 2004 alright. It was very steep compared to the town end, remember nearly falling down it a few times!

If that area was terraced like the opposite end, would it attract fans or is the view too limited!

[thebronze14]

If that area was terraced like the opposite end, would it attract fans or is the view too limited!
I'm sure it would. I'd say people would move ends at half time. They talked about doing work there a season or two ago but no real point as it would take people from the town side and there's no point in leaving both half empty instead of one end fairly full

[Kingdom]

Markets Field, opposite the Main stand and behind the goals at the Markets Field end.
UCD the grass hill opposite the stand.
Finn Harps opposite the town end terrace when it is allowed open.

Have been to the bowl a few times now, good weather and bad weather, all evening time.
That grass bank is an absolute hazard. Even putting in some wooden terrace barriers would be helpful.

[Neish]

I used to go behind whatever goal we were shooting. Remember running on the pitch from there in 2004 alright. It was very steep compared to the town end, remember nearly falling down it a few times!

Same as, used to love the River end back in the day before the change to the summer football season. Big rush down the hill when Harps scored and had many a tumble especially on a December or January night

[nigel-harps1954]

If that area was terraced like the opposite end, would it attract fans or is the view too limited!

Club looked into it, as said, but I think there's some planning issues because it's a river bank.

[2 Year Contract]

A new bar has been built behind the goal in Eamonn Deacy Park

https://galwayunitedfc.ie/eamonn-deacy-park-bar/

[cobhlad]

Have to say that between Harps' floodlight issues and the prospective FAI centre in Cork now getting canned, it's been a depressing few days from an LOI facilities point of view.

We have had some close calls in recent years with the collapsed stand in Markets Field, our own fence in Cobh collapsing during a Derby. You wonder with growing crowds and substandard grounds, what's the worst thing that has to happen for the penny to drop among those who can actually affect change, and I don't mean the FAI as they clearly cannot help. Stadiums are at best embarrassing and at worst dangerous.

Is there any genuine chance of this changing?

[EatYerGreens]

Are the floodlights at Finn Park ruled out for the rest of the season ? Whilst the evening's are getting longer it'll be a decreasing problem, but by the Autumn it'll become a big issue again.

[joey B]

Are the floodlights at Finn Park ruled out for the rest of the season ? Whilst the evening's are getting longer it'll be a decreasing problem, but by the Autumn it'll become a big issue again.

The floodlights are very old and getting bulbs and parts for them is very challenging,they had ordered components for them and were delivered but weren’t the correct ones,we have a month to the next home game after Friday and they’re going to try and get it sorted I think,I presume if they can’t be sorted we’ll be forced to play games on Saturday or Sunday afternoon…..

[SPXcyan]

For anyone interested on what a match day experience looks like at the RSC these days:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkD7jN6ECws&t=724s

I think the hospitality lounge and the fan zone will be a hit going forward.

[redobit]

Harps having to throw good money after bad to maintain a wreck. Its the bigger picture of the lack of infrastructure investment in the NW. Need to fight and beg for everything.

[DCSIL]

I wonder if D+S Council will let them use the Brandywell, if the pitch isn't being used?

[nigel-harps1954]

I wonder if D+S Council will let them use the Brandywell, if the pitch isn't being used?

Think we'd sooner play all our games away from home than resort to that.

[D24Saint]

Think we'd sooner play all our games away from home than resort to that.

Is Maginn Park a temporary option ?

[nigel-harps1954]

Is Maginn Park a temporary option ?

There's no reason to have to change venues at all. I obviously can't speak for the club, but if worst comes to worst, we'll probably play Saturday or Sunday afternoons.

[bohsmug]

There's no reason to have to change venues at all. I obviously can't speak for the club, but if worst comes to worst, we'll probably play Saturday or Sunday afternoons.

Would that remain true if the issue wasn't sorted towards the Autumn/Winter period of the season? I suppose you'd get away with a 1pm kick off but most grounds have their lights on regardless of KO time when you get to that time of year.

Either way, just have to hope that the negatives from this lead to Harps getting where they need to be with the new new ground and public support/pressure on Govt.

[EalingGreen]

I wonder if D+S Council will let them use the Brandywell, if the pitch isn't being used?Come the autumn, as well as DCFC, Institute will almost certainly also still be playing there, but I guess the artificial pitch could accommodate three teams, assuming the fixtures don't clash.

More problematic might be UEFA's rules about playing outside your jurisdiction, DCFC themselves got an exemption, but that followed truly exceptional circumstances. While I know of one Junior club in NI, a new start-up, who had to apply for a (limited) exemption to play a mile or two away over the border while they get a pitch of their own sorted out.