Stadium Updates (All Clubs)

[A face]

There is a few links there to the plans and a few pages back from the end there is an image uploaded of the plans.

http://foot.ie/threads/149738-Markets-Field-Renovations

Yeah, i had looked there, no clear or what's been updated from initial plans.

[Jofspring]

Yeah, i had looked there, no clear or what's been updated from initial plans.

The initial plans albeit very optimistic had stands on either end, a long one at the far side and an extension to the existing stand. All to be done in phases ie main stand extension and one stand at the end first and then look into the other two stands down the line.

Now it is the main stand with a small stand put at the end of it and a small stand behind one goal for away fans which looks tiny and lost with 5 steps of terracing behind the opposite goal almost off to one side.

[bluewhitearmy]

Limerick are still in the best situation they've been in for 20 years. A little perspective is needed IMO

We are because of Pat O Sullivan and one of the only ways we were going to be in any kind of a good situation when he goes is if we could generate revenue from the ground which we now cant. How crap things were for us before are no excuse for the decisions being made about the Markets Field.

[Dodge]

How crap things were for us before are no excuse for the decisions being made about the Markets Field.

Of course they are. If you were averaging 1,500 people at your games for ten years, then they might be more willing to spend on a bigger stadium now. Cork and Rovers don't have any income from the ground and they're doing fine.

[bluewhitearmy]

Of course they are. If you were averaging 1,500 people at your games for ten years, then they might be more willing to spend on a bigger stadium now. Cork and Rovers don't have any income from the ground and they're doing fine.

Should have been more clear i mean the lack of bar i have no problem with the max attendance.

Rovers and Cork have the whole members and being run by fans thing when Pat leaves us we will have nothing like that.

[A face]

Rovers and Cork have the whole members and being run by fans thing when Pat leaves us we will have nothing like that.

Then do it now so (http://foot.ie/threads/99527-LOI-Supporters-Clubs-Trusts-and-Associations), take advantage of this bad news and get people involved. Its a process that would take at least 10 committed people to setup over 1-2 years, and once its up and running then you are laughing. Make contact and get it done, the 400 club were very helpful when FORAS was starting, and both will help anyone willing to help themselves. Do it .... Do it now !!! (http://heartofthegame.ie/)

[bluewhitearmy]

Then do it now so (http://foot.ie/threads/99527-LOI-Supporters-Clubs-Trusts-and-Associations), take advantage of this bad news and get people involved. Its a process that would take at least 10 committed people to setup over 1-2 years, and once its up and running then you are laughing. Make contact and get it done, the 400 club were very helpful when FORAS was starting, and both will help anyone willing to help themselves. Do it .... Do it now !!! (http://heartofthegame.ie/)

There has been talk of it and id imagine that talk will get more serious now but i honestly dont think there are enough people around that care enough whether the club is there or not that it would work out in Limerick. I hope i'm wrong obviously.

[Charlie Darwin]

There has been talk of it and id imagine that talk will get more serious now but i honestly dont think there are enough people around that care enough whether the club is there or not that it would work out in Limerick. I hope i'm wrong obviously.
Rovers were getting something like 1000 people at a game when the 400 club was formed. Fair enough, historically Rovers had a lot more fans, but it's not like the revival was based around casual fans who hadn't been to a game in years. Limerick have plenty of potential and the lack of a bar at the stadium isn't going to negate that. I'm sorry, but you sound ridiculous. Limerick will have what sounds like a good stadium in a fairly central part of town, where people will go if they have the motivation. You fill Markets Field and you'll have plenty of success.

[A face]

There has been talk of it and id imagine that talk will get more serious now but i honestly dont think there are enough people around that care enough whether the club is there or not that it would work out in Limerick. I hope i'm wrong obviously.

You only need ten and if you are all prepared to give €2 a week then you're sorted. Just get it up and running first.

[Jofspring]

Just a little update from seeing the Markets Field plans up close at the supporters EGM that was on:

The away fans will be in a small 300 seat stand with around 4 or 5 rows covered by the roof. When it rains around two rows will be covered because of the way the stand faces. If away fans bring more than 300 then the rest will have to stand outside on a patch of concrete. The stand will be approximately 25 feet from the pitch behind the goals.

There was a meeting tonight amongst supporters and while it's still unsure what can be done it seems we are going no where long term by making this move to the Markets Field rather than we are prolonging our existence.

We will have use of it for around 20 days a season and no more. Our under 19's and Academy teams will not have use of the ground. Any european games if we managed to qualify will have to be moved to Thomond Park.

It seems the LEDP are making it clear it is their ground, not Limerick FC's and they will do with it what they see fit and we can rent it if we want.

The only reason they are actually bothering with the extra two stands is the FAI licensing and if they had it their way they wouldn't bother with the new stands at all.

The club are on a tight rope because they can't exactly afford to tell the LEDP to shove the Markets Field.

It will be interesting to see if anything more official comes out from the LEDP.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Very disappointing, but it does seem as if there is very little we can do about this situation directly. Just something to put up with, and hope that a consistent level of attendance encourages greater investment.

[nigel-harps1954]

25 feet from the pitch? What the hell is the point of that?

[A face]

Just a little update from seeing the Markets Field plans up close at the supporters EGM that was on:

The away fans will be in a small 300 seat stand with around 4 or 5 rows covered by the roof. When it rains around two rows will be covered because of the way the stand faces. If away fans bring more than 300 then the rest will have to stand outside on a patch of concrete. The stand will be approximately 25 feet from the pitch behind the goals.

There was a meeting tonight amongst supporters and while it's still unsure what can be done it seems we are going no where long term by making this move to the Markets Field rather than we are prolonging our existence.

We will have use of it for around 20 days a season and no more. Our under 19's and Academy teams will not have use of the ground. Any european games if we managed to qualify will have to be moved to Thomond Park.

It seems the LEDP are making it clear it is their ground, not Limerick FC's and they will do with it what they see fit and we can rent it if we want.

The only reason they are actually bothering with the extra two stands is the FAI licensing and if they had it their way they wouldn't bother with the new stands at all.

The club are on a tight rope because they can't exactly afford to tell the LEDP to shove the Markets Field.

It will be interesting to see if anything more official comes out from the LEDP.

Jebus, that's mad .... Are Limerick FC the only tenants? Or are there more lined up?

[Dodge]

The last release said they would be the only tenants in 2014 but you can take it that more were on the way.

SDCC played the "this is our stadium, not yours" act with Rovers too. Then the realised without Rovers they'd be stuffed. Hopefully the LEDP do too.

Not having the under 19s etc there is lunacy

[Jofspring]

They are looking to let Rugby League use it as well. Ya I said Rugby League, in Ireland.

I think they want schools rugby to use it too but don't see why they would.

[Dodge]

I don't really see that being an issue. Tallaght plays host to rugby union/league, american football and load of others things. It'll still need an anchor tenant

[Jofspring]

I don't really see that being an issue. Tallaght plays host to rugby union/league, american football and load of others things. It'll still need an anchor tenant

Certainly not an issue but if they are banking on them to rent the place then they need limerick a lot more than they think or would be letting on.

[citybone]

25 feet back from the goal, I suppose it will deeter away fans from running onto the pitch, better than climb resistant paint lol. Bus seriously that will be an awful view unless the stand is ten feet up from the ground.

[A face]

25 feet back from the goal, I suppose it will deeter away fans from running onto the pitch, better than climb resistant paint lol. Bus seriously that will be an awful view unless the stand is ten feet up from the ground.

Its a pity because its a game that i'd always travel to, but if its totally crap then i wont. Too many years of crap grounds/away sections. Now i just vote with my feet. I'll try it once or twice and if its not up to it then i wont be back until its sorted out.

[Neish]

25 feet from the pitch? What the hell is the point of that?

To annoy you

[A face]

To annoy you

Its working, and its not even built yet. Now THAT'S impressive !!! :-)

[dundalkfc10]

Its a pity because its a game that i'd always travel to, but if its totally crap then i wont. Too many years of crap grounds/away sections. Now i just vote with my feet. I'll try it once or twice and if its not up to it then i wont be back until its sorted out.

I go to every game I can to SUPPORT my team not worry about a bit of rain or a poor view

If your team was playing Limerick away last to win the league, you would still vote with your feet?

[citybone]

I go to every game I can to SUPPORT my team not worry about a bit of rain or a poor view

If your team was playing Limerick away last to win the league, you would still vote with your feet?
In that case it would be on TV, wont be going back to Dundalk due to the terrible conditions. Cork City brought over 500 to Limerick first game of the season this year, If 200 or more decide not to go to Markets Field then thats €2,000-€3,000 out of Limericks Pockets. Having the stand closer to the pitch wont cost any more, Making the stand bigger might cost a little but would pay for itself in a number of years. We complain that crowds in this league are small. We need to make away facilities comfortable, Dundalk, Markets field and Drogheda are the ones that come to mind. (Although i like Drogheda's section for atmosphere reasons, families would prefer a seated section with a better view)

[Charlie Darwin]

They are looking to let Rugby League use it as well. Ya I said Rugby League, in Ireland.

I think they want schools rugby to use it too but don't see why they would.
The league rumour has been going around for yonks. In fact, I believe it was LEDP who started the rumours of a Limerick Superleague franchise when all this business started. Utter pie in the sky nonsense, the team doesn't even exist for ****'s sake.

[A face]

I go to every game I can to SUPPORT my team not worry about a bit of rain or a poor view

If your team was playing Limerick away last to win the league, you would still vote with your feet?

As i said i'll try it and see, but yes if its bad then i WILL vote with my feet. Like i'll vote with my feet visiting Oriel Park. I will never set foot in there again until i know things have changed. If clubs cant get it together to look after fans, home or away then they need to realise there is the potential to lose their custom, e.g. Dundalk will find that out this year with Cork City Support. They ****ed off far too many last year and they'll pay the price for it.

[NeverFeltBetter]

If anyone wants to drop a line to the LEDP and make such opinions, as away fans, known, they're publically viewable e-mail address is info@ledp.ie

[A face]

If anyone wants to drop a line to the LEDP and make such opinions, as away fans, known, they're publically viewable e-mail address is info@ledp.ie

Does it specify anywhere online what the plans are going to be? Just to direct them to what's been observed.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Just the plans that were put up on the LCC website as far as I know.

[redron]

Does it specify anywhere online what the plans are going to be? Just to direct them to what's been observed.

Here's the link to the planning application on Limerick City Council's website:
http://www.limerickcity.ie/ePlan/FileRefDetails.aspx?file_number=13141&LASiteID=0

The large drawings have been re-scanned and are online since this morning (so now you can actually view the full drawings).

Final date for submissions about the planning application is 9 december.

[dundalkfc10]

As i said i'll try it and see, but yes if its bad then i WILL vote with my feet. Like i'll vote with my feet visiting Oriel Park. I will never set foot in there again until i know things have changed. If clubs cant get it together to look after fans, home or away then they need to realise there is the potential to lose their custom, e.g. Dundalk will find that out this year with Cork City Support. They ****ed off far too many last year and they'll pay the price for it.

You could pay into the Stand in Oriel (was 15 last season) Were Cork fans not allowed into the stand this season because it was raining (could be wrong)


In that case it would be on TV, wont be going back to Dundalk due to the terrible conditions. Cork City brought over 500 to Limerick first game of the season this year, If 200 or more decide not to go to Markets Field then thats €2,000-€3,000 out of Limericks Pockets. Having the stand closer to the pitch wont cost any more, Making the stand bigger might cost a little but would pay for itself in a number of years. We complain that crowds in this league are small. We need to make away facilities comfortable, Dundalk, Markets field and Drogheda are the ones that come to mind. (Although i like Drogheda's section for atmosphere reasons, families would prefer a seated section with a better view)

So because the view and facilities are not 100% you would be willing to miss out and watch them winning the league/or a chance of winning it on TV

Thats the type of LOI fans we need

[oriel]

As i said i'll try it and see, but yes if its bad then i WILL vote with my feet. Like i'll vote with my feet visiting Oriel Park. I will never set foot in there again until i know things have changed. If clubs cant get it together to look after fans, home or away then they need to realise there is the potential to lose their custom, e.g. Dundalk will find that out this year with Cork City Support. They ****ed off far too many last year and they'll pay the price for it.

I totally Dundalk's away facilities are dreadful, however I really dont think we will be budgeting too much for Cork City fans, for the first league game I think less than 10 travelled, and for the final game a party bus came up, they were in the stand and seemed to be enjoying themselves, but it seemed to be an end of season trip as opposed to specifically wanting to travel to Oriel for a match.

In fact our away facilities are a disgrace, nothing less. Its quite disgusting that the club continously refuses to address this. A simple plan like erecting a roof and moving the area around more to the corner would improve things immediately.

[citybone]

I totally Dundalk's away facilities are dreadful, however I really dont think we will be budgeting too much for Cork City fans, for the first league game I think less than 10 travelled, and for the final game a party bus came up, they were in the stand and seemed to be enjoying themselves, but it seemed to be an end of season trip as opposed to specifically wanting to travel to Oriel for a match.

In fact our away facilities are a disgrace, nothing less. Its quite disgusting that the club continously refuses to address this. A simple plan like erecting a roof and moving the area around more to the corner would improve things immediately.
That party bus wont be coming again. We are sick of travelling a long distance to be treated like dirt. I think the 6 fans who made the journey at the start of the year is the typical crowd size to see in future. A roofed terrace behind the goal with a good toilet and we would bring more. In fairness 50-100 is the norm from us unless we were going for the league/on a bank holiday weekend/Last day of the season. We would have had more at the final game only for the facilities, we have been there before and many didnt want to go to Dundalk. Limerick would benefit from having a good away section from us, yee wouldnt benefit much from us but the Dublin clubs, Sligo,Derry would prob bring more if the facilities were better.

[jinxy lilywhite]

That party bus wont be coming again. We are sick of travelling a long distance to be treated like dirt. I think the 6 fans who made the journey at the start of the year is the typical crowd size to see in future. A roofed terrace behind the goal with a good toilet and we would bring more. In fairness 50-100 is the norm from us unless we were going for the league/on a bank holiday weekend/Last day of the season. We would have had more at the final game only for the facilities, we have been there before and many didnt want to go to Dundalk. Limerick would benefit from having a good away section from us, yee wouldnt benefit much from us but the Dublin clubs, Sligo,Derry would prob bring more if the facilities were better.


yawn. any upgrade of the away facilities in op is probably way down the list of priorities to accommodate 15-20 cork fans. it was only €10 in and an extra €5 for the stand.

there is also no correlation between world class away facilities and an increase in away attendances.

in an ideal world we'd offer the best out there but unfortunately its down to time and money and there isn't a lot of money out there

[fieldofmarkets]

Facilities absolutely matter. i go to some away games and bring the family, but choose the which games based on facilities.

[El-Pietro]

there is also no correlation between world class away facilities and an increase in away attendances.

You are kidding right?

Fix it up, don't fix it up, that's up to your club. You're probably right that it's not a major priority for you, but it does impact the number of traveling fans, particularly over longer distances.

[White Horse]

Fix it up, don't fix it up, that's up to your club. You're probably right that it's not a major priority for you, but it does impact the number of traveling fans, particularly over longer distances.

Does it really have an impact in the LOI? 500 Dundalk fans went to Bray for the last game of the season, it was cold and raining, and there is no shelter. If Bray had a cover, how many extra would have gone? Very few, I reckon.

I'm still in favour of improving toilet facilities and would like the away fans to be placed in an area of Oriel Park with a better view.

The only away ground I don't visit is Tallaght as the lack of policing and segregation is dangerous and I won't put my children is those situations.

[A face]

there is also no correlation between world class away facilities and an increase in away attendances.

I cant believe i've just read that !!!! :-O

[El-Pietro]

Does it really have an impact in the LOI? 500 Dundalk fans went to Bray for the last game of the season, it was cold and raining, and there is no shelter. If Bray had a cover, how many extra would have gone? Very few, I reckon.

I'm still in favour of improving toilet facilities and would like the away fans to be placed in an area of Oriel Park with a better view.

The only away ground I don't visit is Tallaght as the lack of policing and segregation is dangerous and I won't put my children is those situations.
It depends on the situation. 500 Dundalk fans traveled to Bray because you had just had your best season in years and wanted to see your team off. Plus the last game of the season will typically have a boost to traveling numbers as will the first.

If that game was a middle of season affair and you had little to play for then the traveling crowd would have been much smaller, and would have a lot more to do with the facilities. In a normal season I'd get to most away games, but I wouldn't bother with Bray, UCD or Dundalk (or Fahys Field or Drom). I've been to these stadia and I'm under no urge to go back unless the game is huge. UCD has more to do with the fact that they are UCD than their stadium which is of a reasonable standard in fairness.

I won't go back to Jackman Park, I'll make a decision on Markets Field when I've seen it in person. I wouldn't be in any rush to go to Finn Park again should they be promoted or we draw them in an early cup round, and I don't have an issue with traveling long distances, I'll happily go to the Brandywell.

Conversely, I love visting Longford and Athlone, no problem going to Drogheda (should we ever have a Friday game against them again!)

All I want is some cover, and maybe some hot food. Having a pub nearby is a plus. Other people will have their own limits, but they definitely exist.

I don't understand your issue with Tallaght, I've never experienced any policing or segregation issues there, I've probably been close to ten times at this point, maybe a little less.

[citybone]

Does it really have an impact in the LOI? 500 Dundalk fans went to Bray for the last game of the season, it was cold and raining, and there is no shelter. If Bray had a cover, how many extra would have gone? Very few, I reckon.

I'm still in favour of improving toilet facilities and would like the away fans to be placed in an area of Oriel Park with a better view.

The only away ground I don't visit is Tallaght as the lack of policing and segregation is dangerous and I won't put my children is those situations.
Bray's away section is better than Dundalks. Cork City normally bring 50-100 on a normal away game and anything up too 1,000 for a big game. But you wont get more than 10 Cork City fans again anytime soon. Not a big issue but Pats, Bohs, Rovers, Drogs might have bigger crowds if facilities are better, Especially after several incidents this season.

[nigel-harps1954]

any upgrade of the away facilities in op is probably way down the list of priorities to accommodate 15-20 cork fans.

Does this mean other clubs fans don't matter? I know a lot of people who have been put off going to Dundalk in recent years for the away facilities alone.

Surely improving the match day experience for all fans, home and away, should be priority for Dundalk when looking to increase the budget and keep fans in the turnstiles at increased prices.

[Jofspring]

Bray's away section is better than Dundalks. Cork City normally bring 50-100 on a normal away game and anything up too 1,000 for a big game. But you wont get more than 10 Cork City fans again anytime soon. Not a big issue but Pats, Bohs, Rovers, Drogs might have bigger crowds if facilities are better, Especially after several incidents this season.

Really? We have been allowed go anywhere in The Carlisle but I assume normally it's the uncovered side where they normally segregate fans? We had an option of going into the stand or terrace for Oriel park. We also had access to bar at half time.

[Louth4sam]

Dundalk will find that out this year with Cork City Support. They ****ed off far too many last year and they'll pay the price for it.

So 10 Cork fans instead of 20. Yes that is really going to hurt us financially.....

[Louth4sam]

Does this mean other clubs fans don't matter? I know a lot of people who have been put off going to Dundalk in recent years for the away facilities alone.

The away facilities in Oriel are the worst in the league. Pat's, Drogheda and Bray's are not much better. I'd love to know where other fans think Dundalk would get the money to build a new away section to facilitate a handful of fans when the rest of the stadium is a mess? Where is the return on investment when away fans apart from a few clubs don't travel in numbers in this league.

[peadar1987]

Really? We have been allowed go anywhere in The Carlisle but I assume normally it's the uncovered side where they normally segregate fans? We had an option of going into the stand or terrace for Oriel park. We also had access to bar at half time.

It depends on the game. Big away followings (Shams, Pat's, Bohs) usually aren't allowed in the tent. Or teams against whom there's historically been trouble (Dundalk, apparently, although I can't remember ever personally having much of an issue). I think for the rest of the time, it's officially discouraged, but they never check (or if they do, it's a simple "are you a home supporter", and they take your word for it)

[Louth4sam]

It depends on the game. Big away followings (Shams, Pat's, Bohs) usually aren't allowed in the tent. Or teams against whom there's historically been trouble (Dundalk, apparently, although I can't remember ever personally having much of an issue). I think for the rest of the time, it's officially discouraged, but they never check (or if they do, it's a simple "are you a home supporter", and they take your word for it)

I've been in the tent a number of times (when raining) and have never had any issue getting in. Lack of cover is made up by having a great view of the pitch in the away section.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Every time I've been in Bray I've been able to go wherever I liked. For the Limerick game this year me and the GF switched back and forth between the terrace and the cover whenever it was raining and nobody cared. I assumed it was due to the small number present.

[Dodge]

It depends on the game. Big away followings (Shams, Pat's, Bohs) usually aren't allowed in the tent.

Always loads of Pats fans in there. Not the majority of the crowd but certainly enough to be noticeable

[White Horse]

I've been in the tent a number of times (when raining) and have never had any issue getting in. Lack of cover is made up by having a great view of the pitch in the away section.

I always like going to Bray. As you say, the lack of cover is more than made up by the great viewing position.

[jinxy lilywhite]

You are kidding right?

Fix it up, don't fix it up, that's up to your club. You're probably right that it's not a major priority for you, but it does impact the number of traveling fans, particularly over longer distances.

Cork have never brought a big crowd to Op in my memory which would go back as far as mid nineties and never more than 50 or a 100. I doubt if a complete overhaul of away facilities in OP would increase those numbers that would warrant an investment in that area.



Does this mean other clubs fans don't matter? I know a lot of people who have been put off going to Dundalk in recent years for the away facilities alone.

Surely improving the match day experience for all fans, home and away, should be priority for Dundalk when looking to increase the budget and keep fans in the turnstiles at increased prices.

Of course it matters and I am sure we would love to be in a position to offer those resources. but if you are not happy with the away section then you can go to the away section in the stand for €5 extra,

If money grew on trees then we would have it done and it would be state of the art but far more
areas in OP need probably greater addressing than the away section.

as the lads said our section is no worse than whats on offer at Drogheda, pats, Bray with the exception of covering. but jesus Christ lads a bit of rain never hurt anyone ;)

[Charlie Darwin]

Realistically, Dundalk won't be able to invest in facilities unless they get a windfall or spend 2-3 years at the top of the table with increased crowds, which is what Sligo did before upgrading their facilities. It's a bit much to ask a team who've only recently steadied the ship after almost being relegated to be spending money improving the stands.