Bristol remain at Memorial Stadium
Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:35
Bristol Rugby chief David White confirmed on Tuesday that the club will still play its home fixtures in the 2008/09 season at the Memorial Stadium.
White made the announcement following English League One football side Bristol Rovers' announcement on Tuesday that the re-development of the Memorial Stadium will be delayed by 12 months.
Bristol Rugby had been set to play its home fixtures at Rodney Parade, the home of Newport Gwent Dragons, during the re-development starting with the 2008/09 season.
White admitted that, with the club having sold season tickets for the past month on the basis of playing at Rodney Parade, it will be a challenging few weeks for the club.
"We have been in discussions with Bristol Rovers over the past couple of days and, now they have clarified the situation, we have decided to play our fixtures at the Memorial Stadium this season."
"We have also been talking to Newport and keeping them appraised of the situation. They are naturally disappointed that we will not be joining them next season but understand our situation."
"I would like to say that everyone that we have dealt with at Newport has been a pleasure to work with. We look forward to working with them with a view to playing at Rodney Parade in 2009/10."
"I would also like to thank the Welsh Rugby Union, Premier Rugby and the Rugby Football Union for their support over the past few months."
"This is now a challenging time for us, but we remain fully supportive of the long term re-development of the Memorial Stadium."
"We will continue to sell 2028 Club packages and will be sending out another communication to our season ticket holders within the next two weeks to advise them of prices for 2008/09 at the Memorial Stadium."
"In addition, I would like to reiterate that anyone who has already purchased a season ticket will have that purchase honoured at the price they paid."
"Finally, I would like to apologise to our supporters and stakeholders for any inconvenience caused by this change in our plans for 2008/09 and ask that they get behind us on and off the field in what promises to be an eventful season."
With thanks to guinnesspremiership.com
