Bosses from the stadium management company will today pick up the keys for the 12,000 capacity venue at Barton – signalling the dawn of a
new era for rugby league in the city.
Reds chief executive David Tarry has described the handover as ‘a momentous event’ – and now all eyes will be on Phil Veivers’ men as they attempt to provide a Super League campaign to match the first-class surroundings.
Fans will get to see the state-of-the-art venue for the first time on January 8 when Leigh Centurions come to Barton for a warm-up clash.
Before then, on December 27, supporters will walk from The Willows, the club’s home for 110 years, to the new venue in a symbolic passing of the baton.
The Super League season starts in February with the visit of Castleford Tigers and Tarry cannot wait.
He said: “Today is a momentous event for sport in the city of Salford. If you could look into the future and see the drama and history that this stadium will bear witness to over the coming years, you couldn’t fail to be excited.”
The complex features a full size floodlit artificial pitch, three seven–a-side pitches, a recreational grass pitch and community changing rooms.
Salford council leader John Merry said: “This stadium is very much about the community in Salford. We wanted to create a set of facilities that would be accessible to everyone and would really support local sport in the city.”
Before work was completed the stadium was also named as a venue for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.
And Coun Merry added: “That is great news for sport in the city. And having the Reds playing at the stadium means more fans than ever will get to see their team play.”
Peter Hosker, chairman of the joint venture company and director of legal and corporate affairs at The Peel Group, said: “The stadium will be an excellent community facility as well as a new home for Salford Reds.”
England international Adrian Morley has been granted a three-month testimonial by the Rugby Football League for services to the game.
The 34-year-old Warrington captain won his 50th international cap in the recent Four Nations final. Salford-born Morley will hold a series of events, starting in April. Tweet
Comments
Login or Register to comment
Why are some of the seats blue?
What a great start to a new season to have a modern new stadium to play in! All involved will feel the impetus that the new surroundings bring. We have some new players , but we need new fans and supposedly that's where the n ew facilities will help. All systems are "GO" so let's have a bumper 2012! Torred
Some of the seats are blue because Sale will be playing there in the near future and they play a more significant sport.
Dear Mr Merry
if this is about the community of Salford why are sale sharks being considered at all?
Pity the lazy journo couldnt have taken a more recent photograph.
If there is so much anger about the possibility of Sale Sharks being co tenants, what is the problem with Swinton Lions sharing the ground ? They need a new ground. Whats the point in building a new one when they can share with Salford ? Swinton comes under the City of Salford.
I suppose there will be the usual "No way" brigade due to local rivalry.
Think yourselves lucky, at least its the same sport, my team shares with a nancy football team.
Why nothing about the new Salford shirt launch yet you gave Sale the same publicity???