Work is set to begin on planning for the demolition of the Clan Stand at the Sportsground – but it will be replaced by a state-of-the-art 7,000-capacity structure that will consist of a mixture of standing, seated and hospitality options.

Connacht Rugby announced this week that it is set to get the ball rolling on phase two of the redevelopment at the Sportsground, a phase that from beginning to end is expected to take upwards of 30 months.

Phase one of the work involved the replacement of the grass pitch with a new synthetic surface, as well as a new LED floodlighting system, which is to be installed next month.

This next phase of the multi-million euro project will include the construction of a high-performance centre (HPC), and new North Stand to replace the Clan Stand.

Connacht Rugby is set to open Public Procurement Process – effectively inviting tenders for the work – a process it says will take approximately six months, with a two-year construction programme then getting under way next year.

The work will begin with the construction of the HPC, which will consist of a new indoor training pitch as well as state-of-the-art athlete and staff facilities. Once that is completed, work will begin on the new stand, which right now is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2025/26 season.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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