Monday, February 2, 2009

Tigers make Heineken Cup switch

Toby Flood
Leicester fly-half Toby Flood is key to his side's Cup hopes

Leicester's Heineken Cup quarter-final against Bath on 11 April has been moved from Welford Road to the Walkers Stadium, home of Leicester City.

The Walkers Stadium holds 32,500, almost twice as many as Welford Road.

Leicester have played three previous Heineken Cup games at the Walkers Stadium, including a quarter-final defeat by Bath in 2006.

The Tigers beat Llanelli Scarlets in the last four in 2007 and were beaten by Toulouse in the last four in 2005.

"Demand for tickets for such a major fixture between two historic rivals is sure to outstrip the capacity of Welford Road," said Tigers managing director David Clayton.

"Redevelopment work at our home stadium also requires the demolition of the current Caterpillar Stand during April, which would mean reduced capacity at Welford Road.

"Also, we must reserve 25% of available tickets for the away club and, taking all of these factors into consideration, we believe that hosting the quarter-final at the Walkers Stadium is the best option available to us."

Leicester have already agreed to move the final home game of the Premiership season, against Bristol on 25 April, to the Walkers Stadium, as work on the new Caterpillar Stand continues in readiness for its opening at the start of the 2009-10 season.

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