Sligo Rovers have submitted a planning application to Sligo County Council for the first phase of the club’s Masterplan to redevelop the Showgrounds.
Rovers want to increase the capacity of the Showgrounds to a 6,100-seater stadium.
The overall €17 million Masterplan was officially unveiled by Rovers in 2021.
The planning application for phase one, prepared by Rhattigan Architects, includes:
- Construction of a new spectator stand at the Church Hill Road end of the ground (approx. 1,370 seats)
- Construction of a new Spectator Stand in place of the current
Jinks Avenue Stand (2,060 seats) - Upgrading and enlarging the main pitch to a higher specification to meet UEFA Category 3 pitch size standards.
According to the Masterplan, the new stands will accommodate multipurpose spaces, match night catering facilities, shop, gym, corporate and sponsors facilities, offices and meeting rooms, new media centre, changing rooms to serve the existing Astro pitch, toilets and ancillary spaces.
Subsequent phases of the plan include the creation of a new hub for the club’s growing Academy.
The overall project will require substantial public funding along the way.
The club will be undertaking a major fundraising drive to help raise money for the project.
In the more immediate term, the growing costs of club operations mean that there increases to ticket prices for some Sligo Rovers games next season.
Treasurer David Rowe told sligrovers.com:
‘’Last year’s run in Europe was helpful, but a slight increase in pricing is necessary to remain competitive in the league, have exciting stadium development plans and maintain a healthy Academy and the cost of running eight teams in an ever-growing club is exacting, particularly without UEFA prizemoney in 2023.’’
Rovers have announced that home matches will be divided into two categories next term.
The standard admission price for home games against Shamrock Rovers, Dundalk, Derry City and Bohemians, Category 1 games, will rise from €15 to €20.
Category 2 home games (v Drogheda United, UCD etc.) will remain at €15.
Rowe said: “In reality, the club costs three times as much to run as when we last had an increase in gate admissions prices back in 2005. At that stage the club had finished 7th in the First Division and was strangled by debt. Much has changed since then, with more to come, but our reality is that in order to remain as competitive as possible on the pitch, we must do all we can off it to help maintain the club’s financial stability. This includes increasing attendances, increasing merchandise sales and fundraising, which the supporters are unbelievably supportive with.”
The standard adult season ticket price for the 2023 will be €260 (up from €240 last season).
Fans will again have the option to buy a ‘Gold’ season ticket for €320, which will enable the buyer to secure his/her favourite seat at the Showgrounds for all home league matches.
The full listing of Rovers ticket prices for 2023 can be viewed here.
