MEDIA RELEASE
31 May 2019

For the first time since the grandstands at Yarrow Stadium were closed due to earthquake concerns, Yarrows Taranaki Bulls’ fans will have a chance to sit where they belong – along the sideline. 

Supporters were forced to watch the Bulls from the northern and southern ends of Yarrow Stadium last season, when both grandstands were closed in November 2017 and June 2018, reducing capacity at the venue.

However, for the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup season, a temporary grandstand, to seat 1,684 members and fans, will be erected in front of the East Stand, in the hope to win back supporters.

Taranaki Rugby Commercial Manager, Kris Robinson, said people voted with their feet last year which resulted in poor crowd numbers to matches in New Plymouth.

However, this season he hopes people, that didn’t attend matches last year, will come back and support the improved offering.

“We have had more time to think about how we can best attract fans again. This year we will have the opportunity for them to sit along the sideline, which is where they want to be”, he said.

“We have been working closely with stadium operator, NPDC and we are pleased with what we have in place for the season”.

The stand, built by Auckland-based company Acrow, will run roughly between both try lines. It will be uncovered but provides the best viewing point at the venue.

“Nowhere else in New Zealand can you watch Mitre 10 Cup action six meters away from the sideline”, Robinson said.

He said the corporate suites in the West Stand and make-shift hospitality facilities in the Star Gym and Spotswood United Rugby Football Club will be utilised again this season. 

Corporate marques, which were set up along the eastern side for four matches last year, will be placed along the northern end, elevated off the ground.

“We have the best surrounds at Yarrow Stadium to continue to offer hospitality options for our fans. While it’s not as big as what we had in the Legends Lounge, it still provides the best possible options for our supporters and partners”, he said.

Robinson thanked Spotswood United for their support.

Minor hospitality options, including a family zone to seat 264 fans will also be in place at the southern end.

The Taranaki Regional Council, through the Taranaki Stadium Trust, are owners of Yarrow Stadium.

-ENDS-

Article added: Friday 31 May 2019