Bowl hosts opening game of Eircom League
UCD host Derry City in the opening game of the Eircom League Friday 7th March. In a unique sporting venture, UCD Soccer Club join their rugby counterparts in a ground sharing arrangement, having departed their home ground in Belfield Park at the end of last season after 29 years. The Bowl has been home for the UCD Rugby Club for many years and is the venue for the AIB League Games.
Phase One of the development, completed in September 2007, was brought to fruition by a €1.25 million grant allocation from DAST Annual Sports Capital Grant Scheme. The balance of the funding was met by UCD, bringing total spend on the facility to €1.6million. The facilities have been radically upgraded with seating increased by 840 to 1500, with further standing accommodation for 1500. The development also included the provision of additional turnstiles, spectator accommodation, press facilities, floodlights and dressing rooms, making the ground fully compliant with UEFA licensing requirements.
In developing the facility, UCD endeavours to deliver a high quality outdoor sports venue, complying with UEFA licensing and IRB standards in relation to the quality of the playing surface, while also meeting spectator expectations in terms of comfort and safety. The installation of sports lighting structures enables events to be held in the evening. The investment at the UCD Bowl complements the recent development of the Sports Pavilion, which provides state-of-the art dressing rooms strategically located to serve the changing/recovery needs of athletes performing at the UCD Bowl.
With a 7.45pm kick off, tickets for the game can be purchased at the turnstiles on the night. It is envisaged tickets for future games will be available online from April. Centrally located on the UCD campus adjacent to the student and sports centers - students, staff, graduates and sporting enthusiasts alike are encouraged to visit the venue and support the fixtures, rugby and soccer alike.
Filed by UCD Sport