Plans to increase Páirc Uí Caoimh capacity to 60,000

October 17th, 2007

Read in the Examiner today that the GAA are trying to get planning to increase the capacity of Páirc Uí Caoimh to 60,000. That is badly needed in Cork becuase the nearest place for good size concerts would be Millstreet. I am not sure how many games they could hope to play there though. I don’t think anyone wants the Munster Finals to leave Thurles. Just becuase you have a shiny new stadium doesn’t means games are going to be moved there (look at limerick). But from an infrastructure point of view (Concerts, events etc.) I think it is great! And any money made can go to the local GAA community. Result!A few quotes from the article.

“The extra seating will put the venue on a par with Glasgow Celtic FC’s Parkhead ground, Liverpool FC’s proposed new stadium and Arsenal’s Emirates base in London.”

“Outside Ireland, only grounds such as Manchester United’s Old Trafford (76,212 seats), London’s Wembley (90,000) and Paris’s Stade de France (80,000) have a higher capacity in Europe. “

“If approved by the city council’s planners and leaders, Páirc Uí Chaoimh will also get an ancillary all-weather pitch as well as a 400-space car park and a dining facility. “

“Cork is one of the most progressive counties within the association while the standard of hurling and football is something that can only be admired at a distance by most counties. “

“Cork set a template for others to follow so it’s no surprise that these plans are so ambitious: the city is the second largest in the southern part of Ireland, so it’s important the GAA has an impressive presence in Cork”

It is not yet known if the stadium will be demolished and rebuilt over a larger area, or whether the venue will be replaced stand by stand.

Full story here.

Entry Filed under: Cork, Sport