Ravenhill Stadium gets ready for new Ulster rugby season
- Published
Funding for the new development at Ravenhill Stadium was secured in November 2012 with construction work starting almost immediately.
Two of the three new stands are almost complete, seeing the ground's capacity rise from 11,400 to 18,000.
The second phase of construction will see another grandstand being constructed to accommodate 3,450 spectators along with a bar and restaurant. This is due to be completed in August 2014.
Organisers had sought to hold the opening ceremony of the World Police and Fire Games at the stadium, however it would have clashed with the stadium's development plans
The new 'Aquinas' stand will feature the new family area, providing a range of facilities including changing facilities, a treatment room and an indoor training surface.
An education and heritage centre in one of the new stands has been named 'The Nevin Spence Centre', in memory of the Ulster player who died in a farming accident in September 2012.
The first match in the redeveloped venue is this Friday, when Ulster take on Leinster in a pre-season match.