RUFC - A few facts about the new stadium

Rotherham United unveiled pictures of their new stadium for the first time yesterday and, I think we all agree, it looks magnificent.

It`s going to be bowl shaped, or, as Chairman, Tony Stewart tells us, 'iconic` and will seat twelve thousand spectators whose sightlines of the pitch will be well above average.

There is also room for one hundred and twenty disabled.

The dominance of the stadium will be with the West Stand which is 21m high going down in 1.5m sections to the North and South stands to the East stand which, at it`s lowest point is 10.5m high.

The East stand has a flat roof, which projects out onto the riverside, above the concessions and kiosks below. In the future, the flat roof, could be used as a terrace.

There has been thinking for the future in the design and a further 3, 844 seats, including one hundred disabled, could be added to both the North and South stands.

Floodlighting is alongside the face of the West stand and on columns on each corner of the East stand.

There is to be space for four hundred cars, ten coaches plus cycle parking.

On the first and second floors of the West stand will be corporate and exhibition spaces and this space can be used for a variety of events, exhibitions and banqueting. Also on the second floor there will be eight offices/VIP rooms.

The North, East and West stands will accommodate the planned commercial and community space.

The design of the stadium will put spectators as close to the action as possible with the dome design aiming to maximise comfort as well as boosting the noise levels - all of which we have sadly lacked at Don Valley.

So, now we`ve seen the plans, drooled over the pictures when does it all start?

Speaking to David Beddows of The Advertiser, Mr Stewart said, 'Subject to full planning consent we are hoping to start the flood alleviation work in May and in June the major construction of the stadium itself.

'The build time is twelve months, factoring in a bit of time for a bad winter and we`re aiming to be open and ready for August 2012.`





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