Connacht Rugby has celebrated the official opening of the newly revamped Dexcom Stadium, formerly known as The Sportsground, this weekend.
The project included the construction of a new all-weather playing surface, a new LED floodlighting system, construction of a new High-Performance Centre and the new Clan Stand.
This high-quality facility will support elite rugby, enhance the matchday experience for supporters and provide lasting benefits to the local community.
The redeveloped stadium, which includes the new Clan Stand, has a capacity of 12,000 people.
President Catherine Connolly said that the rugby club plays an important role in the Galway community, and hopes that fans will create many good memories in the stadium.
“Sport lies in the heart of our communities, inspiring players, coaches and fans and providing collective moments of joy and excitement. Connacht Rugby plays an important part in the life of Galway city, the county, and indeed the whole province.”
“With the new Clan Stand, Connacht will be able to welcome more fans to every home game, growing their support and building for the future.”
“May I wish them many joyous days and nights in this newly redeveloped stadium, where I hope that the growing Connacht fanbase can experience many more moments like their Pro 12 League Championship ten years ago this year in 2016.”
The stadium development received an allocation of €20 million in Government funding through the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
Speaking at the opening, Minister for Sport Patrick O’Donovan said, “The opening of Dexcom Stadium represents a significant milestone for Connacht Rugby and for sport in the West of Ireland.”
“This project demonstrated the Government’s commitment to investing in high-quality sporting infrastructure that delivers lasting benefits to the community. I am delighted that my Department was in a position to provide funding for this outstanding project.”
“This large-scale investment highlights my Department’s and Government’s commitment to investing in sport as we are fully aware of the benefits that can be realised when we invest in our people. This facility serves the entire Connacht community as much as it supports the players.”
Minister of State Charlie McConalogue added, “The redevelopment shows the positive impact of targeted investment in sports infrastructure, strengthening participation and supporting balanced regional development.”
“This is our largest capital investment to date in LSSIF and the Department is proud to have supported this transformative project.”
“I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Connacht Rugby and the IRFU in delivering a facility that will benefit players, coaches and communities for years to come.”
