DECLINING attendance figures for Champions Cup fixtures during the festive period at Thomond Park have been cited as a reason for such a tie being staged in Cork next December.
It will be the first Cup fixture on Leeside in over 20 years.
“Unfortunately, the December Champions Cup pool fixtures in Thomond Park have experienced falling attendances over the last two seasons and the staging of this game in Páirc Uí Chaoimh offers us the opportunity to accommodate more supporters at that match and improve our financial stability which in the current climate is imperative,” Munster CEO Ian Flanagan stated.
Chief Operating Officer Philip Quinn added: “As we have seen in recent years, costs related to the running of the professional game, and indeed at all levels across the province, have increased for multiple reasons. Those costs will continue to rise rather than fall. In order to improve our financial stability and ensure we remain adequately funded, viable and competitive, we need to weigh up all opportunities which can result in increases in revenue.”
“Based on our forecasts, we believe we will achieve a significant financial uplift from hosting this December pool fixture in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh compared to Thomond Park.”
He continued: “In addition to this, the larger capacity of Páirc Uí Chaoimh will allow even more people to experience a competitive Munster Rugby European matchday which provides a fantastic opportunity to grow our support base, not just in Cork but right across the southern part of the province.”
“We have listened to plenty of supporter feedback from our games against South Africa XV and the Crusaders and we will work tirelessly to ensure the matchday experience is of the highest quality.”
