Eagles set to play home games at Wakefield
THE Sheffield Eagles are set to play their ‘home’ games at Wakefield Trinity’s Belle Vue stadium in 2017 after “all avenues were explored” in the search for a new venue, to no avail.
The rugby league club is being forced to move 30 miles away city after its former home, the Don Valley Stadium was demolished in 2013, forcing them to play elsewhere.
The Eagles will play matches on Sunday afternoons at Belle Vue with a 3.00pm kick off, subject to RFL approval. Season ticket prices will be reduced due to the move, and subsidised travel is being discussed.
Four of the Eagles home fixtures currently clash with Wakefield fixtures but the Eagles said they were working with Wakefield and the opposition to determine alternative dates.
Eagles general manager Liam Claffey said, “We’d like to thank everyone at Wakefield Trinity, and especially chairman Michael Carter for supporting us and making this move a reality.
“Wakefield have been fantastic from the outset and very helpful and accommodating during what has been a very difficult time for the club.
“We explored all options in Sheffield and further afield in the South Yorkshire region and there was sadly nothing available to us.
“It’s disappointing that with the stadiums and facilities we have on offer in Sheffield no one could support the club during what has been and remains a very difficult period, to ensure we remain in the city.
“We are sure our supporters will appreciate our predicament and support the temporary move before we finally get a permanent home in the city.”
Wakefield chairman Michael Carter said, “Wakefield Trinity are delighted to assist the Eagles on this matter. Having struggled with numerous ground issues ourselves, we know how difficult running a rugby league can be, and we will do all we can, to make Belle Vue a home for the Eagles in this coming season.
“I look forward to watching the Eagles play at Belle Vue this coming year when time permits, and can only thank all the Officers at the Eagles for making this an easy process.”
