Cardiff Blues is delighted to announce today that their matches for the 2012/13 season and beyond will once again be played at Cardiff Arms Park.
The Blues moved from the Arms Park to the newly built Cardiff City Stadium in the summer of 2009. In February 2012 the Blues played two games, Ulster and Connacht, at the Arms Park, which proved popular with supporters.
Following these games, and subsequent consultations with supporters and sponsors, Cardiff Blues CEO, Richard Holland, has negotiated a release from the Cardiff City stadium lease.
Speaking of the move, Richard Holland said:
“We are putting regional rugby back in the heart of Cardiff.”
“The move to the Cardiff City stadium was done for all the right reasons. But having listened to supporters, sponsors and reviewed the financial position of the business, the board and I believe the Cardiff Blues should be playing back at the Arms Park."
“This move is important for our future sustainability, important to our supporters, and good for Cardiff Blues.”
“I would like to thank the board of Cardiff City Football Club for their friendliness and openness during our negotiation over the release from the Cardiff City lease. We will still have the option of playing games at the Cardiff City stadium when demand for tickets dictates. So we look forward to seeing them again in the future and wish them the best of luck for the coming football season.”
“We will be investing in improved facilities at the Arms Park over the summer, and Phil Davies our new Director of Rugby has already taken the reins of the rugby department. These are exciting times for Cardiff Blues. Our current season ticket holders will have first choice on season tickets for the forthcoming season which have been priced very competitively.”
“They will receive direct communication during the next two weeks with season tickets going on sale to current season ticket holders on Monday 21 May and on general sale on Monday 28 May. Further details of corporate packages will be communicated directly to sponsors and partners.”
Of the agreement, Cardiff City Chief Executive Alan Whiteley said, “This is a decision that will allow Cardiff City Football Club to take positive steps forward in terms of celebrating the stadium as the sole home of the football club, while also assisting Cardiff Blues to maintain their future stability.”
“It’s with the full support of our Malaysian investors that this agreement could be reached and facilitated. Satisfactory financial terms have been reached with the Cardiff Blues to allow their exit, which coupled with the Premier League aspirations of this football club and a need therefore to be in sole control of our stadium, makes this a good solution for both sides. It also provides the ability and impetus for us to fully brand Cardiff City Stadium, celebrating our history and heritage across concourses and other supporter areas, which I am sure all our fans will welcome and embrace.
“We wish Cardiff Blues every success back at the Arms Park and thank them for their openness during negotiations. The agreement will still provide the Blues, in consultation with Cardiff City Football Club, the opportunity to play occasional higher profile games at the Cardiff City Stadium. We now turn our focus to a comprehensive review of all football club operations, as is the case every close season, from which we can look forward to the new season with renewed confidence.”
Cardiff Blues 2012/13 Season Ticket Prices
Season Tickets 2012/2013
Price
Central Seats Adults £ 245
Seniors £ 200
Junior £ 60
Price
Reserved Seats Adults £ 215
Seniors £ 165
Juniors £ 60
Price
Terrace Adults £ 180
Seniors £ 140
Juniors £ 40
Students £ 80
Price
Family Ticket Family Stand (A) £ 295
Winged (B) £365
The Blues will hold number of open evenings at the Arms Park over the summer months giving current season ticket holders, sponsors and official partners the chance to talk about the plans for the ground as well as giving the Blues the chance promote the packages that will be available.