Ulster Tee Up Interpro Pre-Season Fixture
Ulster will host provincial rivals Leinster on Friday, August 23 (kick-off 7.30pm) in a pre-season match that will see two new stands at Ravenhill open to spectators for the first time.
The construction of stands at the Aquinas and Memorial Ends marks the completion of the first phase of a £14.7 million redevelopment of Ravenhill, funded by DCAL, and will see the Belfast ground’s capacity increase to 13,500 for the coming year.
The project has also had considerable benefits to the wider community. In the past eight months, four people who had been long-term unemployed have been engaged on the construction.
In addition, 12 apprentices and two student placements have gained valuable work experience by being part of the team building the new Ravenhill.
The new stands offer never-before-imagined views of the pitch and are set to transform the matchday experience of Ulster fans in the stadium.
As part of the redevelopment, a new Ulster Rugby Kukri store has been built in the Memorial End Stand as well as two modern bars.
The stand at the Aquinas End of the ground has been designated the Family Stand and features a new concession shop, as well as the home and away changing rooms for the coming season.
In another positive aspect of the redevelopment, the East Terrace has been completely reconfigured and is now five metres closer to the pitch, meaning supporters at Ravenhill will now be closer to the action than ever before.
Fans with disabilities will also now be able to watch the game from the East Terrace with a new purpose-built platform right on the half-way line. There is also seating and full accessibility for people with disabilities in each of the two new stands.
The building work at Ravenhill will continue over the course of the season with a new grandstand opening for the 2014/15 campaign with a final capacity of just over 18,000.
Ulster lost narrowly to Leinster in the RaboDirect PRO12 final in May and the visit of the league champions to Ravenhill will be the perfect way to warm up for the start of the new season in September.
Tickets go on sale for Ulster v Leinster online via ulsterrugby.com/ticketmaster from 9am on Thursday, July 18.
Tickets will be available at the Ulster Rugby ticket office from 9am on Monday, July 29. Season tickets are valid for the match and are still available to purchase via ulsterrugby.com/ticketmaster.