Blues back to the Arms Park (at least for Friday)

by wales606 Tue Feb 07, 2012 10:31 pm

First topic message reminder :

http://www.cardiffblues.com/news/5711.php

Cardiff Blues can confirm that they will play this Friday's fixture against Connacht at Cardiff Arms Park.
All season tickets holders, premier club members and supporters who have purchased tickets for the match do not need to take any action as their tickets are valid for the game, which will be the first time the Blues have played a competitive match at the ground since moving to the Cardiff City Stadium in 2009.
The Blues have won six out of seven of their last matches at home with their solitary loss a 19-23 defeat to table topping Leinster in the PRO12 on 7 January. They have also already recorded a victory over Connacht this season with a 26-20 win in Galway on 29 October.

Speaking of the announcement to move the match, Cardiff Blues CEO Richard Holland said,

"There are no long term plans in place to move back to the Arms Park permanently, however, we have listened to what our supporters are saying and it should be a great occasion to play this match at the Arms Park.

"Hopefully there will be a good crowd there on Friday night."

"Obviously Cardiff Blues still have a 20 year lease in place at the Cardiff City Stadium and moving the Connacht match to the Arms Park has no impact on this agreement."

"These are difficult economic times and we have to explore ways of creating a sustainable future for the region."

Cardiff Blues Chairman Peter Thomas added,

"I am pleased that the club is exploring all available options to us and playing this match at the Arms Park shows that we are listening to our fanbase."

"The licensing constraint means that 8,000 is the maximum capacity we can have on the night, so I hope we have a large crowd there to enjoy the evening."

WRU Chief Executive Roger Lewis said:

"The WRU applauds and supports this initiative from the Cardiff Blues."

"In these tough times all of their options need to be considered."

"It is a bold move and deserves credit."

(ADDED IN BY ADAM D - TEAM NEWS)

Cardiff Blues have selected their side to face Connacht at Cardiff Arms Park tomorrow night, 7.30pm kick off

Following Wales’s magnificent win over Ireland in Dublin, sealed by Cardiff Blues favourite Leigh Halfpenny, Blues supporters can look forward to another round of matches against Irish opposition when they take on Connacht this Friday.

The match kicks off at 7.30pm and is not televised, so be sure to get your ticket to watch the action.

The Blues have won six out of seven of their last matches in Cardiff with their solitary loss a 19-23 defeat to table topping Leinster in the PRO12 on 7 January. They have also already recorded a victory over Connacht this season with a 26-20 win in Galway on 29 October.

Connacht’s long win drought ended with their impressive victory over Harlequins in the Heineken Cup. However, the Irishmen have not won away from home since the opening weekend of the season in Treviso. Connacht’s only win in their last dozen clashes with the Blues since 2005 was 18-16 at the Galway Sportsground on 18 September 2008.

The Blues complete their Triple Crown of Irish fixtures with a match against Ulster in Cardiff on Friday 19 February followed by a visit to Munster on Friday 24 February.

Speaking ahead of the match Cardiff Blues backs coach, Gareth Baber, said:

“Within the period of time that the players have known about the fixture being played at the Arms Park it’s created a buzz, not only at our training venue, but with the supporters and in the media as well. So hopefully we will have a big crowd to watch the match.”

“We know it’s only for one match but it is nice to be back at a place where the players have had good results in the past and that’s given us a bit more motivation to get the victory this evening.”

Speaking of the opposition Baber added:

“Obviously Eric Elwood has taken over the reigns at Connacht this season and I don’t think there has been a huge change, in so much as they have been a good solid outfit for a number of years.”

“Everyone who has played out in Galway knows how difficult it is to get a victory out there.”

“They recruit well and get a lot of young players in and supplement that with southern hemisphere players.”

“It gives them a good style and probably away from home they could argue that they don’t get the results they deserve.”

Martyn Williams returns to the Blues side for the first time in 5 months having recovered from a broken arm, suffered against Ulster in Septmeber.

Cardiff Blues 15. Ben Blair 14. Richard Mustoe 13.Casey Laulala 12. Gavin Evans 11. Tom James 10. Ceri Sweeney 9. Richie Rees

8. Xavier Rush 7. Martyn Williams 6. Maama Molitika 5. Paul Tito (C) 4. Michael Paterson 3. Sam Hobbs 2. T Rhys Thomas 1. John Yapp

16. Ryan Tyrell 17. Nathan Trevett 18. Ryan Harford 19. Cory Hill 20. Macauley Cook 21. Lewis Jones 22. Gareth Davies 23. Tom Williams

Not available due to injury:
Fau Filise - shoulder
Dafydd Hewitt - hamstring
James Down - ankle
Andries Pretorius - knee
Deiniol Jones - shoulder

by Smirnoffpriest Fri Feb 10, 2012 1:11 am

To be fair Cardiff Dave a fans forum is not the best place for a balanced view - though like Griff it's interesting that no Ponty fans/valleys residents have commented on this.

by Steffan Fri Feb 10, 2012 1:53 am

Bit stupid having a team called CARDIFF Blues playing in a place called PONTYPRIDD really though aint it

Highlights the patheticness of Cardiff Blues clinging on to their precious CARDIFF title

I dont blame any Pontypridd/Valley fans for not turning up as even if they did play a game or two there its all come 8 years too late

Would the Cardiff diehards who wont even go to CCS wanna travel to Pontypridd anyway?

Waste of time as people are intelligent enough to see Cardiff Blues for what they are...a rebranded version of Cardiff RFC

by wales606 Fri Feb 10, 2012 2:19 am

gowales wrote:Interesting... I wonder if they have dropped Henson or if Wales have kept him in the squad. Surely it would be the perfect time to give Henson game time at Flyhalf off the bench and to put more bums on seats.

Apparently he had a bad game last week - but if he has been dropped from the 22 by B&B when are internationals are away...I will not be happy!

Especially since the Blues are apparently going to offer him a 2 year contract.

by wales606 Fri Feb 10, 2012 2:36 am

[Tovey] "First of 4 very decent signings, like you say if he has signed the in's and stayings can't be too shabby as that was the only reason he was holding off.
We could be in for a decent 2012/13, up to 5 league games at CAP and LV at Sardis and a number 10 at last"

by doctornickolas Sat Feb 11, 2012 11:14 pm

So then, did anyone here go?

Looks like they sold all 8,000 available tickets so how was the atmosphere?

by Dai Tryin Sun Feb 12, 2012 12:16 am

I was there, the atmosphere was great despite the sub zero temperatures and the sub standard performance.
Really pleased that the fans turned up and have hopefully given the powers that be some food for thought, which would not have be the case had the gate been poor.
Notably the local food and beverage outlets had a good night with the extra trade and it was great to see the old rugby pubs full to the brim with Blues fans. We've always looked to the Dragons with envy at the atmosphere and sense of community that they have down at Rodney Parade well The Arms Park is a viable equivalent, thankfully this new fella Mr.Holland seems to understand the need of the fans, young and old to have somewhere they can call home. In terms of marketing if you have a world renowned product in the Arms Park then surley thats a huge head start to develop a complete product, obviously changes need to be made on the pitch and development at the ground but the infrastructure is all there and ready to grow.
A quick mention for the announcer who was a bit cheeky with the choice of songs played, made me chuckle into my frozen pint.

by Cari Sun Feb 12, 2012 1:26 am

Despite my Ospreys supporter status I went and thoroughly enjoyed it. Being stood on the terrace in the cold wasn't so bad with the warm company I had in Blues fans. Lots of banter and singing to be heard. Went to the pub afterwards with a couple of lads that I'd got chatting to during HT. The atmosphere around the ground before and after was a cordial one, and I reckon the pubs miss it badly when the Blues are down in CCS. The match was all right - not spectacular although the Connacht no.11 scored (what looked like to me being down the other end) a corker towards the end giving them a LBP. My only complaint was that despite wearing four pairs of socks and very warm comfy shoes, I still couldn't feel my toes until well into the evening being sat in the pub...but it was worth it. I'd go again if they play there Smile

Well done Blues and their fans.

by Shifty Sun Feb 12, 2012 2:37 am

What did you make of the facilities compared to the City stadium?

I'm also curious was the secondary stand open?
When i was there last time the entire stand at the side of the pitch facing Cardiff Castle was cordoned off.

by Cari Sun Feb 12, 2012 2:43 am

I was facing Westgate Street stood on the terrace near the pitch, so I'm not sure which bit you mean. With regards to facilities I can't really comment on them because I didn't use any believe it or not.

by JayMaster3000 Sun Feb 12, 2012 3:01 am

That is great hear to hear!! I hope the Ulster game is moved there!

by Shifty Sun Feb 12, 2012 3:29 am

Cari wrote:I was facing Westgate Street stood on the terrace near the pitch, so I'm not sure which bit you mean. With regards to facilities I can't really comment on them because I didn't use any believe it or not.

Blues back to the Arms Park (at least for Friday) - Page 2 Cardif10

Excuse the crude drawing, but I mean the stand in red. Very Happy

Was this one open?

by SportingNonsense Sun Feb 12, 2012 3:59 am

AlynDavies wrote:
Cari wrote:I was facing Westgate Street stood on the terrace near the pitch, so I'm not sure which bit you mean. With regards to facilities I can't really comment on them because I didn't use any believe it or not.

Excuse the crude drawing, but I mean the stand in red.
Was this one open?

Both of the long ends were open.

I was stood on North Terrace, which was mostly full. The stand running along the back of the Millenium Stadium opposite looked full also. I dont think it was a sellout 8000 as the Blues claim, but it wasnt too far off.

Id post a link to my photos on Flickr where you can get a bit of an idea of crowd level (flickr / sumofmarc), but cant do that for another 7 days, since I only joined here today :p

by Shifty Sun Feb 12, 2012 4:02 am

Thanks, that answers my question, I wondered if that part of the stadium had been condemd!

by Cari Sun Feb 12, 2012 4:03 am

I was on the South Terrace, which seemed full although I couldn't see far back when I turned around, the terrace opposite seemed to have a good crowd on it too, although it wasn't completely full. I assumed that was due to people preferring to stand near the pitchside rather than be seated further back.

by Cari Sun Feb 12, 2012 4:37 am

Alyn - there's some photos here which might be a good indicator of things:
http://www.welshrugbypics.co.uk/events/3185-blues-v-connacht-100212

Apparently they're discussing where they will play the remainder of their home games on Monday. However, they do have a 20 year contract with CCS, so there's a legal issue and they will have to play some games there.

by wales606 Mon Feb 13, 2012 4:42 am

Cari wrote:Alyn - there's some photos here which might be a good indicator of things:
http://www.welshrugbypics.co.uk/events/3185-blues-v-connacht-100212

Apparently they're discussing where they will play the remainder of their home games on Monday. However, they do have a 20 year contract with CCS, so there's a legal issue and they will have to play some games there.

I keep hearing that there is a get out clause in the lease though.

We'll find out on Monday I guess.

by Cardiff Dave Mon Feb 13, 2012 7:50 am

AlynDavies wrote:What did you make of the facilities compared to the City stadium?

I'm also curious was the secondary stand open?
When i was there last time the entire stand at the side of the pitch facing Cardiff Castle was cordoned off.

As far as I could tell, everywhere was open apart from the majority of the hospitality boxes at either end of the ground. Unsurprising since they've been mothballed for nearly 3 years.
The facilities at CAP need upgrading and they need more of them particularly toilets, but this has been the case for a long time. Some refurbishment has been undertaken over the last 10 years say, but not nearly enough. The north stand is the worst as all it has are two toilets and I understand one of those was closed on Friday. I bet the CCS premier members who are used to the luxuries at Leckwith and who were accommodated in the north stand at CAP may have something to say.

by Cardiff Dave Mon Feb 13, 2012 8:03 am

wales606 wrote:
Cari wrote:Alyn - there's some photos here which might be a good indicator of things:
http://www.welshrugbypics.co.uk/events/3185-blues-v-connacht-100212

Apparently they're discussing where they will play the remainder of their home games on Monday. However, they do have a 20 year contract with CCS, so there's a legal issue and they will have to play some games there.

I keep hearing that there is a get out clause in the lease though.

We'll find out on Monday I guess.

Not sure if there is a get out clause.
I've heard there is one and i've also heard there isn't one.
If they can't get out of it we may have the ludicrous situation where Cardiff Blues continue to pay the rent and costs for CCS, but play their home games at CAP since they'll make more money that way.

by tecphobe Mon Feb 13, 2012 8:10 am

i took my 4 year old and he loved it. The facility's are primitive at best, however there was a a pretty good atmosphere.I saw people who i haven't seen in years. It may be an idea if the play the league games at the arms park and Heinken games at the Poopie stadium. If they play ulster at the CAP I will be going if not i wont.

by wales606 Mon Feb 13, 2012 9:22 am

Cardiff Dave wrote:
wales606 wrote:
Cari wrote:Alyn - there's some photos here which might be a good indicator of things:
http://www.welshrugbypics.co.uk/events/3185-blues-v-connacht-100212

Apparently they're discussing where they will play the remainder of their home games on Monday. However, they do have a 20 year contract with CCS, so there's a legal issue and they will have to play some games there.

I keep hearing that there is a get out clause in the lease though.

We'll find out on Monday I guess.

Not sure if there is a get out clause.
I've heard there is one and i've also heard there isn't one.
If they can't get out of it we may have the ludicrous situation where Cardiff Blues continue to pay the rent and costs for CCS, but play their home games at CAP since they'll make more money that way.

Ive heard that CC are willing to let them quit CCS for free (whether that's a get-out-clause or not, I don't know)

Also, apparently the match day costs at CCS have increased significantly (don't know why) and the Blues are due to announce around a £2 Million loss this year furious

by Cardiff Dave Mon Feb 13, 2012 10:22 am

wales606 wrote:

Ive heard that CC are willing to let them quit CCS for free (whether that's a get-out-clause or not, I don't know)

Also, apparently the match day costs at CCS have increased significantly (don't know why) and the Blues are due to announce around a £2 Million loss this year

Yes, i've heard all that too and there's no point CCFC keeping on a tenant who can't pay the rent. It also wouldn't be good publicity for CCFC to hold them to their agreement if it meant the end of Cardiff Blues.
Maintenance costs will increase as a stadium gets older although the recent surge might have something to do with the lights to encourage the grass to grow. Maybe. Don't know to be sure.
It was predicted that Cardiff Blues would register a massive loss in the next set of accounts and £2m plus was mentioned on the week in, week out program I believe. It's what us supporters (not fans) have been arguing about for the last 3 years which is why many refused to attend CCS.
The chairman brought us to CCS and has taken us to the brink. The chairman will be replaced. Long live the new chairman.

by J_D Mon Feb 13, 2012 8:53 pm

Looks like the blues could play their remaining home fixtures at the arms park and a hint of something permanent. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17005974?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

by geoff998rugby Tue Feb 14, 2012 12:11 am

Lets us know re the Ulster match - our supporters would like to go to the right ground. Shocked

Hope its CAP

by HERSH Tue Feb 14, 2012 12:19 am

Bath Rugby take note! furious

Keep Bath at the Rec. Very Happy

by Eclipse Tue Feb 14, 2012 2:39 am

The Ulster game is at CAP and the board are meeting on Friday to discuss the rest of this season and next season. Fingers crossed!

by gowales Tue Feb 14, 2012 2:49 am

I thought they were making a decision today?

by Coleman Tue Feb 14, 2012 2:55 am

They have, we're playing at the CAP.

http://www.cardiffblues.com/news/5720.php

9,000 tickets.

by Jimmy Moz Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:00 am

So in short...the move to CCS was a total failure Yahoo

by Eclipse Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:19 am

I'm not counting my chickens. The decision on the next season plus the remainder of this will be made on Friday. There are obvioulsy a few more issues in the background. I hope this Fridays game will be the start of a permanent move back but I'll wait for the announcement first. The board never cease to surprise me. Who knows, we may end up playing in Wrexham!!

by J_D Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:22 am

by Jimmy Moz Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:23 am

Eclipse wrote:we may end up playing in Wrexham!!

I doubt that will happen. Most of the board are unaware that life exists outside of Cardiff. The Blues will never play a game outside of the city

by J_D Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:26 am

Pay the get out clause to Cardiff city however expensive it is, the blues are going to save money on rent fees and earn more on increased gate receipts, then renovate CAP at a steady rate and everbody lives happily ever after thumbsup

by Jimmy Moz Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:28 am

J_D wrote:Pay the get out clause to Cardiff city however expensive it is, the blues are going to save money on rent fees and earn more on increased gate receipts, then renovate CAP at a steady rate and Cardiff supporters can live happily ever after

I ammended that for you

by Liam Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:28 am

Bit off topic sorry but can someone tell me why the Millenium's stand that backs onto the arms park was never completed?. Was it funding or to do with the Arms Park itself?

by J_D Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:31 am

Jimmy Moz wrote:
J_D wrote:Pay the get out clause to Cardiff city however expensive it is, the blues are going to save money on rent fees and earn more on increased gate receipts, then renovate CAP at a steady rate and Cardiff supporters can live happily ever after

I ammended that for you

That's good enough for me

by Jimmy Moz Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:34 am

J_D wrote:That's good enough for me

Were you dynamicpughthcelt on the old 606 by the way? Just asking becuse he was from Merthyr and supported Cardiff as well

by Liam Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:36 am

Jimmy Moz wrote:
J_D wrote:That's good enough for me

Were you dynamicpughthcelt on the old 606 by the way? Just asking becuse he was from Merthyr and supported Cardiff as well

JD where about's in Merthyr you from?

by J_D Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:38 am

Jimmy Moz wrote:
J_D wrote:That's good enough for me

Were you dynamicpughthcelt on the old 606 by the way? Just asking becuse he was from Merthyr and supported Cardiff as well

How dare you Erm

by J_D Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:39 am

martyr_94 wrote:
Jimmy Moz wrote:
J_D wrote:That's good enough for me

Were you dynamicpughthcelt on the old 606 by the way? Just asking becuse he was from Merthyr and supported Cardiff as well

JD where about's in Merthyr you from?

Aberfan

by Liam Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:41 am

J_D wrote:
martyr_94 wrote:
Jimmy Moz wrote:
J_D wrote:That's good enough for me

Were you dynamicpughthcelt on the old 606 by the way? Just asking becuse he was from Merthyr and supported Cardiff as well

JD where about's in Merthyr you from?

Aberfan

Ahh nice, I'm from around where the Old General Hospital is, Penydarren/Avenue Very Happy

by Jimmy Moz Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:42 am

J_D wrote:
Jimmy Moz wrote:
J_D wrote:That's good enough for me

Were you dynamicpughthcelt on the old 606 by the way? Just asking becuse he was from Merthyr and supported Cardiff as well

How dare you

Sorry I had to ask Laugh

I think Morgannwg is dynamicpughthcelt anyway. The hatred for Ponty and the Valleys gives him away

by Guest Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:45 am

martyr_94 wrote:Bit off topic sorry but can someone tell me why the Millenium's stand that backs onto the arms park was never completed?. Was it funding or to do with the Arms Park itself?

Because the people who own the Arms Park (cardiff Athletics, or something?) didn't want to sell it to the WRU so they had to incorporate it into one of the sides of the MS. Something like that anyways, not 100% (don't have a chance to look now but am sure wikipedia can let you know for sure!)

I went to this match on Friday, and I really enjoyed myself. Great atmosphere. Toilets and things need upgrading andt hey need more food outlets (I had to wait for about 20 mins for some chips!), but I did get chatting to some great fans while waiting, two of which were Ponty fans. They loved that the game was at CAP and said they'd attend more if more games were moved there. So looks liket here are some Ponty fans that want to get behind the Blues! So not all bad on that front either, will be even better if the Blues can then play some games at Sardis Road too.

by J_D Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:46 am

martyr_94 wrote:
Ahh nice, I'm from around where the Old General Hospital is, Penydarren/Avenue

Tidy butt

by J_D Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:46 am

Jimmy Moz wrote:
J_D wrote:
Jimmy Moz wrote:
J_D wrote:That's good enough for me

Were you dynamicpughthcelt on the old 606 by the way? Just asking becuse he was from Merthyr and supported Cardiff as well

How dare you

Sorry I had to ask

I think Morgannwg is dynamicpughthcelt anyway. The hatred for Ponty and the Valleys gives him away

by Jimmy Moz Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:51 am

rugbydreamer wrote:two of which were Ponty fans. They loved that the game was at CAP and said they'd attend more if more games were moved there

They were supporting Connach I hope. Cheering on Cardiff is classed as high treason based on the 'Never be a Blue' law

rugbydreamer wrote:will be even better if the Blues can then play some games at Sardis Road too

That will never ever happen under the current board

by Guest Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:53 am

That's a shame if it never happens Jimmy, these Ponty fans I was talking to really wanted some Blues games played there. They know a lot of Ponty players are coming up through the Blues academy and want more of a chance of supporting them. Blues really need to look at this as a perfect opportunity to finally heal the breach with Ponty now I think. The time is right for it.

by Jimmy Moz Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:57 am

rugbydreamer wrote:That's a shame if it never happens Jimmy, these Ponty fans I was talking to really wanted some Blues games played there. They know a lot of Ponty players are coming up through the Blues academy and want more of a chance of supporting them. Blues really need to look at this as a perfect opportunity to finally heal the breach with Ponty now I think. The time is right for it.

I agree with you. I dont wanna sound like Mr Doom and Gloom but I think even if it by some amaing freak chance it ever did happen its come 8 years too late anyway. It might get some people there but the majority of the Ponty/Valleys faithful already feel like they have been left to rot since the Cardiff "region" incorporated them

by Guest Tue Feb 14, 2012 4:00 am

See thing is, I don't think it would have worked if they'd done it straight away due to all the uproar about the regions in the first place. Looking back, the perfect time would have been about 2-3 seasons ago when there was loads of positivity surrounding the Blues and they were on the up. Instead they went after the big new stadium.

I can see why it was an attractive offer at the time, but in hindsight they should have sorted out the CAP then and looked at promoting themselves more around the region. I really do hope they take this chance now.

by Jimmy Moz Tue Feb 14, 2012 4:10 am

I would go watch them just to cheer on whoever they are playing guinness

by XR Tue Feb 14, 2012 5:21 am

Bitter little ponty boyo Laugh

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