Gibraltar has "unveiled plans" for its new national stadium, which it hopes could open in '16, according to SKY SPORTS. Gibraltar currently plays in the Victoria Stadium -- "which does not meet criteria to host full internationals, although some friendlies can and will be played there." Looking to the future, Gibraltar, which is also aiming for FIFA membership in time to play in the qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup, "are looking to build a venue of just over 8,000 capacity at Europa Point." The Gibraltar FA "hope to get the green light for the project later this year" (SKY SPORTS, 2/27). In Gibraltar, Eyleen Sheil reported an exhibition displaying the plans and renders "will run for a month to give the public time to view the plans and to make any submissions" to the Development and Planning Commission before the project is expected to be heard by the commission on March 18 in Casemates. The site is approximately 23,000 square meters and will boast a 105m x 68m football pitch "which will be placed in a North South direction to avoid the pitch facing into the morning or afternoon sun." The venue "will also have full medical and media facilities and spaces for catering or retail outlets and the GFA offices." The stadium, although built for football, "will also be used for concerts and major events" (GIBRALTAR CHRONICLE, 2/27).
