Pro14 side Connacht Rugby "announced redevelopment plans" for the Sportsground in Galway city, its home since '27, according to the IRISH TIMES. The project will deliver what the club describes as "a modern, fit for purpose rugby stadium in addition to a new high-performance training centre for Connacht rugby while also retaining existing greyhound racing facilities." The development will cost "in the region" of €30M ($34.5M) and will have a capacity of 12,000 spectators. It is "intended that the development will be funded through a combination of public funds, most notably through the large-scale sports infrastructure fund," and private funding. The path for the redevelopment plan was cleared by an arrangement reached between the Irish Greyhound Board and the "freehold owners of the Sportsground, the Galway Agricultural and Sports Society." The arrangement will ensure that rugby fixtures and greyhound racing events "will continue to be staged at the venue." The multi-use facility will also be made available to host other sporting fixtures and "events where such demand arises" (IRISH TIMES, 10/8). RTÉ reported the Sportsground first opened in '26, "but despite modifications in recent years, the province has outgrown the venue." Three potential locations were considered, but redeveloping the College Road stadium in Galway city "was always the preferred option." Talks to redevelop the site began almost three years ago. The new pitch will be an all-weather surface. The high-performance rugby center will include an indoor training pitch, along with treatment rooms, a strength and conditioning facility and administration and office space (RTÉ, 10/8).
