Cardiff will play host to both of ERC’s 2011 finals with the 15th Amlin Challenge Cup showpiece match being staged at Cardiff City Stadium on Friday, 20 May (kick-off 7.45pm).
The Heineken Cup final is scheduled for the following day at the Millennium Stadium, the sixth time the tournament decider has been played in the Welsh capital, giving fans the opportunity to experience two high-profile European club finals in the one city in the space of 24 hours.
ERC, the tournament organisers, today (Monday, 6 December) broke new ground by naming the venue for the Amlin Challenge Cup final well in advance of the event.
“Traditionally, we have waited until much closer to the date before selecting the stadium for the Amlin Challenge Cup final,” said ERC Chief Executive Derek McGrath.
“However, the tournament has grown in stature to the extent that we are delighted to announce the final venue almost six months in advance of the match itself.
“Last season’s innovative decision to include three Heineken Cup clubs in the Amlin Challenge Cup knock-out stages provided a major boost to the competition, and by announcing the venue for the 2011 final at this time, participating teams as well as fans of European club rugby now know that all roads lead to Cardiff for the weekend of 20 and 21 May.”
The 2011 match will be the first Amlin Challenge Cup final staged in Wales and with capacities of 74,500 and 26,828 respectively, the Millennium Stadium and Cardiff City Stadium could accommodate more than 100,000 fans at both games.
Cardiff Blues became the first Welsh team to win a European title last season when they beat Toulon in the Amlin Challenge Cup final in front of a record crowd of nearly 50,000 in Marseille. The Blues were one of three Heineken Cup teams to qualify for the Amlin Challenge Cup and they defeated Newcastle Falcons, London Wasps and Toulon on the way to a landmark triumph for Welsh rugby.
“The Heineken Cup final has become an important date in the sporting calendar and we believe there is an opportunity to offer fans a tremendous culmination to the European season with a celebration of the best teams in the two ERC tournaments,” added McGrath.
“Ultimately, those four teams will compete for two European trophies in one city. May 20 and 21 promises to be a memorable weekend of sporting action.”
Welsh Assembly Member and Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones, said: “With the Millennium Stadium already confirmed as the host venue for the 2011 Heineken Cup final, we are delighted that ERC has decided that Wales will showcase not just one, but two, European finals over two days next May, providing a weekend feast of top class rugby at two of Wales finest stadia.
“Following hot on the heels of a spectacularly successful Ryder Cup, today’s announcement is another important milestone towards Wales’ ambition to stand out amongst the global crowd as a world class major events destination.”
Meanwhile, fans who have already purchased tickets for the Heineken Cup final will have the opportunity to buy Amlin Challenge Cup final tickets at a discount, and that discount will also be available to fans wishing to buy Heineken Cup final tickets. Detailed ticket information for both finals can be found at ercrugby.com
