Challenge Cup Semi's at Millennium Stadium : Tue Mar 10, 2009 1:28 pm  

Don't panic it hasn't been decided by anyone yet.

There is talk of back to back Challenge Cup semi's at the Millennium Stadium on our site.

Wishful thinking from some I know. I think fans would go for it though if it wasn't for the money problem.

Virtually every fan I have spoken to this year have enjoyed themselves and mention the weekends down at Cardiff they enjoyed previously which meant they came back.

It'd be interesting to hear fans views on here about this.

One semi at 2pm and then one starting at say 4pm which would be doable as the two teams starting at the later kick off warm up next door like they did for MM the last two seasons.

What do you lot reckon?

: Tue Mar 10, 2009 1:33 pm  

Would it be considered as a home game for the Crusaders though?

Not a bad idea and one that would, again, increase RL's profile in Wales which seems to one of the RFL's aims. Would need to be marketed properly though.

: Tue Mar 10, 2009 1:34 pm  

Chris28 wrote:

Would it be considered as a home game for the Crusaders though?

Not a bad idea and one that would, again, increase RL's profile in Wales which seems to one of the RFL's aims. Would need to be marketed properly though.

I thought the same. Would it be able to cope with the demand for tickets as well once our Wembley band wagoners jumped on.

I don't think so.

: Tue Mar 10, 2009 1:38 pm  

I am a huge advocat of having the CC semis as a double-header. Not sure about Millennium Stadium, but if they offer us money again (hint hint Welsh Tourist Board! ) I would be strongly for it. Surely a game as big as the semi-finals will bring in a lot of fans if played at somewhere more exciting than bloody Huddersfield! Add that the number of interested locals and could be on.

WTB obviously want the business. I doubt they'll get the same number of fans coming down as MM over the full weekend, but reckon it will be at least as full (if not more full) than either day of MM. I'd not open the top tier, though. Middle and lower tier only. Middle tier reserved, bottom tier unreserved.

If they do it though, announce it now and not after the semi-final draw has been made so neutrals can plan for it!

: Tue Mar 10, 2009 1:40 pm  

I think that would be great but just maybe not in Cardiff, but have a back to back at another stadium.

I just think there are enough long trips for fans to make atm.

: Tue Mar 10, 2009 1:45 pm  

Chris28 wrote:

Would it be considered as a home game for the Crusaders though?

Brewery Field to MS - 22.6 miles
Headingley to Galpharm - 19.2 miles

Wasn't an issue for Leeds in their many CCSF games there (especially against Toulouse which was pretty much a selected home game!). At least if Celtic got there it would be coincidence if they announced the venue now.

Also, the final is in London. Home game for Quins?
The Stoop to Wembley - 10.2 miles.

(I know you were only saying it tongue-in-cheek, but I know that some people will genuinely feel like that is a point!)

Chris28 wrote:

Not a bad idea and one that would, again, increase RL's profile in Wales which seems to one of the RFL's aims. Would need to be marketed properly though.

The best way would be to announce it ASAP so that neutrals can attend. They should really be negotiating with the WTB now about it after losing the Magic Weekend. Instead of renting stadia, they might actually be making money out of it!

: Tue Mar 10, 2009 1:47 pm  

odemwingie wrote:

I think that would be great but just maybe not in Cardiff, but have a back to back at another stadium.

I just think there are enough long trips for fans to make atm.

South Wales already has SL games, so I can see your point. I would like to see the Midlands get a land-mark game at some point. But if someone stumped up the cash for a change (which the WTB have done before) then I won't complain!

: Tue Mar 10, 2009 1:49 pm  

I'd rather have a double header at the city of manchester to be honest. There's enough long haul trips already

: Tue Mar 10, 2009 1:50 pm  

I see your point in that many would like it to remain up North.

Maybe Newcastle would be a hit with the City centre location of the ground.

: Tue Mar 10, 2009 1:55 pm  

Walkers stadium would be a good venue for a double header IMO or perhaps the Ricoh arena in coventry. Both areas like their Rugby and Fc v Quins(Broncos) have played at Welford road before