All eyes on Tallaght Stadium

01/08 2011 17:38

It is almost time for FC Copenhagen’s return leg against Irish side Shamrock Rovers in the UEFA Champions League third round of qualifying. The match on Tuesday night kicks off at 19:45 in Dublin, an hour ahead of Danish time, the general time for Champions league matches to take place.

by Joe Short

On the news front there is not really much to report concerning Shamrock Rovers, as they haven’t played a game since they lost 1-0 to the Lions in PARKEN last week.

The Rovers are currently in a pause from domestic football, since they postponed their match against Bray Wanderers to accommodate the PARKEN match, and don’t have a game to play until 5 August, where they will face arch-rivals Bohemians FC.

Shamrock Rovers are in third place in the Airtricity League of Ireland, two points behind Sligo Rovers and equal with Derry City on 45 points. However, the Hoops do have a game in hand over their title challengers.

Almost new stadium awaiting Tuesday evening

Shamrock Rovers played from 1926 to 1987 at Glenmalure Park, until the stadium was sold to a group of property investors. This meant that over the next few seasons the Rovers played in various stadiums across the city of Dublin.

In the late 1990s, it was agreed that Shamrock Rovers move permanently to the Tallaght Stadium, as soon as it was built. Unfortunately for Shamrock Rovers the building was delayed several times, but in March 2009, the Hoops finally played their first match at the newly built Tallaght Stadium. Rovers had a fine start in their new home; they defeated Sligo Rovers 2-1 in the first game. At that time there was room for 3,000 spectators, which sold out, but the stadium has since been expanded.

The Tallaght Stadium is very modern and today has a total capacity of 6,500 spectators. The South Dublin County Council in fact owns the stadium, but Shamrock Rovers are the primary tenants.

Besides becoming acquainted with a virtually new stadium, FCK fans will have the opportunity to meet HOOPERMAN, a green superhero-like figure and Shamrock Rovers' mascot!