Carnegie Stand nears completion

The Leeds Rhinos are anticipating a sellout for the official opening of the new Carnegie Stand at the Headingley Carnegie stadium on 1 September.

The club has already sold out all seats in the stand for the Super League meeting with Warrington Wolves and hopes that the terraces will be packed too. The evening will feature an official opening of the facility by sports minister Richard Caborn.

The £7m stand has a capacity of 4,550 with more than 1,800 seats and has been developed in partnership with the Leeds Tykes – the rugby union side also based at the stadium – and the Leeds Metropolitan University.

The investment in the ground is part of a substantial programme for the entire complex which encompasses the neighbouring cricket ground.

Yorkshire County Cricket Club purchased the freehold for the cricket ground at the beginning of the year and the partnership plans to build a new stand, pavilion and media centre.

The university will have access to new facilities within the Carnegie Stand, including seminar and teaching rooms which will be used by students studying sports courses.

Commercial director of Leeds Rhinos, Rob Oates, said, “You can only ever have one first night and there is a genuine excitement from people who want to be here for our big occasion. We are delighted with the response we have received from supporters and sponsors."