Can anyone really think of a compelling argument in favour of a neutral venue anyway?
Against: more cost, less crowd.
Christchurch will get excited about these games I reckon. I'm tempted to head down.
Great we've got the finals - but English Park is a small ground and although there will be a lot of interest, how many will fit into the ground even with extra seating - 1200? If it rains few will turn up because there's only 400 covered seats in the stand.
Shame QE II Stadium was destroyed as it would have been played there as most major football events were - but shame on the City Council for scaling down the initial plans for English Park which was to have a much larger stand and more seating. Not a good effort for the premier football ground in the country's second biggest city.
BP I think you are being overly pessimistic given how long it has been since locals have had the chance to see ChCh teams win not one but two national titles. The ground is capable of holding 2500 and that is how many Mainland are expecting, not sure how they are going to cater for them though. I would imagine a temporary uncovered stand at the eastern end for at least 600 similar to Garrick Park for the semi. The embankment will easily take 1000 standing, they'll just have to magic away those bloody trees. Don't think the weather will have much impact tbh, maybe knock 500 off the number at most? So many people I talk to are looking forward to this pretty sure it will be a success.
Regarding Rugby Park as a venue I know it worked well for Rugby League but are there 4 changing sheds there?
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