BRADFORD BULLS chief executive Jason Hirst has defended Bartercard Odsal Stadium, claiming it “isn’t as bad as it’s made out to be” with redevelopment and improvements being planned ahead of the club’s return to Super League.
An iconic venue at the heart of the sport, Odsal has come in for criticism in recent years, not least for its stock-car track around the edge of the pitch.
With a long-term lease, stock-car racing will remain, but stadium upgrades are set to be made, Hirst has revealed.
“I undoubtedly see more improvements and redevelopment taking place at Bartercard Odsal Stadium, both in the short and longer term,” said Hirst.
“As to what those will be, you’ll have to watch this space, as we’ll only make announcements when it’s appropriate to do so.”
Despite acknowledging that work needs to be done, Hirst believes Odsal does not deserve the criticism it gets.
“It isn’t as bad as it’s made out to be by some, who have their own natural bias and in some cases, agenda,” he continued.
“It’s obvious that it’s not an ultra-modern 21st-century stadium, I categorically accept that. With the greatest respect, however, that could also be said about other Super League grounds, but it’s not, or at least not as often.
“The fact is, Bartercard Odsal Stadium comfortably meets RFL minimum requirements. It’s obviously more fashionable or enjoyable for some to criticise our ground, than those ones.
“Personally and I know I’m not alone in saying this, I like and am proud that we play in such an historic and iconic stadium with so much history.
“How many Rugby League grounds, or even football, have hosted a crowd in excess of 100,000? Not very many, I tell you.
“Likewise, how many grounds have hosted 24,000-plus for a Super League match? On a summer’s day – and it is a summer competition – I personally don’t think there’s a better place to watch Rugby League in the UK than Bartercard Odsal Stadium, where you can still freely change your vantage point throughout the match.
“Others have different opinions and I truly understand and respect that, as I also understand that it’s not the best stadium in winter, although we do have several thousand seats undercover.
“The stadium will always be a topic for debate, I get that, as do many others. It’s definitely a talking point and the more people that talk about our great sport, the better for me.”