Leeds Rhinos have revealed that next week’s home game against Leigh will NOT be the final opportunity for fans to congregate in their famous South Stand before demolition.
It had initially been hoped that, as part of the redevelopment of Headingley Stadium, the game against Leigh – which now takes place next Thursday – would be the final game before the stand was demolished to make way for a brand new part of the stadium.
Leeds had initially wanted demolition to take place at the end of September, but it will now not take place until after the Boxing Day pre-season friendly.
The capacity of Headingley will be dramatically reduced throughout the process, and Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington admits patience is now the key.
“The result of the planning process for the redevelopment of the stadium is drawing closer and the home games against Leigh Centurions on September 22 and the traditional Boxing Day fixture are to be the last games in the South Stand as we know it,” he said.
“The process is taking longer than anticipated. We had hoped to start the demolition at the end of this month, but that’s out of the question.
“We have to be patient and the end result will hopefully deliver something very special for the stadium and the city.”