Abandoned 34,500-seater football stadium that had been tipped to host Euro 2028 matches in new boost after £50m funding
AN ABANDONED 34,500-seater football stadium that had been tipped to host Euro 2028 matches has received a new boost after landing £50million in funding.
Belfast's Casement Park was initially selected as a host stadium for the upcoming tournament.
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It saw Northern Ireland join England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland as a host nation.
Plans were afoot to rebuild the ground to a 34,000 capacity in time for the competition.
But Northern Ireland was axed as one of the host nations due to funding issues over Casement Park.
The national team currently plays at Windsor Park, which holds 18,000 fans.
However, Uefa requires all grounds for major tournaments to hold at least 30,000 spectators.
And failure to find the funding for Casement Park ended Northern Ireland's hopes of hosting Euro 2028 games.
But now, the overgrown arena has been given a major boost after receiving £50m towards a £260m rebuild.
That money has come from the government, according to the BBC.
And it has finally been confirmed that the funds will not have to be repaid, with the £50m being provided as an 'equity stake' and not a loan.
Despite the cash boost, the redevelopment of Casement Park is still not fully financed.
Jarlath Burns warns 'time is money' over Casement Park stadium project
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£260m is required for a full rebuild, but the Gaelic Athletic Association can only find £120m on top of the government's £50m – leaving a £90m shortfall in total.
Casement Park used to be a top stadium for hurling and Gaelic football matches.
Tens of thousands of fans used to cram in for matches.
But the venue shut down in 2013 and has since been left abandoned.
Now, the derelict site has received planning permission to be modernised and early demolition work has begun.
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