Hull KR invest in new stand to reward "loyal" fans after Covid

Hired in for two months, the additional capacity will help raise the total at Hull College Craven Park from 12,225 to more than 13,500.

Under the Government’s current roadmap, they hope to have fans - initially up to 10,000 people or 25 per cent of total seated capacity, whichever is lower - back in stadiums from May 17.

With no crowds in rugby league grounds since March last year, clubs are desperate to see that happen - and Rovers are going a little further to make sure as many fans as possible benefit.

Their first home game is scheduled to be against Leigh Centurions around May 27 but the new stand will also be in place for home games against Salford Red Devils, champions St Helens and, crucially, the derby with Hull FC, by which point all restrictions could be lifted.

Rovers chief executive Paul Lakin said: “Our 2021 membership strap line has been Onwards. Together. Forever. so it’s important to us that we return to live games as one, and accommodate as many of our loyal members as possible when fans return.

“So many supporters have made so many sacrifices to keep their memberships running during difficult times, so we are keen to make the investment into the temporary area to get as many of them back into games as soon as possible.

“Without the stand, our capacity would be sub 3,000, and we would have the impossible task of trying to find a fair way of picking who can attend.

“Hull KR is built on being one big inclusive family, so we don’t want to leave anyone out.

“Financially this is a big commitment for us, but our thinking has always been with supporters at the forefront of our mind, particularly our loyal members.

“We are determined to grow this great club but our concentration in the last year has been initially survival, and now we are focussing on stability.

“By investing in the stand, we can enjoy the club together as one from as early as possible.

“However, to do so we will not also be able to offer refunds for games missed when the season first kicks off; quite simply we can’t afford to do both.

“As each day passes, we get one day closer to welcoming you home, and we simply cannot wait to share the sport we all love with you again!”

The temporary stand will also remain in place for our home games against St Helens and Hull FC in July.

Supporters are reminded that all 2020 members who renewed by December 31st are automatically in priority group 1 and will be given the first chance to attend games. Members will need to provide supporter ‘bubble’ details with further information on that coming soon.

The stand is subject to a successful planning application and Safety Advisory Group approval.