Edinburgh Rugby have completed the development of their new ‘mini Murrayfield’ stadium.
The £5.7million project, built in conjunction with Scottish Rugby, was unveiled today and features covered stands on all four sides with a capacity of 7,800.
That includes 5,800 seats and space for around 2000 safe standing punters.
With a 3G playing surface in place, Edinburgh can now begin training at the new venue with plans for an official opening event on hold until Covid restrictions allow for the return of supporters.
Head coach Richard Cockerill said: “As a club, as players, staff and fans we now have a home that, together, we can really build something special around. All of us are now in the privileged position to establish what this ground is going to mean to us and the outside world.
“One of the many things Coronavirus has underscored to us all in sport is the hugely important role fans play in the home team’s performance.
“This was always a widely held view but now the difference is statistically proven by the change in away results in the absence of crowds in a number of sports. Having capacity crowds so close to the pitch and players will allow our supporters to play an even greater part in giving us that all important home advantage.
“We’ve done well to retain some of our best players and managed to bring in some quality too, so there should be lots to shout about from the stands when it’s safe again to do so.
“Getting back into the stadium together will be big, uniting moment for everyone, for a lot of reasons, and will hopefully help us continue us improve as a club, on and off the pitch.”
Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director, Douglas Struth, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to reach the point of project completion and are delighted with the finished product. The stadium looks and feels fantastic.”
