STADIUM NAME GOES TO VOTERS

30 July 2005

White Rock or not White Rock? That is the question being asked of sports fans following the controversy over the naming of the new stadium at Morfa.

Two weeks ago it was revealed that the newly constructed £27 million home of the Ospreys and Swansea City was to be named The New Stadium Swansea.

Stadium managers insist the bland name was chosen so as not to deter potential sponsors who might be discouraged from backing a stadium with a strong, established name.

But the decision was greeted with disappointment by fans of the two teams, who had hoped it would be named White Rock.

An internet and texting poll organised by the Evening Post shows an overwhelming number of fans are behind the White Rock name.

Out of 148 texts sent in by supporters, 112 are back White Rock.Online, so far there have been 597 votes for White Roc, 23 for the New Stadium and 148 votes for various other names.

The team behind Swans fanzine A Touch Far Vetched has also organised an online poll to determine whether White Rock really is the people's favourite.

The poll will run for one week only to provide a test of how popular the name is - and to determine whether supporters believe it would be a deterrent to potential supports.

John Davies, of internet company Bluesky Media which established the website, said: "The stadium has always been known as White Rock, and while we appreciate the logic of a clean name, we have taken an historical perspective of what the market expects. Creating a strong identity is synonymous with this prestigious new venue and is paramount to its success.

"We welcome the views of the general public as to what The New Stadium Swansea should really be called. And we are pleased to provide the people of Swansea with a way of expressing their views.

"When the poll closes next week, the results will be collected and analysed before being passed onto Stadium management company StadCo.

The poll ends on Thursday and can be accessed by visiting http://www.bluesky-media.net/vote

WE NAME CITY'S MEN OF VISION

29 July 2005

We name city's men of vision

CITY LOAN WILL BE PAID BACK

27 July 2005

Your correspondent J S Moran, of Birchgrove, makes a number of points in regard to the announcement that the council is to extend its loan to The New Stadium Swansea by some £337,000. J S Moran makes out that this amounts to a gift, but lets make it clear - this is a loan which will be paid back to the people of Swansea. J S Moran also attempts to mix up the issue with the cleanliness of the city centre - something which the council is urgently trying to tackle after decades of neglect.

What is more, this loan is essential for the new stadium to get the best launch possible and will ensure that it delivers for Swansea a stadium which will pay back dividends to the people of this city far beyond a mere repayment of a loan.

To penny pinch and deny a relatively modest increase in an existing loan agreement would be ridiculous at this stage in The New Stadium Swansea's birth. I would find it difficult to believe that anyone with a real care about this city and its future would want to see the stadium fail.

However, on checking the electoral register for a J S Moran in Birchgrove, no such name actually exists, so I am left wondering as to the writer's identity and real motivation in trying to cast false doubt on our city's proud new stadium.

Councillor R H KinzettLiberal Democrat (Mayals Ward)Gower RoadSketty

New Stadium opening a wonderful day for Swansea

Swansea Council Press Release - 26 July 2005

Flying start for Swans' new home

BBC Website - 23 July 2005

NOTE THE NAME

23 July 2005

So the people of Swansea have decided that Swansea's new stadium should be called White Rock. In fact, our poll showed they preferred almost anything than the official title, The New Stadium Swansea. The Post believes Swansea Stadium is the best title but note should be taken of the feelings of the people who paid for the new stadium, the city's council taxpayers.

WHITE ROCK STADIUM

23 July 2005

So, what's in a name? Tradition, identity, and pride if Swansea fans are anything to go by. And those are characteristics that are most definitely missing from the one bestowed upon the city's new £27 million sporting arena in Morfa, say the fans.

Just days before its official opening and after months of speculation, the company behind the new home of Swansea City and the Ospreys finally revealed what the stadium is to be called.It may not be inspiring. It may sound bland. But no-one could argue that it isn't accurately descriptive.

The new stadium in Swansea has been named The New Stadium Swansea.Self-explanatory it may be, but popular it is not.

The Evening Post asked the public for their say on the ground's new name, and for suggestions on what it should have been called instead.

The response has been an overwhelming thumbs-down for The New Stadium Swansea.

And, of all the alternatives suggested, there is one which emerged as a clear favourite - White Rock.That name was originally in the frame while the stadium was being cons- tructed, and had popular support.

But Stadco, the stadium's management company, maintains there are important business reasons for naming the 20,000-seat ground The New Stadium Swansea. They still hope to attract a sponsor for the ground and believe that a strong name would be a disincentive for potential investors.

A company spokesman said: "We understand people's concerns but if we give it a more specific title, even a temporary one, it really will be a less attractive proposition for potential sponsors."

But for some, that argument raises questions as to why one hasn't yet been secured.

Nigel Davies, co-editor of Swans fanzine, A Touch Far Vetched, which is keeping its name, said: "We are not surprised by the name but we are very disappointed.

"White Rock is a name that the people liked and connected with.

"Questions have to be asked why a sponsor has not been secured yet.

"It has been a bit of shambles, what with the problems with tickets as well.

"I think a lot of people will just call it White Rock now anyway." His conviction would seem to be supported by Swans website Jack Army, where up to 1,000 people have signed an on-line petition calling for the name White Rock to be given to the stadium.

One fan, Andrew Fraser-Cole, aged 31, from Manselton, said: "It is very disappointing, although I can understand why if they want to attract a sponsor.

"But it's not very exciting is it?"

Other names suggested to the Post by fans include the Tawe Stadium, the Morfa Stadium, and, taking its inspiration from the Swans and the Ospreys, the Aviary Stadium.

Roberto Martinez was leading his team out this afternoon for the very first match at The New Stadium Swansea.

The fans, however, hope he will soon be leading them out in a stadium with a more fitting name.

THE NEW STADIUM SWANSEA

22 July 2005

The £27 million stadium in Morfa has finally been named - it will be known as The New Stadium Swansea. It has taken months to come up with the name announced today just hours before its official opening tomorrow afternoon.

There had been fierce speculation over what it might be called. It had been hoped a sponsor would step in and buy the naming rights in a £250,000 deal. But although talks have been taking place, no agreement has been reached over the showpiece 20,000-seat ground, home to both The Swans and The Ospreys.

The move has been described as disappointing by fans and worrying by opposition councillors.Stadco, the stadium's management company, settled on The New Stadium Swansea, in the belief that a more distinctive name might prove a discouragement to potential sponsors.

Stadco chairman and Swansea councillor Gerald Clement said: "We are committed to finding a major brand to take on the naming rights.

"If we give it a more specific title, even a temporary one, it will be a less attractive proposition for potential sponsors.

"It really is a venue to be proud of as it demonstrates the ambitions and success of both the city of Swansea and the region as a whole."

The Stadco board confirmed that discussions with potential sponsors would continue. Council leader Chris Holley added: "Stadco has already held detailed discussions with a number of leading companies which are interested in the naming rights.

"However, it is vial that any future deal reflects the best interests of the stadium and the people of Swansea".

The first game at The New Stadium Swansea, when Swansea City take on Premiership side Fulham tomorrow, has been eagerly awaited by thousands of fans for more than two years. The new name has received a mixed reaction from both football and rugby supporters, many of whom had supported the initial proposal to name the ground White Rock.

Chairman of Swansea City Supporters' Trust Ron Knuszka said: "I think many thousands of fans will be disappointed with this name.

"It is disappointing because it is a form of identity. Any new stadium needs one that the fans will relate to."

David Phillips of the council's Labour opposition labelled the name as "pathetic."

"It is also worrying,'' he added.

Fan Peter Gibson, of Newton Road in Mumbles, added: " The Swansea Stadium would have been better, even if only as a temporary measure. I can't believe this is the best they can come up with.''

But Jonathan Harvey, Ospreys media manager, said: "I can understand that some people may be disappointed with the name, but it is a commercial world and the stadium has to pay for itself.

"We understand that it is important to be able to offer value to a potential sponsor and that it should not have established itself with a strong name.

"Traditions have to be put to one side if it means helping to create competitive teams".

FANS ASSURED NEW STADIUM TICKETS 'ARE IN THE POST'

21 July 2005

Swans bosses have promised ticketless fans they are pulling out the stops to ensure they get to see the first match at Morfa's new stadium on Saturday. The newly-promoted League One side take on Premiership team Fulham on the weekend in a showcase game to herald the opening of the £27 million ground.

But following yesterday's report that some supporters have been frustrated at problems with the system of ticket allocation, the Evening Post has been inundated with calls from fans who are demanding to know what is going on.

Many of the complaints have centred around the ticket hotline, with fans complaining that they have been unable to get through or are confronted with a repeated recorded message.

But others who have already paid money for the Fulham game say they are growing increasingly anxious because they are yet to receive their promised tickets.

Stadco, the company which has assumed responsibility for ticket allocation, has blamed some of the problems on the unprecedented demand for tickets.According to a spokesman, the ticket office has been selling more than 400 tickets an hour for the Fulham game.

"The unprecedented demand has obviously caused some technical difficulties but these have now been solved and every telephone- ordered ticket for Saturday's match was posted out yesterday at the latest," he said.

"As tickets are nearly sold out, the remaining tickets will only be available to fans who purchase them in person from the ticket office at the stadium."

Meanwhile, fans who have tickets for the match but are still awaiting the arrival of their season ticket can bring the receipt for their season ticket along with their match ticket and entry will be allowed as normal."

The new ground has a capacity of 20,000, but it is reduced to just 12,400 for the first match due to safety regulations.

That has contributed to the huge demand for tickets, with thousands of supporters wanting to be present to witness the beginning of a new era in the club's history.

Swansea City FC director David Morgan wants supporters to help create a perfect atmosphere for the inaugural game, and has promised that the club is doing everything it can to assist fans.

He added today: "We have been assured by Stadco that every single ticket for the match on Saturday was posted out first class by yesterday."

Labour ambivalence undermines the new stadium

Extract from Inside Swansea Council
16 July 2005

Considering that the new stadium is only in place because of the actions of certain Labour councillors it is strangely ironic that now they have lost control of the council, the Labour Party are doing everything they can to undermine the stadium and its future success.

Coors clinches Swansea stadium deal

Jul 15 2005
Western Mail

COORS Brewers has secured the contract to supply drinks to Swansea's new £27m sports stadium over the next five years.

The company, which produces the UK's best-selling beer, Carling, has won pouring rights for the new stadium in an undisclosed deal, which will see Carling become the official beer of Swansea City FC, while regional rugby side the Ospreys has a similar deal with beer brand Worthington's.
Diane Rees, regional director for Coors, said, "Coors is a major player in the international brewers stakes, and the fifth largest brewers in the world.

"Coors through Carling is a major sponsor of the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and through Worthington's is proud to support and sponsor Welsh rugby.

"We look forward enormously to working with the stadium at Morfa, Swansea City FC and the Ospreys over the next five years."

'NO PLACE, NO FUTURE' SAYS LEADER OF SCHEME

15 July 2005

The future of a Duke of Edinburgh scheme in Swansea is under threat because the team responsible for running it has been left homeless. Organisers say they are disappointed because a promise to re-house them at the new stadium in Morfa has come to nothing.

Swansea's Opens Award Centre runs the scheme for young people who attend schools that do not take part in Duke of Edinburgh schemes.

It provides help and equipment to people aged up to 25 who want to take part in the charity's programme of activities and challenges.In recent years the centre has been based at Vetch Field, thanks to the generosity of Swansea City FC, which has provided them with a meeting room and space to store equipment.

But with the closure of the historic ground at the end of last season, the team has been looking for a new base.

And according to unit leader Adrian Crowley, the group believed that they had secured a space at the new stadium in Morfa, thanks to an agreement with former chief executive Tim Howell.

Mr Crowley, who was made an MBE in 1995 for his work with young people, said: "We had a meeting with Mr Howell and he told us he had identified a room at the stadium that we could use.

"But two weeks later he resigned, and when we contacted the stadium mangers again they said that they couldn't do it because it would be very difficult to accommodate such a big group.

"It means we are not able to run as normal at the moment.

"If we can't secure a place, we will have to consider our future".

The centre currently has more than 120 young people on its books taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, and 25 volunteer staff.

They have been provided with a temporary shelter at the TA Centre in Glamorgan Street, but the room is too small to house them all, and cannot be guaranteed for the future due to the TA's own obligations.

So their next meeting will see the Duke of Edinburgh participants in separate venues because they cannot be accommodated in one.A spokesman for stadium managers StadCo apologised that they could not provide space, but promised to help out with future awards ceremonies and in the search for a new venue.

"We recognise the very valuable contribution the Duke of Edinburgh scheme makes to the personal development of young people in our city," said a spokesman.

"Unfortunately, however, we cannot accommodate the group as there are clashes with match days and other events in our conference and hospitality areas.

"Nevertheless, we are keen to host their annual awards and are working closely with the council to help find a suitable alternative venue for them to use."

COUNCIL BACKS £337,000 LOAN FOR NEW STADIUM

15 July 2005

Councillors have agreed to pour more money into Swansea's new stadium - but they insist that council taxpayers will not be out of pocket. An extra £337,000 is being loaned to the Stadium Management Company to help complete work on the showpiece stadium in Morfa which is due to open on July 23.

It comes just four months after members agreed to a deal to provide an extra £2 million towards the total cost of £27 million.

Cabinet members are adamant that the money will be paid back after agreeing to the move yesterday - but they are refusing to say how the money will be underwritten.The decision could now end up on the desk of the district auditor.

Deputy chief executive Bob Carter said today that the cash could come from grants and Assembly funds if the management company defaulted on the loan.

He said: "It is not as straightforward as to say that it will be left to council taxpayers to pick up the bill.

"The council is funded by a number of sources such as through the Assembly.

"At the moment the authority is satisfied the Stadium Management Company is a going concern.

"Its business plan indicates that it is in a position to meet the cost of this loan.

"If the event arises where it has to default, that is an issue which will need to be considered as it arises."

Councillor John Newbury, cabinet member for finance, told council colleagues that the money would help improve the finished product.

He said: "This money is needed so that the company can complete the stadium to a world-class standard.

"What is already obvious is that these facilities will prove to be quite a pull.

"The extra money will come at no cost to us as a council."

But the decision to splash out extra money on the stadium has been condemned by opposition leader David Phillips.

The Labour councillor said his group was considering taking the matter to the district auditor.

He said: "I am seriously concerned about this. There have been insufficient safeguards put in place for the spending of public money.

"If this goes wrong, the only consequence is that the council tax will go up to pay for it."

FINAL PAYMENT

14 July 2005

Swansea taxpayers are being asked to pour another £337,000 of their money into finishing off the city's showpiece stadium at Morfa. It has emerged there isn't quite enough money in the kitty to complete some of the work.

Councillors were this afternoon being asked for the additional cash on top of millions already poured into the scheme

.Councillors insist that the extra money is not a large sum and say it will only be used as a fallback in case of any last-minute hiccups.But agendas for today's meeting say £337,000 is needed to complete the fit out.The stadium itself has cost £27 million. The council agreed a £2 million loan as recently as March to help after costs for the overall scheme including new roads and parking suddenly went up. Now thousands more are being asked for.

The entire bill for the stadium which will be the new home for both the Swans and the Ospreys football and rugby clubs has been paid for by the council. Much of it has come from a deal to develop the Morfa Retail Park alongside it. Coalition spokesman Councillor Rene Kinzett said today that the stadium would soon pay back the money. Sporting and music events are expected to bring millions to the city when the new site opens.Councillor Kinzett said: "It is not a great deal of money but it will give us some breathing space.

"This is just to ensure the stadium gets a cracking start without any last-minute emergencies. It would be a shame for the stadium to have any cutbacks at this crucial stage of development.

"We don't want to penny- pinch as this site is going to pay dividends to the city in years to come."It is a loan and the money will come back to the council as the site is used in years to come."

Members of the Cabinet were set to decide whether to go ahead with the additional loan today.I

n a report to councillors, the authority's chief accountant Roger Pike said: "The increase of £337,000 is required to complete the fit out and to maximise income.

"The business plan provides for the repayment of the additional loan costs."A Swansea Council spokesman added that the money would be repaid.

He said: "The loan is part of the on-going plan to re-fit the stadium and create one of the finest venues of its kind in Europe."It is a loan agreement and, therefore, the council will be repaid by the stadium management company."

The much-admired stadium which opens on July 23 has had a number of problems in recent months.The boss's chair still remains empty since chief executive Tim Howell sensationally quit last month.

His surprise departure left the management team facing unexpected challenges in the run-up to the showpiece opening of the ground.

There has also been concerns raised about parking. A sponsor who wants to pay for its naming rights has also still to be found.

Swans fan Tryst Jones, of Quarr Road in Clydach, said: "I still think it is a brilliant venue. The extra money is needed and I am sure it is not a lot for the council as part of its overall budget."

WHITE ROCK IS ADMIRED

14 July 2005

White Rock is an original name which soccer and rugby fans have given the nod to. White Rock, as a name, appears to be admired by other visitors, internet or otherwise. White Rock would also fit well with a sponsor.

Who really thought Swansea Council would follow something original, that could be formalised very quickly and that already had the full endorsement of supporters.

The name was on the stadium signposts as well.

A Tucker, Oakwood Drive, Gowerton

STADIUM NAME TALKS GO ON

12 July 2005

Talks aimed at securing naming rights for Swansea's new £27 million stadium are continuing. Fans of the Ospreys and Swansea City Football Club have been waiting eagerly to learn what their new home will be called. But management at the £27 million ground are playing their hands close to their chest with just days to go before it opens.

They would not say if they were confident of having a name in place by the time the Swans take the pitch against Fulham in Alan Curtis's testimonial a week on Saturday.

A spokesman would also not be drawn on whether StadCo, the stadium's management company, were happy with the way the saga over naming rights was dragging on.

Fans have been waiting since last year for an answer to the naming question after a decision was taken to drop the working title of White Rock, a popular name still used by many fans.

Instead, signs directing visitors to the 20,000 seater venue simply say "stadium".

Stadium bosses had hoped to announce a deal for the naming rights at the Morfa development by the end of June but nothing has materialised.

A spokesman for StadCo did say the sale of other advertising at the stadium was going well.

He said: "Sales of the pitchside advertising is progressing extremely well, as is the sale of other advertising spots within the venue.

"Specific negotiations are also taking place to provide stand sponsors."

He also confirmed that a deal for the stadium's bars was also due to be agreed this week.

But with the season edging closer the pressure is mounting for the stadium to be given a name.It is one problem facing Ashley Donlan, of stadium VIP ticket managers Bastion, and Steve Evans from the council who are now leading the project after chief executive Tim Howell left the stadium last month, after only six months in post.

The reasons behind his departure have not been disclosed but have surely added to the problems facing the new stadium.

A spokesperson for Stadco said: "We want to ensure we get the right deal and the right company to sponsor the stadium."

STADIUM IS JUST SIMPLY A STADIUM!

11 July 2005

What's in a name? Not a lot, is the answer if you're intending to make your way to the new £27 million Swans and Ospreys stadium at Morfa. For signs have gone up announcing the imminent arrival of Swansea's prestigious new sporting home, bearing the name - Stadium.

Developers of the soccer and rugby stadium put a reported £250,000 price tag on the ground's naming rights earlier this year.

Since then there has been little or no news over what it will be called.

The consortium behind the stadium invited tenders from companies and hoped to have a main sponsor in place by June 30.

Bosses had said there were a number of well-known companies in talks earlier this year.

But the waiting goes on for eager sports fans wanting to know what their knew "spiritual home" will be christened.

Brewer Scottish Courage, the makers of John Smith's bitter, was one of the companies in the running to sponsor the stadium.

But it is not just about a name.

For the deal on naming rights is understood to include a range of different sponsorship opportunities ranging from £5,000 upwards.

The entire package is worth £500,000 a year.

Today StadCo, which is running the stadium, said: "We are negotiating with interested parties at the moment."

The ground at Morfa originally had the working name of White Rock, although that was dropped last year. The stadium will play host to music concerts and other events.

The first football ground in the UK to be named after its sponsor was Scarborough's stadium, named after frozen chip company McCain.

Bolton Wanderers has the Reebok Stadium while conference side York City renamed its ground Kit-Kat in a £100,000 sponsorship deal with the chocolate bar manufacturer.

SEASON TICKETS BLUNDER

7 July 2005

An administrative blunder has caused some Swansea fans to receive the wrong season tickets. The club are asking any supporters who have been issued with the wrong tickets to return them to the ticket office at your convenience at the new stadium at Morfa or when they purchase their Fulham and Blackburn Rovers tickets.

Any plastic card season ticket holders who need their card amending should also return their card in time for a replacement to be sent out prior to the first home league match on August 6.If you are unable to attend the stadium to return your season ticket the club ask you to return it by post.

The club said in a statement: ''It has been brought to our attention that a small number of season ticket holders have received the incorrect season tickets in the post.'

'The season ticket books were printed and despatched by an outside organisation and all concerned apologise for the mistake.'

''Anyone who has received an incorrect book will issued with a replacement as soon as possible.

''The club also now has the facilities to receive payments for tickets by credit cards.

TRAVEL PLANS AIM TO AVOID GRIDLOCK AT NEW STADIUM

7 July 2005

Rugby and football fans bound for Swansea's new showpiece stadium have been pointed in the right direction to give them a smooth passage there. And residents living in its shadow have also been given assurances about the effect of their lives on match days, which kick off next month.

Thousands of new park and ride spaces are being created across the city to ensure supporters arrive at the Morfa venue quickly, easily and safely.

They form part of a travel plan drawn up by the council, the stadium management company, police and bus operator First Cymru.

It was developed after thousands of hours of consultation including visits to St Mary's Stadium in Southampton and the Madjeski Stadium in Reading.

Three large park and ride sites have been set aside at Swansea Vale, County Hall and the Recreation Ground, off Mumbles Road.Buses will run frequently to and from matches - dropping fans off and picking them up directly from the 20,000-seater stadium, which will be home to Swansea City Football Club and the Ospreys rugby team.

First Cymru will be laying on extra buses from the Quadrant bus station and fans will be met by bus at Swansea's main rail station.T

here will also be a regular service for Ospreys supporters from Neath.

Car drivers will be encouraged to share journeys by registering on the regional car-share database swwitch2share.com. Information about car-sharing, public transport and how best to access the venue will all be provided in a plan being given to every season ticket holder.

The stadium can also be reached on route 43 of the national cycle network, with fans able to store their bikes in new racks provided by the developer.

Council cabinet member for culture, recreation and tourism Gerald Clement said: "The plan more than caters for the demands of the stadium, even at full capacity, if fans follow it.

"Residents in the vicinity of the stadium will be protected from disruption on match days by extensive parking restrictions on their streets which will be strictly enforced."

Swansea police inspector Bill John said: "We have conducted a large amount of research and consultation in planning for the operational policing response to the opening of the new stadium, which has involved visits to new stadia at Reading and Southampton.

"We have considered some of the traffic management plans for those football grounds in our planning processes.

"Nevertheless, we do need fans to co-operate with us and use the specified park and ride sites or public transport to get to and from the game.

"This will help us greatly in ensuring that everyone has a safe and enjoyable day out.

"Over the coming months we will also be utilising police helicopters and traffic analysis experts to see if we can improve the system even further."

Justin Davies, managing director of First Cymru, added: "I am delighted that we have been able to be involved in this project for the stadium, a key project for Swansea.

"We know many people will come to Swansea for sporting events at the new stadium, and knowing that you do not have the hassle of trying to find a parking space when you visit the stadium will be a great relief to many.

"First Cymru is committed to providing direct transport links - and where possible we look for integrated solutions. The service we shall operate will enable visitors to travel by train or by bus, or use the bus connections direct from the train station to the stadium.

"We will continue to work closely with Swansea Stadium, the council and the police to ensure that Swansea has a safe, reliable and frequent public transport system."

STADIUM SETS 12,000 LIMIT FOR OPENER

5 July 2005

Tickets for the opening of the new stadium at Morfa go on sale this week. Swansea City's pre-season friendly against Premiership side Fulham on Saturday, July 23, will be the curtain-raiser for the new 20,000 all-seater stadium.

However, the Alan Curtis Testimonial match will only have 12,000 tickets available as the new stadium has to pass football licensing regulations that were put in place following the Taylor report.

Season ticket holders will be given priority with one ticket per season ticket holder.

A capacity for the Blackburn Rovers match the following has yet to be decide, but it is likely that the stadium will once again be run at a reduced capacity.

Tickets for the Fulham game go on sale at 11.30am for season ticket holders in East Stand rows K to Q on Thursday.Season tickets holders in the East Stand rows R to Y will be on sale on Friday, tickets for the East Stand rows A to J and South Stand rows A to J will be available on Saturday.

The ticket office will be closed on Sunday.

On Monday, July 11, fans with season tickets for South Stand R to Y have their chance to buy their tickets, while all West Stand season ticket holders can purchase their tickets on the Tuesday.

All season tickets holders, 12-game voucher holders and Swans Trust members are free to purchase their tickets on the Wednesday and Thursday.

Any remaining will go on general sale at a date to be announced.

Tickets for the game with the gates opening at 12pm, with the opening ceremony starting at 1.15pm, will cost £10 for the South Stand, £12 for the East Stand and £15 for the West Stand - children £5 for all stands.Letters have been sent out to season ticket holders who will be able to buy their tickets on their own allotted day.

They will need to bring either their season ticket receipt or proof of name and address along with them.

Supporters who have written to Swansea City, the Trust, the Ospreys and Stadco regarding disabled parking at the new stadium at Morfa should have received a letter setting out the criteria to secure a permit for either all the football or rugby fixtures.

Season ticket holders will receive priority for a season long pass for one of the designated disabled parking bays. Five spaces will be kept aside for visiting clubs.

There will be an additional drop off/pick up zone available at the stadium for disabled fans who are not driving themselves to matches.Certain guidelines are in place to guarantee that only genuine cases will be considered for a parking permit.

If any supporters have not yet received a letter from Stadco they should write to the stadium immediately so that a letter describing the criteria maybe posted out to them.

WEDDING GOAL FOR STADIUM

1 July 2005

It won't only be the Swans wearing white at the new stadium in Morfa if bosses have their way. Stadium managers want the venue to be made available to brides, and have applied for a licence to allow the ground to be used as wedding venue.

And already they have received a number of inquiries from rugby and football fans about whether they can hire the place to tie the knot.

Sian Morse, marketing adviser to stadium management firm Stadco, said: "The idea to use the stadium as a wedding venue came up a little while ago, and it's been part of our plans for some time. We have submitted an application, but at this stage it is still pending.

"But we hope that it will be granted."We have already had a few inquiries about whether it is available, mainly from Ospreys and Swansea City fans.

"It's not a typical venue, so I suppose that is why it attracts interest.

"If the application is granted, the stadium - which is still to be named - would join a list of other grounds around the UK which allow marriages. And it is expected to prove a real draw among sports fans wanting to prove that it's not just their team that they are passionate about.

For many it will be the only opportunity to use the facilities enjoyed by their sporting heroes.

But the festivities will be limited to the function rooms, and the pitch will remain out of bounds.The hallowed turf will remain sacrosanct in order to protect it from possible damage.

Anyone wishing to raise objections to the proposed licence allowing weddings at the £27 million stadium has until the middle of this month to do so. But the management is not expecting any opposition, and hopes to be able to announce that the venue is available for nuptials later this summer.

A council spokesman said: "A notice has been advertised relating to a marriage license for the new stadium.

"There will now be a statutory period of consultation for anyone to express objections. If no objections are received, the license will be granted."