Sheffield hit by stadium delay – first opponents changed
Sheffield must wait until May for their first game at the new Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park Community Stadium following a further delay.
It means Widnes will now be the first visitors to the new ground on Monday May 23, live on Premier Sports.
The Eagles had previously hoped to return home for the Championship game against London Broncos on Friday April 15.
Their league schedule has them away from home until that date.
Stadium owners Scarborough Group International said in a statement: “Due to circumstances beyond our control we regretfully confirm that there has been an additional minor delay to the construction of the Community Stadium at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, with the target completion date now scheduled for 15th April.
“Our construction team has made a significant amount of progress on site, having overcome the challenges associated with Brexit and the pandemic.
“However, recent adverse weather conditions, including high winds and freezing temperatures, has impacted the progression of certain elements.
“We understand the disappointment and frustration this delay is likely to cause and continue to work closely with our principal contractor, GMI Construction Group PLC to ensure the Community Stadium is completed as soon as possible.”
Sheffield also had a home game with Newcastle scheduled between the two dates, and the club say they will provide an update on that and the London game shortly.
Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park Stadium
The Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park Stadium sits on the site of the former Don Valley Stadium.
It will have a capacity of 3,900 and an artificial pitch.
Since the closure of Don Valley in 2013, the Eagles have had to play away at Doncaster, Rotherham and Wakefield.
They did return to play on the site back in 2018 prior to the stadium development.
Sheffield’s first seven Championship matches of 2022 are scheduled to be away from home.
They beat Bradford at Odsal in round two, but have lost to Barrow and Dewsbury.
At the weekend, they progressed in the Challenge Cup with a 40-20 win away at Hunslet Club Parkside and will face North Wales Crusaders in the next round.