Keepmoat Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Doncaster, England. It cost approximately £32m to construct and is used by Doncaster Rovers F.C., Doncaster R.L.F.C. and Doncaster Belles L.F.C.. [1] It held its first sporting fixture on 27 December 2006, Doncaster R.L.F.C. v Sheffield Eagles R.L.F.C. The official opening of the Keepmoat Stadium was on 3 August 2007, with Doncaster Rovers playing a Manchester United XI in front of a crowd of 13,080. United won the game 2-0. [2]

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Facilities

The stadium itself is sponsored under a long-term contract by Keepmoat, a company specialising in social housing. They have the rights to the naming of the stadium. ^[3]

A mini-stadium is situated beside the main stadium, featuring a six-lane running track and a 500 seat stand. The mini stadium is used by Doncaster Rovers Belles, Doncaster Rovers reserves, Doncaster RLFC's academy team, and the South Yorkshire Mustangs American football team.

With these facilites in place, the Keepmoat has been picked as a potential training venue for athletes training in Athletics for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. ^[4]

The all-seater stadium holds 15,231 spectators, ^[5] 5,000 more than Belle Vue(although this is small by championship standards) , with improved legroom and disabled access. ^[6] Amongst the facilities in the new stadium is a new fans' bar, created to ensure fans have a place where they can enjoy pre-match drinks.

The pitch itself incorporates a system of synthetic fibres interwoven with natural grass. ^[7] This helps to maintain the pitch's integrity and prevents the playing surface from deteriorating throughout the course of the season. The pitch however does not have an under-soil heating system in-place despite being a modern construction. ^[8] This has resulted in the postponment of a match within the first year of full operation.

Football

The first game played by Doncaster Rovers in the new stadium was on 1 January, 2007 against Huddersfield Town, whom they beat 3-0. ^[9] The game also saw the first three red cards in the new stadium. ^[10] Doncaster Rovers' centre forward Mark McCammon was the first player ever to score on the new pitch.

The first defeat came at the hands of Carlisle when they narrowly beat Doncaster 2-1. The heaviest defeat seen at the stadium was inflicted by Swansea in which they won 4-0

Rugby League

The opening game played by Doncaster in the new stadium was against Sheffield Eagles, to whom they lost 16-10 in front of 5,400 spectators. Sheffield Eagles (and former Dons') Richard Newlove was the first player to score try at the new stadium. ^[11]

On Sunday 27th July 2008 the stadium hosted a semi-final of the Carnegie Challenge Cup between Hull FC and Wakefield Wildcats. Hull won 32-24.

Other events

There has also been a variety of other events held in the Keepmoat Stadium, including two concerts in July 2007 featuring Ronan Keating and Bryan Adams. In July 2008 there was also a show by Elton John and his band.

See also

• Doncaster Rovers
• Doncaster R.L.F.C.
• Doncaster Belles L.F.C.
• Belle Vue, Doncaster Rovers' former home.

References

1. “Keepmoat Stadium” new name for centre-piece of £32million Lakeside Sports Complex
2. A taste of things to come
3. Doncaster announce stadium name
4. Olympic training venues - Yorkshire
5. Doncaster Rovers - Keepmoat Stadium
6. Doncaster Rovers
7. Feature: Media Information Architecture Week Yorkshire
8. United 'left in the dark' by Rovers
9. First day at Keepmoat
10. Doncaster vs Huddersfield
11. Eagles spoil Dons' opener at Keepmoat