Tickets for the Under-20 All-Ireland hurling final, featuring Offaly versus Tipperary, have sold out due to high demand, organizers announced. However, some supporters have started a debate over the suitability of the chosen venue, Nowlan Park.
Scheduled to be held at Nowlan Park, a decision made long ago to honor the legacy of James Nowlan on the centenary of his passing, in the cup competition that bares his namesake. However, recent criticisms directed at Nowlan Park following Wexford’s defeat to Kilkenny have sparked a wave of dissent among fans and pundits alike. Wexford manager Keith Rossiter didn’t mince his words when addressing concerns about the pitch conditions after his team’s loss due to Bruce Springsteen selling out the stadium for a concert the week before.
Offaly v Tipperary in the All-Ireland U20 is a sell-out at Nowlan Park. Anyone hazard a guess at how big of a crowd it would pull in if it was at a venue with a bigger capacity?
— Shane Stapleton (@ShaneSaint) May 28, 2024
In response to these criticisms, disgruntled fans have taken to the digital realm, launching an online petition urging authorities to reconsider the choice of venue. The crux of their argument revolves around two main points: capacity and pitch condition. With tickets selling out in record time, concerns over limited seating capacity at Nowlan Park have reached a crescendo. Additionally, apprehensions regarding the pitch’s condition have further fueled calls for a change in venue.
The petition implores decision-makers to heed the voice of the fans and relocate the final to a venue deemed more suitable for such a momentous occasion. It reads:
“The venue for the All Ireland U-20 Hurling Final between Offaly and Tipp should be changed to a more suitable venue due to lack of capacity and the condition of the pitch in Kilkenny.”
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