World Cup 2018 Stadiums: Ricoh Arena
The Ricoh Arena is a 32609 all-seated stadium in the city of Coventry in the West Midlands. It is home of the Championship club Coventry FC. It is a relatively new stadium, having been built and opened in 2005. It may require further expansion to stage some fixtures of the World Cup 2018, but there is much time for that to happen. Combined with the stadium are an exhibition hall, a hotel, a leisure club, a casino and a retail park.
Ricoh Arena 2018 Stadium?
Ricoh Arena became the place where Coventry City played their home games at the beginning of the 2005/06 season. The first competitive game played at the Arena was against Queen Park Rangers on the 20th August 2005, which Coventry won 3-0. Besides for football, this Arena hosted various concerts like Bryan Adams, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Bon Jovi. The first appearance of the Ricoh Arena on the international scene came on the 6th October 2006, where the Ricoh Arena hosted a European U21 qualifying play-off between England U21 and Germany U21.
Originally, Coventry planned for a 45000 capacity stadium, but for financial reasons, due to being relegated and England’s failure to host the 2006 World Cup, this had to be reduced. The name Ricoh comes from camera and photocopier manufacturer Ricoh, which arranged a £10 million sponsorship deal with Coventry. This stadium may be considered for the 2018 World Cup, especially if Coventry make it to the Premiership and have enough money to expand this stadium further.
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Villa Park will be the West Midlands stadium. Even Wolverhampton is better than this one.
I agree with Mike, Villa Park will be used in the Midlands as well as Nottingham Forests new 40,000 – 50,000 stadium. Coventry should not be on the bid.
Kip why should Coventry not be on the Bid.
The Ricoh has permission to expand to 45000. It is a great stadium with brilliant accoustics,great views all round and a new train station is going to be built next door.
Villa Park will still hold some games but so should the Ricoh.
It’s location in Central England is superb, have you ever been there?
Yes Ricoh would be a better choice than Villa Park and Wolves. It is next to motorway network, Have an exhibition hall that could be used for prematch events (When raining). Have suitable space around arena to expand both capacity and car parking.
Ricoh will also be hosting possible Rugby world cup matches and have hosted many sporting events successfully.
Other option would be the possible new Birmingham ground located by NEC?
I love it when Villa and Wolves supporters get on their high horse. You may be in the premiership but we have a far supperior stadium to any of yours. Coventry has the complete package, it’s not just a football stadium, it’s a hotel, a casino, a leisure centre, bars, night club. It will have it’s own railway station linking more or less every city in Britain. Motorway access is second to none. One of the biggest car parks in England. I must admit I like Villa park because it’s a beautiful stadium steaped in history, Wolves is a square and boring, with no features… that’s about the kindest thing I can say about it I’m afraid.
Coventry for mr!!!!!!!