Ravenhill opening in May

Ulster have announced that Ravenhill Stadium will be officially opened on Friday, May 2 ahead of the Pro12 game against Leinster.

A one hour pre-match event will see a celebration of rugby in Ulster, with representatives from schools, clubs, referees, the women's game and disability rugby all participating.

The event will culminate in the cutting of a ribbon and the stadium being declared formally open.

The very first game played at Ravenhill was Ulster versus Leinster on January 12, 1924.

Three new stands, funded by an investment of almost £16 million, have been built at the ground as part of the redevelopment. Capacity has increased from 11,000 to 18,000 and the ground is now capable of hosting a European Cup quarterfinal and a Pro12 Final.

The stadium will host the European Cup quarterfinal between Ulster and Saracens on April 5. Following that game, further fit-out work will be carried out on the Grandstand ahead of the official May opening.

Work on the new Nevin Spence Centre, an education and heritage centre, based in the new Memorial End Stand, a new community 3G pitch facility and other improvements will start in June.

Commenting on the opening, Ulster Rugby Chief Executive, Shane Logan, said: "The new Ravenhill Stadium is a world class stadium and a state of the art home for all of rugby in Ulster.

"We have some exciting plans for the opening and I have no doubt that it will truly be a once in a lifetime event for any Ulster fan.”