Since qualifying for the UEFA Cup, club officials have been working closely with both UEFA and the SFA to understand the infrastructure that has to be in place to fulfil European fixtures at Palmerston Park. The primary reason is that everyone involved with the club would wish to play home games in Dumfries. There is also a strong desire to ensure that, following on from the extraordinary demand for Cup Final tickets, we can accommodate as many Queen of the South supporters as possible over the course of our UEFA Cup campaign. As this competition is overseen by UEFA it is necessary that all participating clubs follow their regulations, one of which states: "Matches can only be played before seated spectators; with any sector for standing spectators kept closed. Bench seating of any description is prohibited and will be regarded as standing accommodation." Additionally, temporary stands are not permitted. Following discussions, it has been determined that no dispensation can be granted concerning the use of standing terraces at Palmerston Park and the club accepts this position. This does however, limit the capacity for games played in Dumfries to 3,500 seated spectators. This is further reduced through the requirement to provide additional media workstations in the Main Stand, the segregation of supporters and, to accommodate additional guests of the club - effectively limiting the number of Queens supporters to less than 2,800. For this reason, we have been in talks with clubs to determine the feasibility of their hosting our 'home' fixtures. Noting the fact that playing a home fixture in another country is also not permitted, a major consideration during these discussions has been accessibility for Queen of the South supporters travelling from Dumfries and Galloway. In conclusion, an agreement has been reached that we will play our home UEFA Cup fixtures at the Excelsior Stadium - home of Airdrie United. The stadium has a capacity in excess of 10,000 and, it is anticipated that this should satisfy the demand for tickets. Our thanks go to Jim Ballantyne and everyone at Airdrie United for their accommodating approach to this arrangement. Ticket details will be announced around the time of the Second Qualifying Round draw, which is currently scheduled for 1st August. However it should be noted that priority for UEFA Cup tickets will only be given to season tickets holders, prior to a general public sale. Colin Rutherford |
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