Celtic Park to host 2019 Guinness PRO14 Final

• 30 Jul 2018

Celtic Park will host the 2019 Guinness PRO14 Final on Saturday 25 May as the Championship takes another historic step as the showpiece event is held outside of a traditional rugby venue for the very first time.

Fresh from the success of the 2018 Guinness PRO14 Final in Dublin that saw a new record attendance set for the third year in a row, Glasgow will play host as the Championship decider returns to Scotland for the first time since 2016.

Fans can register their interest now HERE to gain Priority Access to tickets on 20 August before they go on general sale on 21 August.

After the first Guinness PRO14 season brought about increased attendances and audiences across broadcast and social media, the move to host the Final at Celtic Park will ensure that fans new and old can experience the thrilling play that the Championship decider delivers every season.

With a capacity of 60,832 Celtic Park is known for football, but also hosted athletics and cycling when the site opened in 1892 and today holds a reputation for providing some of the most colourful and passionate atmospheres in all of sport. On the big day itself, Premier Sports will also be the host broadcaster capturing all of the action that will be seen all around the world.

CEO of PRO14 Rugby, Martin Anayi, said: “Bringing our Final to a world-famous stadium like Celtic Park is a truly historic step in the evolution of the Guinness PRO14. Since introducing Destination Final venues in 2015 we have seen the event thrive by making it about fans of rugby and not just the supporters of the two teams competing for the trophy.

“The bid put forward by Scottish Rugby, Celtic FC and the City of Glasgow was compelling from the very beginning and we’re certain that fans across the Guinness PRO14 will share in our excitement. Glasgow has so much to offer in terms of hospitality, culture and heritage and like our previous Finals in Dublin, Edinburgh and Belfast we can offer fans so much more than just a rugby experience.

“In the past number of seasons we have made many bold decisions which have transformed the Guinness PRO14 for the better and the choice of Celtic Park as the venue for the 2019 Final is yet another signal of our ambition to provide the best club rugby tournament possible for our clubs and our fans.”

Chief Operating Officer of Scottish Rugby and PRO14 Board Director, Dominic McKay, said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to secure the 2019 Guinness PRO14 Final for the city of Glasgow, which will see the showpiece event played at Celtic Park, an iconic football ground in the west of Scotland.

“We hosted an outstanding Final for the Championship in Edinburgh two years ago and I’m delighted that we will be able to build on this in a city where rugby is really taking off thanks to Glasgow Warriors and our local rugby clubs.

“Rugby was a huge success in Glasgow for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, while Rugby Park and Pittodrie have also been great venues for Autumn Test matches over the years. This announcement is another great example of the sports working together.”

Glasgow Warriors Managing Diretcor, Nathan Bombrys, said: “Hosting the Guinness PRO14 Final is a fantastic reward for the City of Glasgow’s continued investment in major sporting events and support for rugby union and Glasgow Warriors.

“We’ve enjoyed an excellent partnership with Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council over the past several years. We worked on this bid in conjunction with Scottish Rugby and Glasgow Life, and we’re pleased to be able to bring the Final to Glasgow in 2019.

“Just imagining the outstanding atmosphere and unique experience at Celtic Park will give our players, coaches and supporters and added incentive to perform at our very best in the Guinness PRO14 this season.

CEO of Celtic FC, Peter Lawwell, said: “We are very proud that the Guinness PRO14 Final is coming to Celtic Park for what we’re sure will be a fabulous occasion for the city of Glasgow, rugby supporters and for Celtic.

“Celtic Park is a world-class venue and our success of hosting events in the 2014 Commonwealth games and on Champions League nights where we have welcomed some of the biggest names in world football, proves that the stadium can produce unforgettable experiences time after time.

“We look forward to welcoming rugby fans from far and wide to Paradise on 25 May to share in the atmosphere of Celtic Park, we are sure it is an experience they will enjoy immensely.”

Fans who register their interest for tickets HERE will get exclusive 24-hour access ahead of general sale to pick out the best seats in Celtic Park.