Catalans confirm ground expansion

Catalans have confirmed that expansion work at their Gilbert Brutus Stadium will begin in March.

Perpignan City Council have rubber stamped the plans which include the construction of a new stand with 1500 seats, a club shop, a corporate box and a restaurant and bar. The work is expected to be done in time for the 2011 season.

Catalans chairman Bernard Guasch: “The start of our stadium renovation is the best news since the Catalans Dragons began and thanks to the new facilities, our club will reach another level which allow us to become one of the top Super League clubs.

“Thanks to these facilities, our budget will increase. We have been in stagnation for two years due to the low capacity of our stadium, the lack of hospitality boxes, and the size of our club shop. This stand will be a huge boost for French Rugby League and I want to thank everyone involved in the decision process including the Mayor of Perpignan, the Président of the Council and the Président of the Region.”

The Dragons will continue to play their games at the Gilbert Brutus Stadium, but with a reduced capacity, which has forced the club to re-schedule their four most popular games of the season.

Their games with Leeds (April 5), Bradford (April 10), Wigan (July 4) and Warrington (July 27) will be played at Stade Aime Giral.

Catalans played at Stade Aime Giral during their first season in Super League in 2006.