Kingston Park to host Thunder Play-off game as Double Header Event
Newcastle Falcons are delighted to announce that partner club Gateshead Thunder will host their forthcoming Kingstone Press Championship One play-off game at Kingston Park on Sunday 14th September (ko 6pm).
The game will now form part of a double header event at the venue with the Falcons entertaining London Irish in their Home Season Opener at 3pm the same day.
Thunder will play either Hemel Stags or Gloucestershire All-Golds after finishing fourth in the Championship One. It is the first time the club has ever made the play-offs in their 15 year history, however they did win National League One in 2008 when they clinched the title outright with a win over Doncaster at Kingston Park.
Falcons Season Ticket Holders, supporters who purchase Irish match tickets and Falcons corporate guests will be able to stay on and watch the Thunder game for free.
Thunder Season Ticket Holders will get entry into the ground after 4.30pm to watch the rugby league for free. If they wish to come earlier to watch the Falcons game a ticket will need to be purchased (Adults from £15, juniors from £7.50). Non-Season Ticket Holders who wish to purchase a ticket for just the rugby league game only can do so. Entry to just the Thunder game only is from 4.30pm.
Speaking about the double-header Falcons Managing Director Mick Hogan commented:
“We are delighted to be hosting Thunder in what will be the first ever double-header cross code game at Kingston Park. It will be a big challenge for the staff to turn the venue around in such a short period of time but there are huge benefits in doing so. Falcons’ supporters get to see an additional game that is of huge importance to us all for free while Thunder fans get to enjoy the facilities at Kingston Park and the Thunder players get to play in front of what will be their biggest crowd of the season.
“This double-header event is further justification for our new 3G artificial pitch. SIS Pitches have done a marvellous job laying the new surface and will be working with our ground staff to turn the surface around ready for the rugby league game at 6pm. We now want as many Falcons fans as possible to stay on and get behind Thunder in this big game for them. ”
Stadium bars at Kingston Park will be running happy hour prices between the two games as well as from 1.30 – 2.30pm in the build up to Falcons v Irish. There will be music in the West Stand bar after the Falcons game right up until the Thunder play-off game kicks off at 6pm.
Thunder managing director Keith Christie added: “It’s great news that we are able to stage such an important game at Kingston Park. To be part of the first ever competitive game-day on the new surface is very exciting. I’m sure all our supporters and those travelling with our opponents will enjoy the facilities available.
“Head Coach Stanley Gene and the players are looking forward to being part of this unique event, but most importantly they are looking to put in another good performance and continuing our run in the play-offs.”
Tickets for Newcastle Falcons vs London Irish (with free admission to the Thunder play-off game) are available by ringing 0871 226 6060 or by clicking [here][1]. Tickets for just the Thunder game only can be purchased from Monday 8th September at noon by ringing 0871 226 6060 or paying on the day. Entry to just the Thunder game only is after 4.30pm and costs £10 for adults and £5 for juniors prior to the day or £12 for adults and £6 juniors on the day. Gateshead Thunder Season Ticket Holders will need to apply for their free seat before entering the stadium with more information to follow over the coming days.
Corporate hospitality for the Newcastle Falcons and Gateshead Thunder game or just the Thunder game only is priced from £35 plus VAT and is available by ringing 0191 214 2835.
[1]: http://www.newcastlefalcons.co.uk/tickets/info
