Midlands Hurricanes Make a Bold Move: Relocating to a New Home on the Eve of the Season
The Midlands Hurricanes, a championship rugby league club, have made a dramatic announcement just as the new season begins. They are leaving their former home, the Alexander Stadium, and moving to Avery Fields, a new venue located in the Bearwood area of Birmingham, just outside the city center.
This move comes as a surprise, as the Hurricanes were initially set to play at the site of the 2022 Commonwealth Games. However, the club believes that this relocation will better serve their long-term goals and vision for the future.
A 20-year lease has been secured at Avery Fields, which is also the home of Bournville RFC. The Hurricanes claim that this new location will place them at the heart of a vibrant rugby community, fostering a stronger connection with their fans and the local population.
Midlands Hurricanes' Chairman, Mike Lomas, expressed his enthusiasm for this development, stating, 'The move to Avery Fields is a significant step forward, securing rugby league in Birmingham for the next two decades. This partnership between a rugby league and a rugby union club is a unique and exciting opportunity to engage more young people in the sport.'
He continued, 'I want to thank the team at Bournville RFC for their support and the Birmingham City Council for their assistance over the past three years. This move is a testament to our commitment to the sport and our desire to create a sustainable and thriving rugby league club in the Midlands.'
Eorl Crabtree, the Managing Director of Midlands Hurricanes, added, 'This relocation is a crucial and positive milestone for our club. With a 20-year lease, we now have a dedicated rugby home where we can shape, develop, and grow our team. It enhances our sustainability, elevates the match-day experience for our supporters, and places us firmly within a thriving rugby community.'
Crabtree emphasized, 'Most importantly, this move will help us expand rugby league in the Midlands and strengthen our connection with the people and communities we represent. It is a strategic and ambitious decision that will enable us to build a competitive, resilient, and proudly Midlands-based rugby league club.'
The Hurricanes' first game at their new home will be next Sunday, when they take on the Newcastle Thunder in the Championship season opener. This move marks a new chapter for the club, one that promises to be both exciting and transformative for the future of rugby league in the Midlands.
