Euro 2028: Casement Park on list of proposed stadia as part of joint UK and Ireland bid
Belfast's Casement Park is one of 14 stadiums listed as part of a bid to host football's Euro 2028 tournament.
Dublin venues Croke Park and the Aviva Stadium are also listed, along with Glasgow's Hampden Park, Cardiff's Principality Stadium and nine venues across England.
However, that 14-venue list will be cut down to 10 in April next year and Casement Park has yet to be rebuilt.
The UK and Ireland Bid to host UEFA Euro 2028 today submitted a Preliminary Bid Dossier – a key moment in UEFA’s campaign process.
The bid group consists of the Irish Football Association, The Football Association, Football Association of Ireland, Scottish Football Association and Football Association of Wales.
The five-association group has issued the following statement: “The bid sets out our clear and compelling vision for UEFA EURO 2028: ‘Football for all. Football for good. Football for the future’.
“Key to this vision is a commitment to diversity, social purpose and innovation in delivering an outstanding UEFA EURO 2028 that will create unforgettable memories in sold-out, iconic stadia in famous football cities known throughout the world.
“We are delighted that Government Partners of the UK, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and officials in Northern Ireland, support this bid. Together we believe we can deliver a world class tournament, and that hosting UEFA EURO 2028 will achieve a strong and sustainable legacy for football and wider society, helping to drive economic growth in local communities.
“Working with UEFA, our plan is to host a tournament that will be a catalyst for transformational grassroots football development – with a promise to share legacy initiatives with European national associations to accelerate growth across the continent.
“The UK and Ireland’s track record of hosting successful major sporting events over many decades means we have the expertise and experience to take this world class tournament to new heights.
“Our compact plan and pioneering, multi-partner collaboration can usher in a new era for the Euros. Through the latest digital and marketing innovations, we will help UEFA and its partners engage new audiences and the world’s youth to extend the impact and reach of the tournament further than ever before.
“Our stadia concept includes a proposed shortlist of 14 venues in famous sporting cities known throughout the world, including destinations that are home to clubs with great European football history and heritage. The plan ensures that all our proposed cities and stadia are connected by direct, quick and sustainable travel links and accommodation that will provide an unrivalled experience for teams and fans.
“Consultations with cities and stadia will continue into next year with a final list of 10 stadia to be submitted to UEFA in April 2023.
“We now look forward to engaging with UEFA and listening and learning from the European football family to develop our bid plans further.”
The proposed shortlisted cities and stadia are:
- Birmingham - Villa Park
- Liverpool - Everton Stadium
- London - London Stadium
- London - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- London - Wembley Stadium
- Manchester - City of Manchester Stadium (commonly known as Etihad Stadium)
- Newcastle - St James' Park
- Sunderland - Stadium of Light
- Trafford - Old Trafford
- Dublin - Dublin Arena (commonly known as Aviva Stadium)
- Dublin - Croke Park
- Belfast - Casement Park Stadium
- Glasgow - Hampden Park
- Cardiff - National Stadium of Wales (commonly known as Principality Stadium)