Bermuda vs Dominican Republic Set For June 4
Bermuda will match up against the Dominican Republic in their CFU Caribbean Cup 2nd Round Qualifying match at the North Field of the National Sports Centre on Saturday, June 4th, the Bermuda Football Association confirmed this evening.
The BFA said, “After extensive consultation with local and regional stakeholders, in particular, the Caribbean Football Union the Bermuda Football Association is able to confirm that the international CFU Caribbean Cup 2nd Round Qualifying match versus Dominican Republic will be held on the North Field of the National Sports Centre on Saturday, June 4th at 9:00 p.m.
“Previously, the Association indicated that the Main Stadium [South Field] was unavailable due to the international rugby match that was booked in 2015 and the Hiscox Celebrity Cricket Festival, which was also booked in 2015, is being played on the North Field.
“As a result of these two events being scheduled before the Official Draw of the Caribbean Cup start date and the fact that following the first round Bermuda was drawn to play on June the 4th meant that the stadium was unavailable.
“In keeping with the tournament regulations and international match protocols, and following a meeting with the participating countries and the CFU Officials, the BFA was facing the possibility of playing this qualifying match in a neutral venue.
“Over the past several days of considering where to play the match, and after contemplating whether or not the North Field was a suitable alternative in order to ensure that our team could play in front of their own fans, with the cooperation and support from the National Sports Centre, the Association was able to meet with representatives of the Caribbean Football Union who provided approval for the North Field [with some minor upgrades] to be used on this occasion to host the international match.
“In making the decision to play at home, the Association is mindful of the fact that the standard and normal amenities of playing in the main stadium will not be available on the North Field, in particular, limited seating.
“The reason for this is that in accordance with international protocol tickets can only be sold for the number of seats available. Specifically, this means that a seat must be available for everyone who purchases a ticket to the game as tickets can’t be sold for standing areas only.
“In closing, the Association is pleased that we have been able to reach an agreement with the National Sports Centre regarding the use of the North Field. We are equally pleased that the CFU officials were able to certify that the venue meets the required standard to host this important international match.
“Tickets to the match will go on sale in the coming days as well as more information concerning parking and other important details pertaining to the match. We encourage all fans and supporters to get behind the team whether or not you are able to obtain a ticket to the match. ”
Great news that they approved North Field for the match. Hopefuly theyll be able to provide as much spectator seating as needed.
Why not play the match earlier in the day.
Maybe a minimum time frame is required between clearing out the venue after the cricket festival, setting up the football-related items (goalposts, barriers, signage, etc), getting the security clearances and whatnot, and the match start time? 9pm seems on the late side, but it’s better than not having the match play here at all.
We should also be allowed to bring a chair to the game. In a bring your chair section.