Scrum on down to North Inch for this!
5000-seater stadium to be constructed
The North Inch will be transformed into a 5000-seater sports stadium when a “huge weekend of sport and entertainment” descends on Perth this summer.
The Fair City is set host to a mouth-watering rugby contest between Glasgow Warriors and English Premiership giants Harlequins.
Held in association with Perth and Kinross Council, the pre-season challenge match will take place at Perthshire RFC’s North Inch ground on Saturday, August 18 with a 2pm kick-off.
A 5000-capacity arena will be constructed which, on the Sunday, will be transformed into the venue for the second annual City of Perth Salute.
Councillor Murray Lyle, leader of Perth and Kinross Council, said: “It is a great show of faith in Perth that Glasgow Warriors have chosen our city to play host to this high profile pre-season match.
“The North Inch is a fantastic location, and it will be an excellent opportunity to see a host of international rugby players compete in the heart of the city.”
Councillor Angus Forbes, convenor of the environment and infrastructure committee, added: “Once the rugby matches have been played the city centre will be taken over by live music and performances on the Sunday with the City of Perth Salute.
“Following on from a hugely successful inaugural year in 2017, a range of musical performers and more will parade from the South Inch, along Tay Street, ending with a huge outdoor event within the arena space created on the North Inch.”
Chief executive of Perthshire Rugby, Allan Brown, is thrilled that the Warriors have chosen to bring their talented squad to the Fair City.
He said: “Perthshire Rugby are delighted that Glasgow Warriors have chosen the North Inch in Perth as the venue for this fixture and we welcome this high profile fixture to Perth as we embark on our 150th anniversary celebrations.
“We look forward to welcoming supporters from Glasgow and all over the Caledonia region to the North Inch, the home of Perthshire Rugby and we look forward to working with Glasgow Warriors and Perth and Kinross Council to make this a tremendous success.”
The game, which is being sponsored by The Famous Grouse, will take place two weeks before the new Guinness PRO14 season gets underway.
“We’re proud to be backing Glasgow Warriors in their preseason preparations as they welcome one of the biggest names in English professional rugby to Perth, our home since 1896,” said John Laurie, The Glasgow Warriors Matt and Zander Fagerson joined Councillor Angus Forbes, Andy Cummins, director of rugby at Perthshire Rugby Club and John Laurie, general manager of Glenturret Distillery, Crieff at the launch Famous Grouse Experience general manager.
“We are excited to continue our long-standing backing of rugby in Scotland. This partnership gives us a chance to bring a new and unique experience to fans of the game.”
Glasgow Warriors will play Harlequins on August 18, followed by Perthshire RFC taking to the field. On August 19 the arena will host the City of Perth Salute.