A NEW chapter in the history of Austin Stack Park Tralee will commence this coming Sunday when the green and gold of Kerry will take to the brand new pitch to face Wexford and Donegal in the Allianz Hurling and Football Leagues respectively.
The lush green surface is the centre-piece of a magnificent transformation project and the new terrace at the Mitchels end looks ready to welcome crowds at Tralee’s premier sports venue, that would not have been possible without the support of the business people in Tralee.
Two working days was all it took for them to achieve their target contribution figure within the overall one million euro fund to develop Austin Stack Park Tralee.
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A five year All-Ireland Final ticket-scheme was created to encourage businesses in Tralee and the north Kerry area to help bring Austin Stack Park into the 21st century.
The initiative, supported by the clubs in Tralee, representatives of Kerry County Board, Kerry County Council and Tralee Chamber Alliance commenced on Thursday, September 8 and by close of business on Monday, September 12 the target had been achieved.
Businesses in Tralee, including the Tralee Hotels Alliance, committed to subscribe to the scheme to the tune of €250,000 over a five year period.
The President of Tralee Chamber Alliance, John Drummey, said: “We have been impressed by the progress and overall transformation of Austin Stack Park. This was a wonderful example of team work and it demonstrated what can be achieved when businesses work together for the good of our town. A modernised Austin Stack Park will give the town centre a boost on match days which can only be a positive development for retailers, publicans, accommodation providers and the local economy in general.”
Kerry County Board has already invested €400,000 while the balance will be negotiated with the corporate sector in north Kerry and Kerry County Council.
The first game under the new floodlights at Austin Stack Park will take place on Wednesday, March 9 when Kerry welcome Tipperary in the Munster Under 21 Football Championship.
A spokesperson for the Austin Stack Park Development Project thanked the business people of Tralee for their generosity and for recognising the important role they need to play in order to preserve and develop one of the town’s key assets.