[Legionas]

(Article from the Aunistrian Times)

IDUFC 2019: THE COMPLETE STADIUM GUIDE

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All you need to know about the venues for the tournament, ahead of kick-off tomorrow

After much consternation about the cost and construction of Legionas' IDUFC host stadiums, this summer's Football Championship venues are well underway in playing host to the tournament's games . Here is a brief, comprehensive lowdown on each of the grounds and the locations that are hosting the most prestigious event in IDU football.

1. Martin T. Bradshaw Arena

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The brand new Martin T. Bradshaw Arena, a few kilometres south of the city center, will be the host stadium of the final as well as the closing ceremony, Previously only used once, as the host of the Royal Cup Final where the atmosphere was exhilarating thanks to the ground's impressive acoustics, the stadium is expected to be an interesting location to watch. Fans will not be able to miss the tiger statue outside the grounds, a subtle reminder to visiting spectators of where they are. Getting away via public transport can be tricky due to congestion. but the national as well as regional governments have ensured that transport be as streamlined as possible. Viewing grounds have been placed outside the grounds with the planners utilizing a set distance between viewing platforms.

Matches Hosted: IDUFC Grand Final

2. Mara X Arena

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The legendary Sherfield North Stadium, recently acquired by the Mara Group, was one of the first stadiums to be considered to host the IDUFC spectacle. With arguably one of the best atmospheres as well as guaranteed attendance by Sherfieldian Ultras, this stadium may be the one to watch, with matches expected to be absolute thrillers. The Home of Legionite Premier League champions is no stranger to important fixtures, with this years iteration of the LPL being won on this very ground. Sherfield United, Transport is not expected to be a problem, with the city implementing major improvements to its transport system.

Matches Hosted: Group A Matches, Quarter Final

3. Sherfield Central Stadium

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The Mara X Arena's smaller yet still hectic neighbor, the historic Sherfield Central stadium built in the 1960's is home to Sherfield City, Sherfield United's noisy neighbors. The atmosphere is expected to be as, if not more, enthralling than the Mara X Arena. Recent renovations and expansions have been a cause of concern though, with exorbitant funds being splashed for the stadium. The government though insists the renovations were necessary. One thing is true though, the brand new facade is a definite improvement, with the designers opting for an almost extra-terrestrial look. Spectators lucky enough to get a ticket will be sure to enjoy the matches hosted in this stadium.

Matches Hosted: Group A Matches, Quarter Finals

4. Rhodes Park

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A classic Legionite stadium, Rhodes Park stands tall as one of the newest stadiums in the nation. Home to AFC Moense, the ground is already used to tense matches, with AFC Moense narrowly beating the drop on the final day of the season. Moensians are generally more apathetic fans as compared to other Legionites, so the stadium's atmosphere will definitely depend on traveling fans. It is 18 miles from the city center though, so many fans will have to base themselves at one of the many fan parks near the stadium. And only have the one pint, of course.

Matches Hosted: Group B Matches, Quarter Finals

5. LegionAir Arena


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Built jointly by the Ministry of Sport as well as National Carrier, LegionAir, this ground will host matches as well as become the new home for Moense Athletic FC. Many hitches were experienced during construction, with the marshy land it is built on leading to delays as it had to be reinforced. The riverside location is picturesque, as well as convenient with the stadium being only a river crossing away from the City Center. The transport links and wait time to enter the stadium although are untested so give yourself plenty of time to get there if you are lucky enough to have a ticket.

Matches Hosted: Group B Matches, Quarter Finals

6. Millennium Stadium

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The former home of the Winter Tigers, the Millennium Stadium is still the largest stadium in the nation. Logistics will not be an issue for the stadium, with the stadium having previously hosted several iterations of the Catican Nations Cup. The stadium has been renovated with steel girders have replaced slabs of concrete, allowing natural light onto the pitch as well as the removal of the stadium's roof, as per regulations. The stadium's greatest feature though is its outdoor high definition screen - the biggest of it's type in the world allowing an extra few thousand fans to enjoy matches right within the stadiums grounds.

Matches Hosted: Group C Matches, Semi Finals

7. King William II Stadium

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The relatively aging stadium was a controversial choice to host matches, coming on top over the smaller yet more modern Tulip Road Stadium. The stadium was redeveloped especially for this summer's IDUFC. A fire although, delayed and increased the price of redeveloping the stadium, with final preparations only concluded a mere week before the tournament's start. Fans will be sure to enjoy matches in the stadium, and transport to and from the stadium have been streamlined.

Matches Hosted: Group C Matches, Third Place Playoffs

8. King Rumius I Arena

The King Rumius Arena was renovated a total of two three times, with contractual disagreements being the main issue. As such the stadium incorporates three different designs, forming a quality yet Frankensteinian facade. Affectionately known as Imperium, thanks to its proximity to Verdesia Palace. The stadium is also known for owning the famous 'Yellow Wall', the largest free-standing grandstand in the IDU with a capacity of 21,000 .Formerly without a tenant for the first few years, Verdesia FC will be moving in after the tournament after signing a contract with the Ministry of Sport for a decade long lease. New training facilities have also been erected for visiting teams as well as viewing zones to allow extra fans to watch the games.

Matches Hosted: Group D Matches, Semi Finals
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9. Erickson Stadium

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A unique choice as host stadium, Erickson Stadium is the smallest stadium that will host matches with a capacity of around 40,000 spectators. The stadium will have its capacity reduced to around 27,500 spectators pending reoccupation by second tier Tyrian Sharks FC. Transport is expected to be congested although the government has tried its best to streamline transport to and from the stadium.

Matches Hosted: Group D Matches, Semi Finals