Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol has been selected to host the final of rugby union’s Heineken Champions Cup.
The stadium, which is home to Bristol City Football Club and Premiership rugby’s Bristol Bears, has never held a major sporting final.
But that will change on Saturday 17 October when Exeter Chiefs and Racing 92 go head-to-head for European club rugby’s biggest prize. The final will be held behind closed doors.
This year’s European rugby union finals were originally meant to be played in Marseille, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic the French city will now host in 2021.
Describing it as a “proud” moment for the city, Ashton Gate Stadium’s managing director Mark Kelly said: “It’s a great honour for our venue to host the Champions Cup final and we look forward to welcoming two fantastic teams to BS3.
“Although it’s bitterly disappointing to not be able to host supporters, it’s a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase the world-class facility at Ashton Gate to a worldwide television audience.
“The vision of the stadium has always been to host international events and we’re proud that this will be realised next month. It’s testament to the hard work of everybody in our community who are working tirelessly to put the city of Bristol on the sporting map.”
Meanwhile, Bristol Bears have qualified for the final of European rugby’s other major tournament, the Challenge Cup. The Bears will play French club RC Toulon at Stade Maurice-David on Friday 16 October.
Main image: Bristol Bears/JMP UK
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2020 sports calendar: major UK and global sporting events
2020 European rugby union finals
European Challenge Cup final
Who: Bristol Bears vs. RC Toulon
When: Friday 16 October
Where: Stade Maurice-David, Aix-en-Provence, France
Start time: 8pm BST
Heineken Champions Cup final
Who: Exeter Chiefs vs. Racing 92
When: Saturday 17 October
Where: Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol, England
Start time: 4.45pm BST