Why TNS are playing their UEFA Conference League matches at League One ground
OSWESTRY, SHROPSHIRE, ENGLAND - 29th AUGUST 2024 - The TNS badge before The New Saints vs FK Panevezys in the UEFA Europa Conference League Playoff Second leg at Park Hall, Oswestry (pic by Sam Eaden/FAW)
TNS announced this week that Shrewsbury Town will host their UEFA Conference League matches.
Wales has a team in the group stages of a European competition for the first time after TNS defeated Lithuanian outfit Panevezys 3-0 over two legs.
UEFA rules stipulate that clubs must play their fixtures at a stadium within the association it represents, and in this case, it is Wales.
Derry City, who are based in Northern Ireland but play in the League of Ireland had a request to play at Windsor Park rejected in August 2023, and instead had to play at Tallaght Stadium, the home of Shamrock Rovers.
TNS aren’t the only club to have their league phase matches played at a ground different to their own. Astana, who TNS play after Fiorentina, will host Chelsea at Almaty Ortalyk Stadion, with work currently ongoing at the 30,000 Astana arena, and that’s a whole 776 miles away.
NIFL champions Larne meanwhile are playing at Windsor Park, the home of Linfield and the Northern Ireland national team.
Why are TNS playing at Shrewsbury Town?
Unfortunately, Park Hall is not a Category Four ground in the eyes of UEFA, and as a result, a replacement venue was needed. A Category Four stadium needs to have a minimum capacity of 8,000 minimum capacity, along with 100 VIP seats and 150 VIP parking etc).
Efforts were made by TNS to find a suitable ground in Wales, but none were available to host all three matches.
The Cardiff City Stadium has hosted TNS matches before, as have Wrexham’s STōK Cae Ras/Racecourse Ground.
Stadiums are required to be handed over at least two days before the matches however, and that’s not possible.
Cardiff City and Wrexham are both at home on October 22 against Portsmouth and Huddersfield Town respectively, so that was a non-starter.
No Cardiff City match was scheduled for the week of TNS’ game against Djurgardens, but Wales Women could be playing a crucial EURO 2025 qualifier at the CCS.
For the visit of Greek giants Panathinaikos, Cardiff play Preston North End on Wednesday, October 11, and so again, the stadium was not available for TNS to use.
What have TNS said?
We’d like to thank Shrewsbury Town for allowing us to host these historic matches at The New Meadow,” said chairman Mike Harris to the official club website.
“We are hopeful the community will come out in full force to support The New Saints as we face some of the continent’s biggest clubs.
“Being so close to our Park Hall home will mean that supporters from Oswestry, Mid Wales, and North Wales can travel to cheer on the team.”
What have Shrewsbury Town said?
“We are delighted to welcome The New Saints to The New Meadow,” said chief executive Liam Dooley.
A lot of work has been completed behind the scenes on this by both clubs working together and we are really happy to get this over the line.
“It gives us the chance to showcase our stadium around Europe, as well as providing additional revenue for the club, and supporting TNS on their journey.”
What Conference League games will be played at Shrewsbury Town?
TNS have a total of six league phase games, three home and three away, and they run from Thursday, October 3 to Thursday, December 19.
The New Saints vs Astana – Thursday, October 24 – 8 pm – The New Meadow, Shrewsbury
The New Saints vs Djurgarden – Thursday, November 28 – 5:45 pm – The New Meadow, Shrewsbury
The New Saints vs Panathinaikos – Thursday, December 12 – 8 pm – The New Meadow, Shrewsbury
How can I get tickets?
Tickets are due to go on sale shortly.
