Milk Cup finals night in Ballymena ‘for foreseeable future’ - chairman

The local borough stepped in to successfully host the Blue Riband event for the first time last summer, after issues regarding facilities at its traditional base of Coleraine Showgrounds.

And with that situation no close to being resolved, Ballymena’s outstanding performance in hosting the finals night last year has propelled the Warden Street venue into the likely location for the three-game event for the next few years at least.

“We were very, very happy with how it went in Ballymena last year,” tournament chairman Victor Leonard told Times Sport.

“The ground lends itself to hosting three finals in a way that Coleraine Showgrounds was unable to do.

“Crowds were probably down a little bit on the previous year but the fact that there were two less well-supported teams in the Premier final rather than a Manchester United.

“As well as that, when it was in Coleraine, finals night tended to draw a lot of people from all over the Provnce who were perhaps staying in caravan parks up around the north coast.”

Victor believes that the opening of the new Warden Street stand – which was still under construction on finals night last year – will add an extra dimension to the Showgrounds’ ability to host the finals.

“I was at the Showgrounds last week with the BBC and just to see that new stand in all its glory is fantastic for the town, for Ballymena United, everyone.

“I honestly believe Ballymena would be an excellent site for a national stadium because of its location, facilities and infrastructure - it’s easily reached from anywhere in the Province.

“There won’t be a problem with seating. Last year some people were maybe put off by the fact they would have to sit outside but that isn’t going to be an issue this year.

“The Milk Cup comes first. The best facility for satisfying teams and for comfort and access, I don’t believe there is any better facility than Ballymena Showgrounds.

“There are other good grounds and decent playing surfaces but nowhere else has the full package of what the Milk Cup needs than Ballymena.

“The finals will be in Ballymena for the foreseeable future.

“Three of the South American teams coming have requested that they stay in Ballymena. The reception they receive from people in the street has been fantastic and they feel Ballymena is a home away from home for them which is very positive for Ballymena.”

Victor also hopes that the people of Ballymena will turn out in force to give the torunament and finals night a major boost on the global stage.

“The clubs that are coming from the five continents can access the Milk Cup via the internet or by pushing the red button on their remote controls and we hope the people of Ballymena will come out and support the finals night in big numbers because it’s a great reflection on the town and the borough to see that type of atmosphere.

“It’s a great opportunity to project Ballymena across the airwaves.”

Victor revealed that there will no longer be free admission to Milk Cup matches at Broughshane this year.

“Broughshane is one of a number of grounds we’re getting crowds of several hundred people. We’re putting on a small charge this year and that will be £3 for adults and £2 for young persons. The multi-match ticket will still get people in.

“The multi-match ticket gets people into any seated venue where seats are available, including finals night,” he added.