Celtic Park will host the 2019 PRO14 Final on May 25 as the Championship takes another historic step with the showpiece event being held outside of a traditional rugby venue for the very first time.
Fresh from the success of the 2018 PRO14 Final in Dublin that saw a new record attendance set for the third year in a row, Glasgow will play host as the Championship decider returns to Scotland for the first time since 2016.
After the first PRO14 season brought about increased attendances and audiences across broadcast and social media, the move to host the Final at Celtic Park will ensure that fans new and old can experience the thrill that the Championship decider delivers every season.
With a capacity of 60,832 Celtic Park is known for football, but also hosted athletics and cycling when the site opened in 1892 and today holds a reputation for providing some of the most colourful and passionate atmospheres in all of sport.
On the big day itself, Premier Sports will also be the host broadcaster capturing all of the action that will be seen around the world.
📢 BREAKING NEWS from @CelticFC about the #GUINNESSPRO14
— PRO14 RUGBY (@PRO14Official) July 30, 2018
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Martin Anayi, CEO of PRO14 Rugby, said: “Bringing our Final to a world-famous stadium like Celtic Park is a truly historic step in the evolution of the PRO14.
“Since introducing Destination Final venues in 2015 we have seen the event thrive by making it about fans of rugby and not just the supporters of the two teams competing for the trophy.
“The bid put forward by Scottish Rugby, Celtic FC and the City of Glasgow was compelling from the very beginning and we’re certain that fans across the PRO14 will share in our excitement.
“Glasgow has so much to offer in terms of hospitality, culture and heritage and like our previous Finals in Dublin, Edinburgh and Belfast we can offer fans so much more than just a rugby experience.
“In the past number of seasons we have made many bold decisions which have transformed the PRO14 for the better and the choice of Celtic Park as the venue for the 2019 Final is yet another signal of our ambition to provide the best club rugby tournament possible for our clubs and our fans.”
Choosing Celtic Park for the first Pro14 final outside a traditional rugby venue has been hailed as a "truly historic step."
— BBC Rugby Union (@bbcrugbyunion) July 30, 2018
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Dominic McKay, Chief Operating Officer of Scottish Rugby and PRO14 Board Director, said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to secure the 2019 PRO14 Final for the city of Glasgow, which will see the showpiece event played at Celtic Park, an iconic football ground in the west of Scotland.
“We hosted an outstanding Final for the Championship in Edinburgh two years ago and I’m delighted that we will be able to build on this in a city where rugby is really taking off thanks to Glasgow Warriors and our local rugby clubs.
“Rugby was a huge success in Glasgow for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, while Rugby Park and Pittodrie have also been great venues for Autumn Test matches over the years.
“This announcement is another great example of the sports working together.”
Peter Lawwell, CEO of Celtic FC, said: “We are very proud that the PRO14 Final is coming to Celtic Park for what we’re sure will be a fabulous occasion for the city of Glasgow, rugby supporters and for Celtic.
“Celtic Park is a world-class venue and our success of hosting events in the 2014 Commonwealth games and on Champions League nights where we have welcomed some of the biggest names in world football, proves that the stadium can produce unforgettable experiences time after time.
“We look forward to welcoming rugby fans from far and wide to Paradise on May 25 to share in the atmosphere of Celtic Park, we are sure it is an experience they will enjoy immensely.”
Celtic Park in Glasgow will host the 2019 Guinness PRO14 Final on Saturday 25 May.
— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) July 30, 2018
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Fast facts about Celtic Park
+ Home of Celtic Football Club, Celtic Park is Scotland’s biggest football stadium with a capacity of 60,832.
+ The highest attendance at a match within the stadium was against Rangers in 1938 with an attendance of 92,000.
+ Fondly known as Paradise to fans, Celtic Park boasts over 50,000 season tickets holders as well as millions of fans worldwide.
+ Proud host venue of Glasgow 2018, Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, Celtic Park is a premier destination for visitors and events.
+ In 2016 Celtic Park were first in the UK to introduce rail seating section in the stadium.
Scarlets’ Johnny McNicholl scored a hat trick of tries in last year’s final
Fast facts about the PRO14 Final
Destination Final Attendances
2018: Aviva Stadium, Dublin – 46,092 (record)
2017: Aviva Stadium, Dublin – 45,556 (record)
2016: Murrayfield, Edinburgh – 34,500 (record)
2015: Kingspan Stadium, Belfast – 17,500 (sell out)
Merit-based Finals
2014: RDS Arena, Dublin (Leinster) – 19,200 (sell out)
2013: RDS Arena, Dublin (Ulster) – 19,200 (sell out)
2012: RDS Arena, Dublin (Leinster) – 18,500 (sell out)
2011: Thomond Park, Limerick (Munster) – 26,100 (sell out)
2010: RDS Arena, Dublin (Leinster) – 19,500 (sell out)
2018 Final at glance
New record of total points scored: 72
New record of total tries scored: 9
Johnny McNicholl (Scarlets) – First player to score a hat-trick in a Final
Sean Cronin (Leinster) – First player to score in three Finals
Jordan Larmour (Leinster) – Youngest ever try scorer in a Final at 20 years 350 days
