International Hockey To Be Staged At The Stoop
Premiership Rugby side Harlequins has announced an agreement with Great Britain Hockey (GBH) and the International Hockey Federation (FIH) that will see The Stoop host International Hockey for the first time.
GB Men’s and Women’s teams will play New Zealand in a Double Header at the rugby stadium in Twickenham on Sunday 23rd June 2019 as part of a new tournament on the international hockey calendar.
As part of the agreement, an international standard hockey pitch will be installed on top of Harlequins’ rugby pitch for the matches that will form part of the first FIH Pro-League.
The competition sees the world’s best teams compete across the globe from January until June with GB games screened live on BT Sport.
Commenting on the move, David Ellis, Harlequins’ chief executive. said: “We are delighted to be supporting Great Britain Hockey to bring their sport to a wider audience here in South West London.
“Our Club has a history of innovation and adventure and we take great pride in being able to offer our neighbours and supporters the chance to see something different at The Stoop.
“Hockey supporters from all over the country are welcome at our home and can look forward to enjoying a day to remember here in June.”
Sally Munday, chief executive officer of England Hockey, added: “I am hugely excited about the prospect of taking both of our national teams to the Twickenham Stoop.
“The demand for tickets in the ballot showed that the appetite is there for a venue of this size and I would like to place on record my thanks to both Harlequins and the FIH for their help in making this happen.
“The FIH Pro League is a huge step forward for the sport, and we are immensely grateful to our partners for their support.”
Jamie Hindhaugh, COO of BT Sport, also commented: “We are big hockey fans at BT Sport and it’s fantastic to see the game continue to go from strength to strength.
“We’re delighted that The Stoop will host a double header on FIH Pro League final day, it’s a venue that we know well which will help create a fantastic atmosphere and great TV.”
The GB team will play the rest of its games at Lee Valley in the Olympic Park which has a capacity of up to 7,500 for the FIHPL .
The Stoop in comparison will have a capacity of 15,000 and be the largest venue to host a hockey match since the London 2012 Olympic Games.
