Bradford Bulls face a number of problems when it comes to Odsal Stadium at the moment.
This is firstly because it was Odsal Stadium that held back their IMG score going into 2024 and meant they missed out on the top 12 spots which in a year’s time would guarantee a Super League spot.
If the same happens again at the end of this year, their wait to return to Super League for the first time since 2014 will continue.
However, they face a problem. Due to the finances it would take to fund such a project, a move to do so would see them lower their financial score.
This is why they require support from the council which is not forthcoming with the council struggling financially and funding for stadium redevelopment going to Keighley Cougars. They have received £2 million for work on their ground as part of a £33 million plan to improve Keighley.
Making matters worse, the RFL are set to sell the lease to Odsal and this could also see the ground sold to someone who does not wish to use it for rugby league creating a gigantic problem for the Bulls.
Bradford Bulls to take on Leeds Rhinos
Bradford Bull and Leeds Rhinos enter the field before the Jamie Jones-Buchanan testimonial game between Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls at Headingley Rugby Stadium, Leeds, England on 12 January 2020. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK Copyright: xThomasxGaddx PMI-3307-0030
Bradford Bulls hosted Leeds Rhinos in theur final pre-season fixture for the Keith Howard Foundation Trophy on Sunday 28th January at Odsal Stadium at 3:00pm kick off!
The two rivals will locked horns once more in our final pre-season fixture ahead of the start of the eagerly anticipated 2024 season, which sees Eamon O’Carroll at the helm for the first time as the Bulls look to build on a stellar 2023 campaign.
A Bradford Bulls club spokesperson said: “Following last season’s pre-season fixture at AMT Headingley, the Bradford Bulls are delighted to host our friends and rivals, Leeds Rhinos at our historic Odsal Stadium home ahead of our eagerly anticipated 2024 season.
This annual fixture is a clear demonstration of the continuing, developing and mutually beneficial Club, Foundation and Community relationship we have with the Rhinos.”
A massive game in the Bulls calendar, they picked up the win over a young Leeds side in front of nearly 5,000 fans.
A positive start to 2024 for the Bulls and fans hoping to get on for the ride can buy tickets here.
