Recreation Ground (Bath)

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The Recreation Ground ("the Rec") is a multi-use sports ground in the centre of Bath, Somerset, next to the River Avon. Capable of holding 10,300 people during the season, the Rec is currently used primarily for rugby union and is the home ground of Bath Rugby. During the summer the rugby ground's temporary East Stand is removed to make way for cricket on the larger pitch to the easternmost end of the Rec. This cricket pitch is used for local contests but is also used by the Somerset County Cricket Club for two matches a year. Other parts of the eastern area are used by Bath Hockey Club and there are also tennis courts. There is a cricket pavilion at the William Street entrance to the ground.

In former years, the Rec was subject to flooding from the river Avon, but a flood alleviation scheme in the 1960s improved the flow of the river.

[edit] Future of the venue

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The English RFU have stated that by 2010, all Guinness Premiership rugby clubs will need a capacity of at least 15,000. However, the Rec has a current capacity of 10,300.

As a result, Bath chief executive Bob Calleja wants to know if the club can develop the Recreation Ground. A strategic review of the future of the venue is starting in October 2006, with the results set to be announced in December 2006. Calleja told the Western Mail: "We would like an amber light to be able to proceed by February 2007. We would clearly put our focus on staying at and developing the Rec, but if that was impossible and we were forced to move, then the other options would become serious considerations. But don't mention Swindon or Bristol or Timbuktu, because we have no intention of Bath Rugby playing anywhere but Bath." ^[1]