Press Release
Thursday, 7th September 2023
Ayr Rugby Football Club, Millbrae, Alloway, Ayr, KA74PJ
Ayr Rugby Club take over Dam Park Stadium
Ayr Rugby Football Club, one of Ayrshire’s most significant sporting institutions, has announced the purchase of Dam Park Stadium from South Ayrshire Council.
The Club, which recently became a charity, delivers a wide range of activities, enabling community involvement in a variety of settings and levels. The purchase of Dam Park will strengthen the ability of the club to reach out further and act as a hub for sporting and community activities.
The fifteen acres site has a grass playing pitch surrounded by an eight-lane running track and the pavilion comprises five changing rooms, two toilet and shower blocks and seating for 478 spectators. Previously Dam Park was used for athletics coaching and football events but has also accommodated music festivals and dog trials.
The facility became surplus to requirements when South Ayrshire Council built the new £8.5 million Riverside Sports Arena which was opened in February 2023.
Ayr Rugby Club Chairman, Brian Williamson, said:
“The purchase of Dam Park is part of our long-term strategy to provide excellent sporting and community facilities for the town of Ayr. Our home ground Millbrae is about to be significantly upgraded, in the short-term Dam Park will provide an extra playing pitch when this work commences and much needed additional training facilities for the many teams and age groups we support.”
The finance to purchase Dam Park Stadium was provided through “The Macdonald Legacy” which was set up by Alan Macdonald, to honour his son, former player, Barry Macdonald who died suddenly in 2020. The Macdonald family were long-term sponsors of Ayr Rugby Club with the Dawn company logo emblazoned on the kit for the past two decades.
Speaking of the legacy, Brian Williamson, said:
“The purchase of Dam Park Stadium has only been made possible by the funding provided from the Macdonald Legacy. I speak on behalf of the members and Directors of Ayr Rugby Football Club in thanking Mr Macdonald for the generosity, support and guidance given throughout the purchasing process.”
Dam Park Stadium will soon see the football posts replaced by rugby posts and the ground will become a hive of activity once again.
For further information please contact, Joe Evans, media@ayrrugbyclub.co.uk