Tigers threw open the doors of the Caterpillar Stand for the first time and, with just six days to go until the season’s opening home fixture against Newcastle Falcons, supporters were able to try their seats, view all the new facilities and come face to face with the first-team squad.
Stars including Geordan Murphy, Toby Flood, Jordan Crane and Anthony Allen joined the club fashion shows, the players posed for photos and signed autographs, while supporters were also able to have photos taken with the Guinness Premiership trophy and see how Tigers prepare for a big game by visiting the dressing-room areas.
The new 1880 Club suite proved a popular destination, while other function rooms were devoted to matchday hospitality, parties and Christmas Fire & Ice.
Leicester Tigers managing director David Clayton said: “The Open Day has provided an opportunity for supporters to have a look around and familiarise themselves with the facilities in the new Caterpillar Stand.
“We have had a fantastic response with more than 12,000 supporters coming in on the day, which is around 2,000 more than last year.
“The players attracted so many requests for autographs and photos, and we are delighted to see so many people come through the gates and enjoy their day with us.
“The ticket office was busy all day, in terms of season tickets enquiries and sales for the Newcastle Falcons match, the Ospreys in the Heineken Cup, the South Africa game and fixtures throughout the season.”
Fly-half Flood, who is currently recovering from injury, said: “The whole day has been really good fun and everyone has been on good form.
“The new Caterpillar Stand is unreal. Just standing here and looking at it, it is pretty amazing.
“The highlight for me has been the fans. They have been really nice and everyone has been so kind and really interested in how I am getting on.
“There have been so many people here and the children have all been running around having a good time.”
Tigers fans Rebecca Watkins and Claire Hazell travelled up from Surrey for the Open Day and had their pictures taken with many of the first team players.
Claire said: “It has been a fantastic day. We are really glad we made the journey up. The stand looks fantastic and is really nice.”
Rebecca added: “I have really enjoyed talking to the players and having photos taken with them. We will definitely be back soon to watch a game.”
