Both clubs have altered kick-off times during this season where their fixtures have coincided but, on this occasion, with the potential importance of both clubs’ matches and demolition work beginning during phase one of the redevelopment at Welford Road, the Safety Advisory Group has directed that the two clubs should play on different days.
Leicester Tigers are due to host Bristol Rugby and, to comply with league rules, must kick off at 3pm on Saturday, April 25.
Leicester City will therefore move their home match against Scunthorpe United to either Friday, April 24 (7.45pm kick-off) or Sunday, April 26 (3pm) as Tigers have no alternative but to play on the Saturday afternoon.
David Clayton, Leicester Tigers managing director, added: “The construction and completion of the new Caterpillar Stand to be available in time for the 2009/10 season requires the existing stand to be demolished in mid-April.
“In these circumstances, and notwithstanding the concerns of the Stadium Advisory Group, to have played the Bristol game at Welford Road would have meant reducing the ground capacity by at least 4,000. To be able to switch the game to Walkers Stadium has been very helpful.
“This will be Leicester Tigers’ fourth appearance at the Walkers Stadium and many of our supporters will already know their way around.
“By taking the game to the nearest possible alternative, venue we have been able to minimise the inconvenience to our supporters’ and their matchday routines.
“The proposal to move the fixture has been discussed with the club’s Supporters Forum and we have been working on where supporters will be located within the Walkers Stadium.
“Over the next month or so we will be sending replacement tickets with seating details to all season ticket holders and supporters who have already bought match tickets for the game.
“We would like to thank the officials of Leicester City for accommodating us and, as the match is to be played at a stadium with a 32,000 capacity, we are also planning some special offers for season ticket holders to bring friends and family, and allow us the opportunity to welcome more supporters for the final league game of the season.”
Lee Hoos, Leicester City chief executive, said: "This is obviously a situation that neither club wanted to find itself in, but we believe this is the best possible solution.
"Both clubs have been forced to switch kick-off times and also the days in which games have been played already this season on the advice of the Safety Advisory Group. With us again scheduled to kick off at the same time, a switch was always inevitable. We simply have to make the best of the situation that has been presented to us.
"Obviously, our fans have been at the forefront of our thoughts throughout this process, and we have been in contact with the various supporter organisations. We will be in a position to confirm the new date of our fixture in the next seven days."
