Coventry City confirm discussion with Coventry Rugby Club over Butts Park Arena groundshare

Coventry City Football Club has confirmed that they are in discussion with the Coventry Rugby Football Club over a potential sharing of the Butts Park Arena stadium.

The Sky Blues are currently playing their matches at the Ricoh Arena and are paying a rent of £100,000 a year. There have also been legal tussles over the years between the owners of the football club and the city council while recently they have extended their lease contract for two more years.

Chairman of Coventry Rugby Football Club Jon Sharp revealed that the Butts Park Arena, which has a capacity of 3,000 seats can be expanded to 15,000 seats.

A statement released by the Coventry FC confirmed that they have contacted the Coventry RFC regarding revenue sharing and partnership on Butts Park Arena to find a permanent solution to their long-standing problem.

" Coventry City FC can confirm that long dated talks have been held with the Butts Park Arena and Coventry Rugby Club on a future ground-share deal,” said the statement.

"Whilst the club still has two years left on the current deal with the Ricoh Arena, it is important that the club continues to work towards securing its long-term future.

"Coventry City FC are committed to competing at the highest possible level and for the club to continue to progress, it is essential that both matchday and non-matchday revenue potential can be realised.

"The club would like to stress that no decision has been finalised as talks are ongoing, and we aim to keep supporters informed of future developments."