Largest arena to be constructed at Old Course

NEWS RELEASE FROM THE R AND A

The Champion at this year’s 144^TH Open at St Andrews will be crowned in front of the largest arena in the Championship’s 155-year history.

The spectacular new grandstand arena, seating almost 10,000 people will be created around the famous 1st, 17th and 18th holes of the Old Course for The Open.

For the first time, a two-tiered grandstand will be erected behind the 18th green to further enhance the extraordinary atmosphere created by the grandstands located alongside the adjoining 1st fairway.

The arena will be completed by a new L-shaped grandstand being constructed behind the 17th green and a stand sited by the first green.

The grandstand behind the famous 17th Road Hole will have a capacity of more than 4,000 and offer spectators a panoramic view of the 17th, 18th, 1st and 2nd holes.

Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director – Championships at The R and A, said, “There is always an incredible atmosphere at The Open and particularly when it is held in St Andrews. We want to make sure as many spectators as possible can experience that unique atmosphere and enjoy wonderful views of the play on the opening and closing holes at St Andrews.

“The new arena will provide a fantastic setting for the climax of the Championship at the 72nd hole and will be the ideal place for spectators to greet the new Champion Golfer of the Year.”

More than 21,000 grandstand seats will be available across the entire course, giving spectators plenty of options to enjoy excellent views of the links such as at the ‘loop’ where the 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th holes can all be viewed.

The new grandstand seating plan for St Andrews follows the success of the horseshoe grandstand which covered three sides of the 18th green at Royal Liverpool last year and proved hugely popular with spectators.
Several cameras have been implanted into bunkers on the course, with another "turf camera" giving views of the R&A clubhouse from in front of the first tee.
The R and A has also invested £150,000 in subsidising food and drink prices in the Tented Village, meaning the price of fish and chips, for example, will be down from £10.50 to £8.50.

The 144^TH Open Championship will be played at St Andrews from 12-19 July 2015.