The Showgrounds, Sligo

The Showgrounds was leased until 1968 when it was then purchased for Sligo Rovers by a trust foundation representing the people of Sligo. Under the terms of the purchase it can never be mortgaged, sold or used for any commercial purposes other than sport and leisure. The Showgrounds is a 12 acre (49,000 m²) site with the stadium capacity of 3,873 seats. In the 2016 domestic league season, Sligo Rovers drew an average home attendance of 2,087, the fourth-highest in the league. ==Proposed development==

Plans have previously been proposed to demolish the Jinks Avenue Stand and build a new 2,000 seater stand in its place. There have also been plans to add a roof to the new Railway End and replace the old shed end with a new stand, although the roof has since been scrapped due to insufficient funds. In May 2021, Sligo Rovers unveiled a €17 million plan to redevelop Showgrounds into a 6,000 capacity seater stadium, upgrading the facility to UEFA category 3. The redevelopment plan included a provisional agreement, which would see Connacht Rugby also use the ground for competitions. ==Capacity==

The record attendance at the ground, of 13,908, was recorded in an FAI Cup semi-final replay between Sligo Rovers and Cobh Ramblers on 17 April 1983. As of 18 May 2021. ==Other uses==

The Showgrounds hosted greyhound racing from c.1934 - c.1947, which was initially run by the Sligo Greyhound Racing Company. In 1939, the Sligo greyhound business was purchased by Matthew J. Lyons and John E. Dorris, who then moved the entire operation to Longford Greyhound Stadium. The North-Western Greyhound Association applied for a licence in September 1945 which was granted by the Irish Coursing Club to James Costello. The racing seems to have ended during 1947. The Showground hosted the match between champions, Rockmount A.F.C., and Cockhill Celtic in the 2023 FAI Intermediate Cup Final. == References ==