groundsharing

Groundsharing refers to the practice where two or more sports teams utilize the same stadium or sports ground for their home matches. This arrangement is common in professional sports, particularly in leagues where stadium capacity or availability might be limited, or where economic efficiencies can be gained. Teams that groundshare often belong to different sports, such as a football (soccer) club and a rugby union club, or they may be from the same sport but occupy different tiers of competition.

The primary advantages of groundsharing include reduced operational costs for the teams involved, as stadium maintenance, staffing, and utilities are shared. It can also be a solution for clubs that lack the financial resources to build or lease their own dedicated stadium. For fans, groundsharing can mean easier access to games if their preferred team plays in a conveniently located venue.

However, groundsharing can also present challenges. Scheduling conflicts can arise, requiring careful coordination between teams. The pitch itself may suffer from overuse, especially if multiple teams from the same sport play on it regularly. Teams may also feel a loss of identity if their ground is strongly associated with another club. Furthermore, the prestige and atmosphere of a stadium can be diluted if it is perceived as a shared facility rather than the exclusive home of a single team. Despite these potential drawbacks, groundsharing remains a practical and often necessary arrangement in the modern sporting landscape.