Yesterday was definitely a bitter sweet day as it was the final game for the Bradford Bulls at Odsal and they faced the Sheffield Eagles. They came out winners with a score line of 30-10.
It was great to see the Stadium somewhat packed once again with over 7,000 people in attendance. Time have definitely changed since the glory days in the Super League but what you can't know is the fans support through the hard times.
My sister is a Bullette (cheerleader) for the team and has done cheerleading there since a young age so seeing her dance there for the last time was definitely strange but what has hit me most is the memories I hold from my time at the stadium. I started going at a young ages with my grandad to watch the Bulls as rugby was my first love, I played and I loved watching, we held season tickets for years but then football sort of took over my life. Me and my grandad would walk from his to the stadium and back, I would spend the whole weekend with him thanks to the rugby. I haven't been much in the past few years though thanks to football and just the cost of going to games. But I really wish I had.
I even played rugby on that pitch with my junior club which was a fantastic day, starting off with Bullman's parade then playing on the pitch at half time. Witnessing some of the greatest players have the games of their lives, yes I am talking about the likes of Michael Withers, Shontayne Hape, Tevita Vaikona and of course Lesley Vainikolo. We used to go down to all the open days too so I could meet my heroes. Not only have I played rugby on that pitch but I also once danced on it when I did my street dance.
It is strange knowing I won't be able to take the nephew to the same stadium my grandad always took me to but instead will have to wait until the new boutique stadium is apparently built. As for the Bulls next season they will be playing at the Dewsbury Rams stadium which really could put some fans off going to the games as it is outside of Bradford. What about those lifelong fans who have no way of getting to the stadium? It is them that suffers.
Could the RFL have done more to keep the Bulls at Odsal? Or could they have at least have done more to try keep this historic club in the City? All I know is the Bulls will always have my support but I already can't wait for them to be back in Bradford and I hope to make new memories at a new stadium with my family, but I do wish it was Odsal. Come on you Bulls.
See you soon
Lucy.
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