TOWN are set to kick-off their 2010-11 League I campaign away from home as the Galpharm hosts the big Carnegie Challenge Cup rugby league semi-final between Leeds and St Helens on Saturday, August 7.
With the Football League releasing their fixtures a week on Thursday, Stadium chief executive Ralph Rimmer revealed the football club requested an opening-day road trip knowing there was a good chance of Huddersfield staging a semi.
"Before producing their fixtures, both the Football League and the Rugby League ask clubs if there are any high-importance reasons why they would prefer not to have a home game on a particular date," explained Rimmer, a former Town director.
"As a venue, we’re keen to stage high-profile matches like Challenge Cup semis, and we’re grateful to Town for helping us in this way."
Widnes host the other semi, between Warrington and French side Catalans, on Sunday, August 8.
The Galpharm’s capacity, location close to the M62 and experience of staging big matches makes it an obvious choice for the plum Leeds v Saints clash.
Rimmer added that the BBC, who will televise both ties live, made the decision on which match takes place on which day.
It’s believed they want the Leeds-Saints game on the Saturday because viewing figures are higher than on Sundays.
Town chief executive Nigel Clibbens and secretary Ann Hough are in Malta for the Football League’s summer conference and annual meeting. The event, previously in Portugal, is sponsored by Thomas Cook and the Malta Tourist Authority.
