Well good luck to them in the quarter finals. Perhaps they could use the Darlington Arena occaiasionally for "big" games? Sounds like it went well?

Editted for acuracy

Darlington FC are on the verge of going into liquidation. Most of their players have been released and nobody seems interesting in buying the club. I don't think it's a coincidence that Thunder have decided to move a game there now. Since the attempt to "move in" at kingston park failed (something to do with stadium use regulations?) are gateshead now re-focusing their efforts on establishing a base in Darlington?

Obviously, the Intl. Stadium is a top facility but, and I think Thunder will be the first to agree, it's not as fit for purpose as, say the darlo arena or kingston park. Could Darlington become the new base for Thunder? Newcastle is football mad city and not the ideal backdrop against which to attempt to build a fan base. Darlington, on the other hand, is the home of a much less successful football team (They averaged 3,800 in the fourth tier of English football last season) that just so happens to play in a stadium perfect for Rugby League.

Could we see a Darlington based "County Durham Thunder" taking their place in Super League 2012?

The capacity is limited to 10,000 by local planning regulations. It's still a good idea but might be more difficult get the entire stadium open than you think.

It's a bizarre situation really and a terrible waste of a great stadium.

Only because of the access roads, they have had regular events where the capacity has been lifted, Elton John played there to close to 40000 punters, so for showpiece games it wouldn't be too much hassle.

With fantastic rail links to all parts of the north it would be a great place if they thought about bringing the championship finals over the hills.

Oh and plenty would say that by playing in Gateshead, Thunder were already playing in County Durham.

Does the stadium belong to the soccer club? If it does, it'll count as part of their assets and would possibly be sold off for development to help pay the debts.

Can't build houses on it due to a covenant on the land, too close to A66 and train lines too.

Besides it is a new all seater stadium, they ain't gonna pull that down.

Who does own it, the football club? Yes it's a nice stadium but can't see Thunder Uprooting and moving there full time? How far is it from the nearest Railway Station? Possibly be good for them to play the odd "big game" there?

The stadium is the main reason that Darlington have ended up in the mess they are in. It's alright having an egomaniac building you a big stadium (and originally naming it after himself) but it is another thing then having to pay to run it, when you've never had big crowds as it is.

If Darlo with a century of tradition in the town in the countries most popular sport can't afford it's upkeep then there's no chance in hell that it is a viable option for Gateshead, or any RL "franchise".

Apparently Gateshead FC, just promoted to the Conference, are in the process of building a 6000 capacity stadium, have the Thunder been involved in that in any way?

About a mile an a half along a straight road with WMC, pubs, chippies etc on it, with a frequent bus service to withing 200 yards of the stadium.

I though they were knocking half of the ground down as its too big and costs to much money and were going to build college or hotel or something else on it.

Where did you get that gem from?